This recipe for Creamed Collard Greens and Bacon can be easily adapted to suit different dietary needs and personal tastes. It’s perfect as a side dish for people around the table. To make this dish suitable for vegetarians, either omit the bacon or cook it separately and serve on the side. And you need to replace the chicken stock with a vegetable version. To make this recipe vegan, you will need to replace the butter with dairy-free butter or cooking oil. Similarly, cream should be replaced with dairy-free varieties such as coconut milk or soy-based. You can also use lactose-free cream if you’re not trying to keep it entirely plant-based.
To adjust the flavor of this dish, add sautéed mushrooms to add an earthy flavor to the creamy collard greens and add a different texture to the mix. A really easy way to vary the taste of this recipe is to add different herbs and spices. Adding smoked paprika is a delicious addition, especially if you omit the bacon. You can also try oregano, sage, and rosemary. Finally, if you like cheese, why not try adding Parmesan cheese to your cream sauce for a cheesy, sharp finish?