Creamy Italian Sausage and Kale Bake
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Italian Sausage and Kale Bake that combines the savory goodness of crumbled sweet Italian sausage with vibrant kale, all enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce. This one-dish meal is topped with a crispy breadcrumb and herb mixture, giving it a beautiful golden-brown finish. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep, this gratin is not only filling but also packed with nutrients—making it a wholesome choice any day of the week. Serve it warm, and enjoy the comforting flavors inspired by classic Italian cuisine!
8
Servings
250
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
3 tablespoons (None)
sweet Italian sausage
1 pound (casings removed and crumbled)
dry white wine
1/3 cup (None)
kale
1 pound (stemmed and torn into large pieces (about 2 bunches))
butter
1/2 cup (1 stick, divided)
flour
1/3 cup (None)
milk
2 cups (None)
fresh goat cheese
8 ounces (Crumble before adding)
parmesan cheese
1 cup (freshly grated)
fresh breadcrumbs
1 cup (None)
butter (for topping)
3 tablespoons (melted)
fresh herb
1 tablespoon (minced (such as parsley, oregano, and basil))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly butter a 2-quart gratin pan or baking dish.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5 minutes.
3
Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze, and allow it to reduce until nearly evaporated, approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium.
4
Gradually add the kale in handfuls to the pan, stirring until it wilts and turns vibrant green. Be careful not to overcook it. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
5
In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, then gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
6
Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking frequently. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until it thickens.
7
Crumble the goat cheese into the sauce and whisk until it melts and creates a smooth, creamy consistency. Stir in the cooked sausage and kale mixture, removing from heat when combined.
8
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh breadcrumbs, and minced herbs over the top (you can mix them together beforehand if desired).
9
Drizzle the remaining 3 tablespoons of melted butter over the breadcrumb mixture.
10
Bake in the preheated oven until the topping is golden-brown and the filling is bubbly, approximately 30 minutes.
11
Allow the gratin to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
19g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Italian Sausage and Kale Bake?
It is a one-dish meal combining crumbled sweet Italian sausage and kale in a rich goat cheese sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb and herb mixture.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 250 calories.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What type of sausage is recommended?
Sweet Italian sausage is recommended for this recipe.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 12.5 grams of protein per serving.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 2-quart gratin pan or baking dish is ideal.
How much fat is in a serving?
One serving contains 16 grams of fat.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 19 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How should the sausage be prepared?
The casings should be removed and the meat should be crumbled.
Why is white wine used in this recipe?
White wine is used to deglaze the pan after browning the sausage, scraping up flavorful bits from the bottom.
How much kale is needed?
You will need 1 pound of kale, which is approximately 2 bunches.
How do I prepare the kale?
The kale should be stemmed and torn into large pieces.
What is the base of the creamy sauce?
The sauce is a roux-based mixture made with butter, flour, and milk, thickened with goat cheese.
How long should the sauce simmer to thicken?
The sauce should simmer for about 10 minutes.
What type of cheese is mixed directly into the sauce?
8 ounces of fresh goat cheese are crumbled and melted into the sauce.
What cheeses are used for the topping?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is used for the topping.
What makes the topping crispy?
A mixture of fresh breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, herbs, and melted butter creates a crispy finish.
Which herbs are suggested for the topping?
A mix of minced parsley, oregano, and basil is recommended.
How long does the gratin take to bake?
It takes approximately 30 minutes in the oven.
How do I know when the bake is done?
The topping should be golden-brown and the filling should be bubbly.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is described as a great option for meal prep.
What is the total number of ingredients?
This recipe requires 12 ingredients.
How much milk is used in the sauce?
2 cups of milk are required.
What type of wine should I use?
A dry white wine is best for deglazing the pan.
Do I need to butter the pan?
Yes, you should lightly butter the gratin pan before adding the mixture.
Can I use frozen kale?
The recipe specifies fresh kale torn into large pieces for the best texture.
How much butter is needed for the topping specifically?
3 tablespoons of melted butter are drizzled over the breadcrumbs.
What should I do after removing it from the oven?
Allow the gratin to cool slightly before serving to let the sauce set.
What category of meal is this?
This is categorized as a One Dish Meal.