What To Eat With Collard Greens? 15 Best Side Dishes

Not sure what to serve with collard greens?

Collard greens pair well with many different dishes, such as roasted pork or chicken, smoked sausage, black-eyed peas, cornbread dressing, battered and fried fish/seafood, boiled potatoes, macaroni and cheese. Add some heat with a spicy chutney or hot sauce.

Collard greens are a super nutritious, vitamin-packed leafy green and they can be cooked in a variety of ways.

Whether you prefer them wilted, as part of a stew or soup, or with other sides, there’s no doubt that this cruciferous vegetable adds something special to meals.

The problem is that deciding WHAT to pair with it can be tricky—you don’t want the flavors of your side dish to overpower the collards.

That’s why I compiled 15 recipes for succulent sides that perfectly complement these earthy greens.

Keep on reading if you want sensational dishes like garlic butter mushrooms, roasted butternut squash salad and so much more!

Why Consider Serving Sides with Collard Greens?

• Variety: Serving sides alongside collard greens can provide a variety of flavors and textures to the meal. For example, adding a side dish such as roasted sweet potatoes or mashed potatoes will add sweetness and creaminess to the plate, while serving something like sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables will bring in earthy notes and crunch.
• Balance: Collard greens are quite hearty and have an intense flavor profile that can be overwhelming if served alone. Adding sides helps to balance out the intensity of the greens by providing lighter flavors and textures that complement them nicely.
• Nutrition: Sides can also help boost nutrition when served with collard greens, as they often contain different vitamins and minerals than those found in the main dish itself. For instance, adding a side salad made with leafy green vegetables such as spinach or kale provides additional fiber, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A & C – all essential nutrients for good health!

What To Eat With Collard Greens? 15 Best Side Dishes

Collard greens are a nutritious and flavorful leafy green vegetable.

But what do you eat with them?

Here are fifteen side dishes that pair perfectly with collard greens:

1. Mac and Cheese

Ah, mac and cheese.

The ultimate comfort food – creamy, cheesy, irresistible.

We all know it’s the perfect sidekick to any hearty meal and that includes collard greens.

The savory smokiness of the greens perfectly complements the gentle sweetness of this classic dish.

Plus they make a nutritious pairing with their unique combination of flavors and textures!

This is a match made in heaven that you won’t want to miss out on – from its appealing colors to its delicious taste, mac and cheese brings these collard greens to life!

So go ahead, add some gourmet flair to your plate with this flavor-packed duo.

2. Sirloin Tip Roast

When it comes to collard greens, there’s nothing quite like a good Sirloin Tip Roast.

This combination is an absolute match made in heaven!

The subtly sweet and tender roast adds just the right amount of richness to bring out the earthy flavor of the greens.

Plus, it provides a hearty companion to any plate.

Whether you decide to dice up some sirloin tip or slow-cook it for hours, there’s no wrong way to go when combining this protein powerhouse with arms full of greens.

But if you really want something special?

Marinate that sirloin tip overnight and then get ready for magic.

3. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes: the answer to all your dreams.

Creamy, buttery, and oh-so-dreamy – these spuds will have you wanting more and more.

As an addition to any meal, they bring a comforting element that can’t be replaced.

Whether seasoned with herbs and spices or topped off with a healthy dollop of gravy – mashed potatoes are simply irresistible!

Plus, they’re easy to whip up in no time at all – giving your dinner guests something delicious while taking minimal effort on your part.

When it comes to tasty sides dishes, mashed potatoes reign supreme!

4. Juicy, tender, Glazed Oven-Baked Ham

Collard greens and juicy, glazed oven-baked ham.

Now that’s a flavor power couple.

Buttery, sweet, salty—it’s like an orchestra of deliciousness.

The ham adds a buttery richness to the earthy collard greens that sets taste buds ablaze and takes this already nutritional dish to brand new heights.

And let’s not forget about the showstopping bubbly orange-brown glaze which gives them the perfect crisp crust you never knew they needed!

An unexpected yet delightful addition – one worthy of being your go-to Sunday dinner combo. 🤤

5. Ranch Pork Chops

If you’re looking for a delicious side dish, then look no further than ranch pork chops.

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these pork chops boast flavor in spades.

The classic combination of tangy buttermilk, herbs, and spices make them an irresistible choice for any meal.

And the best part?

They’re super easy to whip up!

Dredge them in your favorite herbs and spices before pan searing until they reach golden brown perfection.

Top with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and voila!

A tasty side dish fit for a king (or queen).

6. Cheese Grits

Cheese grits. Talk about a match made in heaven!

These creamy and cheesy little bites of goodness are the perfect accompaniment to your collard greens.

They create a dreamy, southern-style flavor combo that will have you looking for seconds (or thirds!).

Plus, they’re as simple to make as they are delicious.

Add some butter and cheese, let ’em simmer until creamy, and voila – it’s time to eat!

Think of them like the classic yin and yang – collards offer crunchy texture while grits bring their creamy richness to the table.

So if you’re searching for something different to pair with your collards, look no further than this classic comfort food duo.

7. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed sweet potatoes, a match made in food heaven.

Let me tell ya, these spuds have the power to transform any side dish into something special.

Just swap out regular old mashed potatoes for this creamy and delicious alternative, add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg and voila!

They’re like a warm hug on your plate.

These bad boys can be both savory and sweet which makes them an incredibly versatile option.

Don’t believe me?

Well then give it try – you won’t regret it!

8. Sea Bass

Sea bass – the perfect partner to your collard greens.

Not only does this delicate white fish complement the vegetables’ flavor profile, but it also adds a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids.

Plus, its flaky texture contrasts with the crunch of the greens and its mild taste leaves plenty of room for delicious spices like garlic and cumin to make an appearance.

With this side by your side, you can make any meal special.

9. Cornbread

Cornbread, oh cornbread.

The tender and slightly sweet dish that everyone loves. It’s the perfect sidekick for your collard greens.

Not only does the bread add a pleasant sweetness to the meal, but its hearty texture helps contrast the unique flavor of this leafy green vegetable and rounds out any plate.

You can also mix it up by making different variations like adding jalapenos or cheese into the recipe, giving it an extra punch of flavor.

Or try topping with honey butter or a spoonful of chili – it’s truly hard to go wrong!

No matter how you slice it (pun intended), putting cornbread on your plate is sure to bring some Southern soul food vibes to your dinner table.

10. Potato Salad

Potato salad is the best-kept secret in the side dish world.

Sure, it may seem unassuming at first glance, but you’ll soon discover a creamy wonderland of flavors and textures that will have everyone going back for seconds.

This humble dish packs quite a punch with its combination of crunchy potatoes, tangy dressing, fresh herbs, and zesty spices.

Perfectly balanced between light and comforting station, this potato salad is sure to be a hit at any picnic!

Enjoy it warm in the summertime or chilled during colder months to get your dose of deliciousness all year round.

11. Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole – the comforting side dish that never fails to hit the spot.

Its fluffy texture and warm, subtly sweet flavor make it truly irresistible.

Not to mention its endless possibilities for customization!

From crushed pecans and mini marshmallows to brown sugar and cinnamon, you can concoct a romantic escapade for your taste buds with just a handful of ingredients.

One bite into this deliciousness is like taking a quick trip down culinary memory lane – without ever leaving home.

So put on your chef’s hat and let this classic dish be the highlight of your next meal!

12. Fried Chicken

Fried chicken – it’s like two old friends reuniting over a pot of collard greens.

It’s the yin to their yang, the PB to their J, and with its crisp, savory skin and juicy meat, it’s no wonder why this Southern staple is a must-have side dish for any plate of collards.

Plus, you can make things even more interesting by trying out new recipes every now and again.

Think beer batter fried chicken or honey mustard dipped wings – they’ll keep your taste buds guessing (and impressed)!

13. One Skillet Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic

One skillet green beans with bacon and garlic – the true sidekick to collard greens.

This simple dish packs a punch of flavor, making it a party in your mouth.

The smokiness from the bacon perfectly complements the sweetness from the green beans.

And the addition of garlic?

Well, let’s just say that sets this dish over the top.

Need an easy weeknight meal?

Give this one a try! It’ll take you no time at all to throw together and you’ll have delicious sides on your table in minutes.

As they say, great taste doesn’t have to take forever!

14. Melt-in-Your-Mouth Oven Baked Barbecue Ribs

Ribs…you just can’t beat them!

A classic crumble without fail, a plate of melt-in-your-mouth oven-baked barbecue ribs is the perfect side dish to any meal.

Simmered in your favorite barbecue sauce and finished off with a sprinkle of brown sugar, these aromatic morsels will have you licking your lips for days.

The hands-down crowd-pleaser and guaranteed family favorite – there’s nothing quite like barbecued ribs.

So bring on the napkins and dive into a deliciousness that’ll keep ’em coming back for more!

15. Baked Beans

Baked beans: The smooth, smoky flavor of this trusty side dish complements collard greens like peas and carrots.

It’s a classic combo that’s been around for centuries – with good reason!

If you really want to go the extra mile (or plate!), give your baked beans an upgrade.

Dried herbs, Worcestershire, and even a bit of bacon can take them from ordinary to extraordinary.

Now that’s some soul food harmony!

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many delicious sides that can be served with collard greens.

Collard greens pair well with smoked meats, such as bacon, ham hocks, or sausage. They also go well with pork chops, beef brisket, and roasted chicken. For a truly Southern experience, serve collard greens with cornbread and black-eyed peas.