COLLARD GREENS AU GRATIN

Collard Greens au Gratin image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 pound Collard Greens, stems removed and torn, (I buy baged in store and already cut and washed)
3 strips bacon, roughly cut
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups water
1 tsp white vinegar
salt to taste
pinch sugar
few dashes of hot sauce, (optional)
1 1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cup heavy cream
3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp butter
1/4 cup sweet onion, diced
2 tbsp all purpose flour
1/4 tsp nutmeg, ground
1 cup panko crumbs
1 cup six cheese italian or parmesan cheese, shredded and divided
1 cup asiago cheese, grated and divided

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large pot or dutch oven fry bacon until lightly browned and cooked. Add in rest of Collard Green ingredients and bring to a boil then reduce to medium hear and cook for about 30 minutes.
Drain in colander and place on cutting board and finely chop. Wrap with paper towels and press to remove water.
In a sauce pot bring milk, cream and garlic to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Melt butter in a large cast iron skillet. Add onion and saute until translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add flour, whisk to combine and cook for 1 minute. Add cream mixture and whisk until mixed. Add nutmeg, 1/2 cup of Asiago and 1/2 cup Italian or Parmesan cheese. Whisk until cheese is melted.
Add collard greens and mix well. Remove from burner.
In a bowl combine panko crumbs and remaining cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the collard mixture. Place in oven and bake for 30 to 40 minute or until is golden brown.
Remove and Serve.