Cheesy Saucy Collard Greens Casserole Recipes

COLLARD GREEN CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Bake corn bread (or use leftovers).
• Melt butter in casserole dish in 350 degree oven.
• Crumble layer of cornbread into the butter then a layer of greens (do not drain), layer of onions, and then a layer of soup.
• Repeat the layers, ending with cornbread.
• Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until warm throughout.

COLLARD GREEN GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°F. Place ham on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until crisp, 20-25 minutes; let cool and break into pieces.
• Combine breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons oil in a medium skillet; toast over medium heat, tossing occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and add thyme and 1/4 cup Parmesan; season with salt and pepper. Mix in ham and set aside.
• Cook collard greens in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender and bright green, about 4 minutes. Drain, transfer to a bowl of ice water, and let cool. Drain and squeeze dry with paper towels. Coarsely chop greens and place in a large bowl.
• Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, until softened and golden, 15-20 minutes. Transfer to bowl with greens; set aside. Reserve saucepan.
• Increase oven temperature to 400°F. Melt butter in reserved saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook, whisking constantly, until mixture is smooth and very pale brown, about 4 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk, 1/2-cupful at a time; add nutmeg. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, whisking often, until thickened, 5-8 minutes. Whisk in remaining 3/4 cup Parmesan. Add béchamel to collard greens mixture and mix to combine; season with salt and pepper.
• Transfer collard greens mixture to a 10" cast-iron skillet or 9" pie dish and top with breadcrumb mixture; place pie dish on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until gratin is bubbling, 15-20 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.
• Do Ahead
• Ham and breadcrumb mixture can be made 1 day ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

COLLARD GREENS GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a large saute pan, fry the bacon until half-cooked. Add the mushrooms and red onions and saute until the bacon is fully cooked and onions have softened. Increase the heat to high. Add the collard greens and cook until the greens are wilted. Turn off the heat and set the pan aside.
• In a separate pan, melt the butter and then add the flour. Cook, whisking frequently, to create a smooth, blond roux (this will take 3 to 4 minutes; do not brown, as the goal is just to remove the raw taste from the flour). Slowly add the cream while whisking and adjust the heat to keep the sauce at a simmer. Add the salt and pepper to taste (it should taste like a moderately salty cream gravy). Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and easily coats the back of a spoon.
• Butter an 8-by-12-inch casserole dish (or 8-to-10-cup capacity casserole). Combine the collard greens with cream sauce and transfer to the casserole. Top with the cheese and french-fried onions. Bake, uncovered, until the cheese begins to brown, 15 to 20 minutes.