Delicious Collard Greens, Baked Ham, Mac ‘n’ Cheese, and Cornbread Dressing Recipe | Southern Comfort Food

Introduction

Indulge in a traditional Southern feast with our collard greens, baked ham, mac ‘n’ cheese, and cornbread dressing recipe. This delightful combination brings together the rich, savory flavors of the South, offering a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Each component of this meal is crafted with care, ensuring a burst of flavor with every bite.

Ingredients

Collard Greens

• 2 pounds of fresh collard greens
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)

Baked Ham

• 1 (8-10 pounds) bone-in ham
• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of honey
• 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup of pineapple juice
• 1 teaspoon of ground cloves

Mac ‘n’ Cheese

• 16 ounces of elbow macaroni
• 4 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups of milk
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup of butter
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of paprika

Cornbread Dressing

• 1 pan of cornbread, crumbled
• 4 slices of stale bread, cubed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 stalks of celery, chopped
• 1/4 cup of butter
• 2 teaspoons of poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• 2 eggs, beaten

Instructions

Collard Greens

1. Prepare the Greens: Wash the collard greens thoroughly. Remove the thick stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
3. Cook the Greens: Add the chopped collard greens to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the greens are tender.
5. Finish with Vinegar: Stir in the apple cider vinegar just before serving to add a touch of tanginess.

Baked Ham

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, and ground cloves. Mix well to form a thick glaze.
3. Score the Ham: Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This allows the glaze to penetrate the meat.
4. Apply the Glaze: Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush half of the glaze over the surface of the ham.
5. Bake: Cover the ham with aluminum foil and bake for 1.5 hours. Remove the foil, brush with the remaining glaze, and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the ham is heated through and the glaze is caramelized.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Mac ‘n’ Cheese

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
3. Add the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
4. Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
5. Bake (Optional): For a baked version, transfer the mac ‘n’ cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle additional cheese on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Cornbread Dressing

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Bread: Crumble the cornbread and stale bread into a large bowl.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, sautéing until softened.
4. Mix the Ingredients: Add the sautéed vegetables to the bowl with the bread. Season with poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and beaten eggs, mixing until well combined.
5. Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dressing is set.

Conclusion

This collard greens, baked ham, mac ‘n’ cheese, and cornbread dressing meal is a quintessential Southern comfort feast. Each dish complements the other perfectly, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy any craving. Whether for a special occasion or a hearty family dinner, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.