Take everything you love about grilled cheese and crank it up with smoky, slow-braised collard greens, melty Swiss cheese, and tangy Thousand Island dressing—all nestled between crispy buttered rye bread. This sandwich is rich, hearty, and packed with deep, slow-cooked flavor, making it the ultimate twist on a comfort food staple.
Whether you’re looking for a Southern-meets-deli mashup, a new way to enjoy collard greens, or just an excuse to level up your grilled cheese game, this sandwich delivers big-time.
How to Make Collard Green Grilled Cheese
Ingredient Insights & Substitutions
- Collard Greens – Slow-cooked until tender and smoky, these greens bring bold Southern soul to the sandwich. If collards aren’t available, kale or mustard greens can work in a pinch.
- Bacon – Adds richness and smokiness while infusing the greens with flavor. For a vegetarian option, swap in smoked paprika, liquid smoke, or caramelized mushrooms.
- Swiss Cheese – A classic melt-worthy cheese with just the right balance of nuttiness and creaminess. You can swap in Gruyère, provolone, or sharp cheddar for a different spin.
- Rye Bread – The slight tang and earthiness of rye complements the smoky greens and melty cheese. If rye isn’t your thing, sourdough or a crusty country loaf works beautifully.
- Thousand Island Dressing – Brings a tangy, creamy contrast to balance the richness. Want to mix it up? Try Russian dressing, spicy mayo, or Dijon mustard for a different kick.
Tips & Suggestions
- For Even More Flavor – Let the collard greens rest overnight for deeper, more developed flavors. The next-day greens make the sandwich even better.
- Want a Crispy Crust? – Use mayo instead of butter on the bread for a perfectly golden, extra-crispy exterior.
- Spice It Up – Add a dash of hot sauce to the collards or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper in the Thousand Island dressing.
- Pair It With – Serve alongside tomato soup, sweet potato fries, or a crisp apple slaw for the full experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make the Collard Greens in Advance?
Yes! Collard greens actually taste better the next day. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, then reheat before assembling your sandwich.
What’s the Best Way to Get Extra Melty Cheese?
Cover the skillet briefly with a lid to trap steam and help the cheese melt faster without burning the bread.
Can I Make This Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the bacon for smoked paprika and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions will bring extra depth.
Final Thoughts
This Collard Green Grilled Cheese is savory, smoky, creamy, and crispy—all in one bite. It takes a Southern classic, pairs it with melty deli flavors, and turns it into the ultimate comfort sandwich. Whether you’re making it for lunch, dinner, or just an excuse to use up some collards, this is grilled cheese at its finest.
🔥 Crispy, cheesy, smoky, and soul-warming—this sandwich is next-level comfort food.
