Braised Mustard Greens with Bacon is one dish you won’t want to miss. It’s loaded with smoky bacon and tangy greens that come together in a way that warms the heart and fills the belly.
Solves the challenge of bland greens by delivering a quick, budget-friendly, smoky, bacon-kick side with crisp texture and simpler prep for weeknight meals.
Sometimes I struggle with getting the right flavor when cooking greens. They can be a bit bitter, and that’s not always enjoyable. But this recipe works magic by adding sugar and vinegar to balance out the bitterness, making it a hit even for those who don’t usually love greens.
This recipe is pretty straightforward. In just about an hour, you can go from prepping to enjoying a delicious side dish. The total cooking time is 45 minutes, and the chopping only takes about 15 minutes. So, it fits easily into a busy weeknight!
If you love tasty sides, you’ll definitely enjoy making this dish. If you’re looking for another easy recipe to whip up, try these Honey and Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots for a sweet twist.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Depth : The smoky bacon adds a savory richness that complements the tangy mustard greens, making each bite hearty and satisfying.
- Quick Prep : With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can whip this dish up in just about an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Pairing : These braised greens go well with a variety of main dishes, whether you’re serving fried chicken or grilled fish, enhancing any meal.
- Storage Friendly : You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy the flavors again without losing freshness.
Smoky Mustard Greens with Bacon
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cool Time: N/A
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A savory dish featuring tender mustard greens braised with crispy bacon for a rich flavor.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, coarsely chopped
- 1 1/21/2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 3/41/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/21/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound mustard greens, cleaned, stems removed, and cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 11/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/41/2 teaspoon hot sauce or more to taste
- 1/21/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of sugar to balance bitterness (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking the bacon in a large pot over medium heat. You will want to watch it closely; the smell will be mouthwatering as it sizzles. Aim for crispy pieces that add flavor, but do not let it get too crunchy or it will lose that yummy texture.
- Add Onions & Garlic: Once the bacon is done, toss in chopped onions and minced garlic. Let them cook until they soften and smell fragrant, which usually takes a few minutes. This step builds a savory foundation for your greens. Remember, burnt garlic can ruin the flavor, so keep an eye on it.
- Stir in Mustard Greens: Next, gently fold in the chopped mustard greens. You will notice they begin to wilt down quickly. This is where the magic happens—those bright greens start to break down and soften. Stir them well to avoid uneven cooking.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and let everything simmer. You will hear a nice bubbling sound, and soon it will smell incredible. This step helps the greens absorb the flavor and become tender. Remember that simmering too briefly may leave the greens tough.
- Season & Cook: Now it is time to season with salt, pepper, and, if needed, a pinch of sugar for balancing bitterness. Let everything simmer together, periodically checking to ensure it is cooking evenly. If the greens still feel hard after a while, give them more time in the broth.
- Serve & Enjoy: Once the greens are tender and delicious, serve them warm. They will look vibrant and inviting, topped with those crispy bacon bits. Enjoy the harmony of flavors and textures and be prepared for compliments.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not freeze, as the greens will become watery when thawed.
- Expert Tips: Chop mustard greens into uniform pieces for even cooking. Prep greens up to three days ahead; store dry in the refrigerator crisper drawer. Look for greens that are bright green and crisp.
- Troubleshooting: If mustard greens taste too bitter, try sprinkling a bit of sugar or squeezing some lemon juice during cooking for a milder flavor. When preparing the bacon, maintain medium heat and keep an eye on it to prevent it from becoming overly crispy. If greens remain tough, simmer them longer in chicken broth until they reach the desired tenderness.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to restore moisture.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve alongside cornbread for a Southern-style meal. Pair with roasted chicken or pork chops. Accompany with a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Recipe Variations: You may substitute bacon with ham hocks or smoked turkey wings; simmer until tender before adding to the greens. If you want to incorporate more vegetables, consider adding carrots or peppers for more texture.
- Ingredient Notes: Select greens that are bright green and crisp. You can use kale or collard greens instead of mustard greens if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1263mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
Recipe Tips
- If mustard greens taste too bitter, try sprinkling a bit of sugar or squeezing some lemon juice in during cooking for a softer flavor.
- When preparing the bacon, maintain medium heat and keep an eye on it to prevent it from getting overly crispy.
- If your greens remain tough, consider simmering them longer in chicken broth until they reach the desired tenderness.
- For best results, chop mustard greens into uniform pieces; this will help them cook evenly throughout the dish.
- If you’re ahead of schedule, you can prep the greens up to three days in advance and keep them dry in the refrigerator crisper drawer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve braised mustard greens with bacon alongside cornbread for a Southern-style meal. Pair them with roasted chicken or pork chops for a hearty dish.
These greens also work well with a simple salad for a complete meal. Consider using them in a sandwich or wrap with your choice of protein.
Finish the dish with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. These additions add a layer of brightness to the meal.
Recipe variations
- You can use collard greens instead of mustard greens for a different flavor profile while still enjoying that smoky goodness.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes to give your dish a spicy kick that complements the smokiness of the bacon.
- Either vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or homemade chicken broth can be used to suit your dietary preferences.
- If you’re serving a larger group, consider scaling up to 12 slices of bacon and 2 pounds of mustard greens for a hearty meal.
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How to Store?
To keep your braised mustard greens with bacon fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep moisture away to maintain freshness.
Freezing: Avoid freezing, as the greens will become watery upon thawing. This affects texture and taste negatively.
Reheating: When reheating leftovers, warm in a pot on the stove over medium heat until heated through. Enjoy promptly.
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