Rich and Creamy Bacon-Infused Kale
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Rich and Creamy Bacon-Infused Kale, a delightful dish that combines crispy bacon with nutritious kale in a luxurious cream sauce. This simple yet elegant recipe boasts a perfect balance of savory and rich notes, making it a fantastic side dish or even a light main course. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Share the deliciousness with friends and family or keep it all to yourself — either way, this recipe is sure to impress!
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
kale
1 bunch (ribs discarded, chopped)
bacon
4-6 slices (chopped)
garlic
1-2 cloves (minced)
heavy cream
4 tablespoons (none)
parmesan cheese
3-4 tablespoons (grated)
Instructions
1
In a large frying pan, heat a small drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Once the bacon is cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
3
In the same frying pan, add the chopped kale and minced garlic to the bacon drippings. Stir well to combine.
4
Continue to cook the kale and garlic over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the kale is wilted and tender, about 5-10 minutes.
5
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine and warm the cream through for about 2 minutes.
6
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed, creating a creamy texture. Return the crispy bacon to the pan, mix well, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7
Serve warm, and enjoy this delightful dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rich and Creamy Bacon-Infused Kale?
It is a savory side dish that combines crispy bacon, fresh kale, and a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is portioned to serve 2 people.
How long does it take to make this dish?
The entire process takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients are 1 bunch of kale, 4-6 slices of bacon, 1-2 cloves of garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
How should I prepare the kale?
You should discard the tough ribs and chop the leaves into manageable pieces before cooking.
What type of bacon should I use?
Standard pork bacon works best as it provides the rendered fat needed to sauté the kale.
Can I use turkey bacon instead?
Yes, but you will likely need to add extra olive oil since turkey bacon produces less rendered fat.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, with its high fat content and low carb count, this dish is very suitable for a ketogenic diet.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce will be less rich and slightly thinner than the heavy cream version.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are excellent substitutes for Parmesan.
How long do I cook the bacon?
Cook the chopped bacon for about 5-7 minutes or until it reaches your desired crispiness.
Do I need to wash the kale?
Yes, always wash kale thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit before chopping and cooking.
Can I use frozen kale?
You can use frozen kale, but ensure it is thawed and squeezed dry to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Add the garlic at the same time as the kale and stir frequently to keep it moving in the pan.
Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! Red pepper flakes add a nice kick, while nutmeg complements the cream sauce perfectly.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
It is not recommended to freeze this dish as the cream sauce may separate and the kale texture may become mushy.
How do I reheat the kale?
Reheat gently in a frying pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, omit the bacon, use olive oil or butter for sautéing, and add a touch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use baby kale?
Yes, baby kale can be used and will cook much faster than mature bunch kale.
What should I serve with this dish?
It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even served over a baked potato.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe calls for 1-2 cloves, but feel free to add more if you are a garlic lover.
Do I need to add salt?
Since bacon and Parmesan are naturally salty, taste the dish at the end before adding additional salt.
What if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, stir in a teaspoon of water or additional cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I add onions?
Yes, sautéing some minced shallots or onions with the bacon adds another layer of flavor.
Should I use a specific pan?
A large frying pan or skillet is best to allow the kale enough room to wilt evenly.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve 4 people; just ensure you use a large enough pan.
Is the heavy cream necessary?
The heavy cream provides the 'rich and creamy' element, but you could use a cashew-based cream for a dairy-free alternative.
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?
Yes, though freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded varieties which often contain anti-caking agents.