As the cool breeze of fall starts to weave its way through my kitchen window, I find myself drawn to cozy, comforting dishes that envelop me in warmth. That’s how I stumbled upon this luscious Cream of Collard Greens Soup—a delightful blend that transforms humble greens into a velvety delight.

Picture this: the savory aroma of sautéed garlic and onions filling the air as vibrant collard greens wilt down to perfection. With just a few simple ingredients, this soup not only nourishes the body but also brings a burst of flavor that’s bound to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re looking to elevate a weeknight dinner or impress guests at your next gathering, this soup’s easy preparation and versatile nature make it an absolute winner in any home kitchen. So grab your pot and let’s dive into a bowl of soul-warming goodness!

Why is Cream of Collard Greens Soup a Must-Try?

Comforting, velvety goodness: This soup is a warm hug in a bowl, making it perfect for chilly days.
Simple preparation: With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have this masterpiece ready in no time.
Nourishing flavor: The combination of collard greens, garlic, and cream creates a rich taste that delights the palate.
Versatile: Serve it as a starter or a main dish, making it a fantastic option for any meal.
Crowd-pleaser: Impress your family or guests—this soup is bound to win hearts and appetites alike!

Cream of Collard Greens Soup Ingredients

For the Soup
• Collard greens – Stems removed and leaves chopped (about 8–10 cups loosely packed) for a nutrient-rich base that shines in every bowl.
• Onion – Diced to bring a sweet, savory depth of flavor, making your soup irresistible.
• Garlic – Minced to add a fragrant punch that complements the greens beautifully.
• Vegetable broth – Enhances the savory profile of the soup and keeps it plant-based.
• Heavy cream (or coconut cream) – Adds a luxuriously creamy texture; opt for coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
• Butter (or olive oil) – Use butter for rich flavor or olive oil to keep it vegan; both will help sauté your aromatics perfectly.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning, bringing all the flavors together; adjust to taste.
• Red pepper flakes – An optional garnish that gives a delightful kick to this creamy collard greens soup.

How to Make Cream of Collard Greens Soup

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat until it becomes golden and fragrant, approximately 2 minutes. This will create a flavorful base for your soup.
Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion softens and turns translucent, letting those wonderful aromas fill your kitchen.
Add the chopped collard greens to the pot. Cook for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the greens are wilted and bright green—a beautiful sight!
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the mixture bubble gently for 15-20 minutes until the collard greens are completely tender and infused with flavors.
Blend the mixture with an immersion blender for 2-3 minutes until silky smooth. If using a standard blender, carefully process in batches after allowing the soup to cool slightly.
Return the pureed soup to the pot if using a regular blender. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste, enhancing that creamy texture.
Simmer the soup gently for another 5 minutes to meld those exquisite flavors—just avoid a hard boil!
Ladle into bowls and garnish with red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the warmth in every spoonful!

Optional: Drizzle a little olive oil on top for added richness.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Cream of Collard Greens Soup Variations

Feel free to unleash your creativity and tailor this soup to your taste preferences!

Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a luscious, vegan option that keeps the richness intact.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños during the sauté stage for a zesty heat that complements the creaminess beautifully.
Texture Boost: Toss in some cooked quinoa or lentils after blending for added protein and a delightful mouthfeel.
Smoky Flavor: Incorporate smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke for a deep, smoky essence that transforms every bite.
Herb Infusion: Stir in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving for a burst of freshness and color.
Nutty Twist: Drizzle some toasted sesame oil in place of butter for a nutty flavor that adds layers of complexity.
Creamy Alternative: Instead of cream, use pureed white beans for a silky texture without the dairy—perfectly healthy!
Sweet Surprise: Add a splash of apple cider or a handful of sweet potatoes during cooking to introduce a hint of sweetness to the dish.

How to Store and Freeze Cream of Collard Greens Soup

Fridge: Store your cream of collard greens soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow it to cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezer: This soup freezes beautifully! Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To reheat, gently thaw in the fridge overnight. Heat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of extra broth or cream if needed.

Serving Tip: Reheat only the portion you plan to enjoy, ensuring the rest stays fresh for later!

What to Serve with Cream of Collard Greens Soup?

As you indulge in the rich, creamy delight of your soup, consider these perfect accompaniments to create a comforting meal experience.

Crispy Crusty Bread: The delightful crunch of fresh bread is perfect for dipping and sopping up every last drop of the soup.
Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, warm breadsticks infused with garlicky goodness provide a flavorful contrast to the creamy texture.
Simple Salad: A fresh mix of greens with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing balance to the hearty soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned, tender veggies bring an earthy flavor that complements the richness of the soup wonderfully.
Cheesy Grilled Cheese: The gooey, cheesy delight of a classic grilled cheese sandwich pairs perfectly with every spoonful you take.
Apple Pie: For a warm dessert, the sweet and spiced notes of apple pie create a lovely finish to your meal.
Herbal Tea: A fragrant cup of herbal tea provides warmth and enhances the cozy ambiance while delighting your taste buds.
Red Wine: A glass of light red wine, like Pinot Noir, offers fruity notes that offset the creaminess beautifully.
Spicy Cornbread: Cornbread with a hint of spice adds a comforting warmth and texture, creating a perfect sidekick to the soup.
Dark Chocolate Truffles: End your meal on a sweet note with rich truffles—an indulgent delight that contrasts wonderfully with the soup’s flavors.

Expert Tips for Cream of Collard Greens Soup

Fresh Greens: Use fresh collard greens for the best flavor and nutrients. Wilted or overly mature leaves can lead to a bitter taste.
Sautéing Aromatics: Don’t rush the sautéing step. Properly softening the onion and garlic releases their flavors, creating a delicious base for your creamy soup.
Blending Technique: For a velvety texture, ensure your soup is cooled slightly before blending in a regular blender. An immersion blender can be used directly in the pot for convenience.
Adjusting Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, start with half the heavy cream or coconut cream. You can gradually add more to achieve the desired richness.
Seasoning Wisely: Taste as you go! Season with salt and pepper throughout cooking to ensure balanced flavors in your cream of collard greens soup.
Garnish Mindfully: Use red pepper flakes to enhance flavor without overwhelming the dish. A little goes a long way, providing a perfect finishing touch.

Make Ahead Options

These Cream of Collard Greens Soup are perfect for busy weeknights and meal prepping! You can prepare the sautéed onion and garlic mixture up to 3 days in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Likewise, the collard greens can be chopped ahead of time and kept in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your soup, simply heat the prepped mixture in a pot, add the vegetable broth, and simmer until heated through. Blend, stir in the cream, and season just before serving to ensure the soup stays just as delicious and comforting. Enjoy the ease of having a homemade meal ready to go!

Cream of Collard Greens Soup Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best collard greens?
Absolutely! When selecting collard greens, look for vibrant, dark green leaves that are crisp and free from dark spots or yellowing. If the leaves feel wilted or slimy, they may be past their prime. Ideally, you want a bunch that feels heavy for its size, which indicates freshness.

What’s the best way to store leftover Cream of Collard Greens Soup?
To store your delicious soup, transfer it to an airtight container and let it cool completely before sealing. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan to enjoy it later, it’s best to pour it into a container that allows for some expansion, as the soup may swell when frozen.

Can I freeze Cream of Collard Greens Soup?
Very much so! To freeze the soup, simply pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion. This soup will freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight, and reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.

What if my soup is too thick after blending?
No worries! If you find that your Cream of Collard Greens Soup is thicker than you’d like, you can easily adjust it. Simply add a bit of extra vegetable broth or cream a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well after each addition to ensure it blends smoothly.

Is this soup suitable for a dairy-free diet?
Absolutely! You can easily make this Cream of Collard Greens Soup dairy-free by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream or any other non-dairy milk you prefer. The richness of coconut cream complements the soup beautifully while keeping it creamy and satisfying.

Can I give this soup to my pets?
While the ingredients are generally safe, it’s best to keep this soup for human consumption only. The garlic and onion—while delicious and nutritious for us—can be harmful to pets. If you’d like your furry friend to share in the warmth, consider making a simple version with just collard greens and vegetable broth without any seasoning.