This Irresistible Collard Green Dip is creamy, cheesy, and bursting with Southern comfort flavor. Perfect for game days, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this collard green dip recipe combines tender collards, smoky notes, and a rich, velvety texture. Whether you make it as a collard green dip appetizer or a hearty side, it’s sure to be the star of your table. Serve it hot with chips, crackers, or warm bread — it’s an instant crowd-pleaser you’ll crave again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Southern comfort in every bite — bold, smoky, and creamy.
- Quick and easy – ready in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile — perfect as a dip, spread, or filling for wraps.
- Family favorite — even picky eaters devour it.
- Great for gatherings — ideal for parties and potlucks.
- Easy to customize — go vegan, smoky, or cheesy!
Ingredients Needed
Collard Greens Base
- 4 cups fresh collard greens, chopped and blanched
- 1 cup kale (optional, for collard green and kale dip)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Creamy & Cheesy Mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese
Flavor Add-Ins
- ½ cup cooked and chopped smoked turkey (for collard green dip with smoked turkey)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a small baking dish.
- Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until soft and fragrant.
- Add collard greens and kale, cooking until tender and moisture evaporates.
- Mix cheeses and cream base — in a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, and shredded cheeses.
- Stir in greens and smoked turkey, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Transfer to baking dish and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve warm with chips, crostini, or crackers.
Tips for Success
- Drain well — make sure your greens are dry before mixing to avoid watery dip.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother texture.
- Add a smoky note with smoked paprika or extra smoked turkey.
- Make ahead — prep and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
- Use fresh greens for best flavor, but frozen works in a pinch.
- Double the batch — this one disappears fast!
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegan version: Use vegan cream cheese, vegan mayo, and nutritional yeast for a collard green dip recipe vegan.
- Add artichokes: For a collard green artichoke dip, mix in ½ cup chopped artichoke hearts.
- Spinach mix: Combine half spinach for a collard green spinach dip.
- Bacon lovers: Swap smoked turkey for crispy bacon in a collard green and bacon dip.
- Egg roll filling: Use inside wrappers for collard green egg rolls with dipping sauces.
- Extra cheesy: Add Monterey Jack for an ultra cheesy collard green dip.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with pita chips, tortilla chips, or baguette slices.
- Spoon into mini phyllo cups for party collard green dip appetizers.
- Spread over baked potatoes or toast points.
- Serve with celery sticks or cucumber slices for a lighter bite.
- Pair with BBQ meats or fried chicken for a Southern-inspired feast.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave until hot and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen collard greens?
Yes! Just thaw and drain well before cooking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the dip up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
How do I make it vegan?
Swap dairy ingredients for plant-based alternatives to create a delicious collard green dip recipe vegan.
Can I add other greens?
Yes, try kale or spinach for collard green and kale dip or collard green spinach dip variations.
How do I make it smoky?
Add smoked turkey or bacon to turn it into a flavorful smoked turkey collard green dip.
Can I serve this cold?
It’s best served warm, but you can chill it for a creamy spread.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 280kcal
Cost: 8
Equipment
- Oven Preheated to 375°F
- skillet For sautéing vegetables
- mixing bowl For combining ingredients
- baking dish For baking the dip
Ingredients
- 4 cups collard greens, chopped and blanched
- 1 cup kale, chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup smoked turkey, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a small baking dish.
- Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until soft and fragrant.
- Add collard greens and kale, cooking until tender and moisture evaporates.
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and shredded cheeses.
- Stir in cooked greens and smoked turkey. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish and bake for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve warm with chips, crostini, or crackers.
Notes
For a smoky version, use smoked turkey or bacon. To make it vegan, swap in dairy-free cream cheese and vegan mayo. Serve hot with chips, crostini, or vegetables for dipping.
Nutrition
Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 410mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 6mg
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