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Comforting Cracker Barrel Loaded Turnip Greens Recipe Easy Southern Copycat

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A hearty Southern side dish featuring tender turnip greens cooked with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tangy hint of apple cider vinegar. This easy copycat recipe delivers comforting flavors reminiscent of Cracker Barrel’s classic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds fresh turnip greens, washed and roughly chopped
  • 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon fat

Instructions

  1. Rinse the turnip greens thoroughly under cold water to remove grit. Use a salad spinner if available, or shake off excess water. Chop the greens roughly into bite-sized pieces, discarding any tough stems.
  2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp and browned, about 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or use the bacon fat if there’s enough, then add the diced onions. Cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Add the chopped turnip greens to the pan. Stir to coat the greens with the bacon fat and onions. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the greens start to soften.
  5. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth along with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender and flavorful.
  6. Once the greens are tender and most of the broth has absorbed, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and the reserved crispy bacon. Stir gently until the cheese melts into the greens, about 2 minutes. Taste and add salt and black pepper as needed.
  7. Remove from heat and let sit covered for a couple of minutes to allow flavors to marry and the cheese to set before serving.

Notes

Use thick-cut bacon for best flavor and texture. If greens taste too bitter, add a splash more vinegar or a pinch of sugar. Freshly shred cheese for better melting. You can substitute collard greens or kale for turnip greens. For a vegan version, omit bacon and cheese, use vegetable broth, and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke.

Nutrition

Keywords: turnip greens, Cracker Barrel copycat, Southern recipe, loaded greens, bacon, cheddar cheese, comfort food, easy side dish

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/comforting-cracker-barrel-loaded-turnip-greens-recipe-easy-southern-copycat/