Name: Irresistible Southern Collard Green Dip Recipe for Flavor Lovers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 cups collard greens, chopped; 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for sautéing; Optional: sliced green onions or extra cheese for garnish

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Ah, Southern Collard Green Dip! Just saying that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I remember the first time I tasted it at a friend’s potluck. It was one of those magical moments—everyone chatting and laughing, with the tempting aroma of collard greens wafting through the air. The dip was creamy, packed with flavor, and had that lovely earthy essence of greens that reminded me of home. Ever since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that indulgent dish, and I must say, I think I nailed it!

This dip is like a hug in a bowl—perfect for chilly evenings or as a party appetizer that’s sure to impress your friends. Whether you’re a saavy cook or just starting out, this recipe for Southern Collard Green Dip is straightforward and oh-so-rewarding. Let’s dive into this comforting delight together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make on a weeknight or for a gathering.
Budget-friendly—uses simple ingredients.
Rich and comforting flavors that everyone will adore.
Great way to sneak in some greens!
Perfect served warm or cold, versatile for any occasion.

Ingredients

Let’s gather our ingredients and channel our inner chefs!

2 cups collard greens, chopped (fresh is best, but frozen works too!)
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic packs more punch than powdered!)
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust based on your heat preference)
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil (for sautéing)
Optional for garnish: sliced green onions or extra cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and whip up this dip!

Prep the Collard Greens: If using fresh collard greens, rinse them thoroughly under cold water. Remove the tough stems and chop them into bite-sized pieces. If you opted for frozen, simply thaw and drain.
Sauté the Greens: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Toss in your chopped greens and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until wilted. They should smell delicious and vibrant! Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix with a hand mixer or a spatula until it’s nice and creamy. This base is going to be the heart of our dip!
Add the Cheeses: Fold in the sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, along with the minced garlic, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Make sure everything is well incorporated. This is where the magic happens—don’t be shy with the cheese!
Incorporate the Greens: Gently fold in your sautéed collard greens into the cheesy mixture. Feeling adventurous? Add a bit more red pepper or some smoked paprika for a different flavor kick!
Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last mix, and voila! You’ve concocted a creamy, rich dip that’s bursting with Southern charm.
Bake it (optional): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you like a bubbly, cheesy top, transfer your dip to a baking dish and bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell irresistible! If you’re short on time, you can skip baking and serve it chilled.

Pro Tips & Variations

Here are some fun twists and variations to consider:

Try adding some chopped cooked sausage or bacon for a heartier version!
Switch up the cheeses—pepper jack could add a delightful kick!
For a spicy flair, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce during mixing.
Swap out collard greens for kale or spinach for a different veggie profile.

Cooking is all about having fun, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving this Southern Collard Green Dip, the options are endless! Here’s how I love to present it:

With Chips: Serve with crunchy tortilla chips or pita chips for dipping. The contrast of textures is divine!
Fresh Veggies: Pair it with an assortment of colorful veggies—carrots, bell peppers, or cucumbers—for a lighter option.
Spread it! Slather it onto some crusty bread or a warm baguette for a fancy appetizer that feels like a treat.
As a Side: Serve it alongside grilled meats or a fresh salad for a delightful meal.

Whatever way you choose to serve it, just know you’re in for a cozy experience filled with rich flavors!

Storage Tips

Made too much? No problem! Here’s how to store your Southern Collard Green Dip:

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and deepen over time.
Freeze: You can freeze the dip in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Make sure to label it for easy identification!
Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the microwave or oven. If it seems a bit thick, mix in a splash of cream or milk to restore its creamy goodness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen collard greens for this dip?

Absolutely! Frozen collard greens are a great time-saver. Just make sure to thaw them and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding them to the mix.

How spicy is this dip? Can I adjust the heat?

The beauty of this dip is that you can control the heat! Start with a small amount of red pepper flakes and taste as you go. If you love spice, feel free to add more or try some jalapeños!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dip a day ahead! This actually allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just cover it and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. If you’re baking it, just reheat it in the oven until bubbly before serving.

What can I substitute for cream cheese if I’m dairy-free?

For a dairy-free option, you can use vegan cream cheese or blended silken tofu as a base. It might alter the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious!

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited as I am to make this Southern Collard Green Dip! It’s a cozy recipe that brings a piece of Southern charm to your table, and I can’t wait for you to share it with loved ones. If you try it (and I really hope you do!), I’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below or share your own fun twist on this recipe. Happy dipping!

Irresistible Southern Collard Green Dip Recipe for Flavor Lovers

Author: antaki
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Savor this Southern Collard Green Dip a musttry for flavor lovers Easy to make packed with taste and perfect for any gathering 155 chars

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups collard greens, chopped

1 cup cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil for sautéing

Optional: sliced green onions or extra cheese for garnish

Instructions

Prep the Collard Greens: Rinse fresh collard greens under cold water, remove tough stems, and chop. For frozen, thaw and drain.

Sauté the Greens: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, sauté chopped greens for 5-7 minutes until wilted, then cool slightly.

Mix the Base: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix until creamy.

Add the Cheeses: Fold in cheddar and Parmesan, garlic, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.

Incorporate the Greens: Gently fold in sautéed collard greens.

Season: Add salt and pepper to taste and mix well.

Bake (optional): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake in a dish for 20-25 minutes until bubbly, or serve chilled.

Notes

Southern Collard Green Dip is a creamy and flavorful appetizer, perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings. With simple ingredients, it’s easy to make and sure to impress.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: Southern