Rich, meltingly tender pork belly served alongside slow-cooked collard greens is a soulful Southern feast. This protein-packed, carnivore-approved dish delivers deep, smoky flavors in every bite.
Score the pork belly fat in a crosshatch pattern, then season generously on all sides with 1.5 tsp kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Preheat your oven to 325°F. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, sear the pork belly fat-side down until deep golden, about 5–7 minutes; turn and sear the other sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium. In the same pot, add chopped bacon and cook until crisp; then stir in diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, scraping fond from the bottom.
Add collard greens to the pot, tossing with the onion mixture until wilted. Sprinkle with the remaining 0.5 tsp salt and brown sugar.
Nestle the pork belly atop the collards. Pour in chicken broth and drizzle with apple cider vinegar. Cover and bake at 325°F for 1.5–2 hours, basting halfway, until pork belly is meltingly tender and greens deeply flavored. Slice pork and serve over the collards.