Creamed Kale with Crunchy Bread Crumbs is a delicious and nutritious side dish that is packed with flavor and texture. The creamy kale is cooked to perfection and served with crispy bread crumbs that add a delightful crunch to every bite.
This dish is a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet while also satisfying your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it with a hearty main course or enjoying it on its own, Creamed Kale with Crunchy Bread Crumbs is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
This plant-based recipe is easy to make, and loaded with cheesy goodness and it’s a great way to get your loved ones to eat their veggies this holiday season!
This Creamed Kale with Crunchy Bread Crumbs recipe starts a quick steam, then the greens are tossed in a homemade vegan cream sauce seasoned with a hint of nutmeg, black pepper, and vegan parmesan cheese.
I shared an easy method for making homemade breadcrumbs in this post and it’s a great way to use up day-old bread.
INGREDIENTS for Creamed Kale with Crunchy Bread Crumbs
1. Yield: 8 servings
2. 3 to 3½ pounds kale (3 to 5 large bunches), stemmed and leaves roughly chopped or torn into bite-size pieces
3. ¾cup olive oil
4. 1teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
5. 1tablespoon balsamic vinegar, preferably aged
6. 3tablespoons unsalted butter
7. 1cup panko-style bread crumbs
8. Black pepper, for seasoning
9. Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
10. 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
11. 8 ounces fontina, grated (about 2 heaping cups)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a large bowl, add the kale and 1/2 cup of olive oil and season with salt. Massage the kale for 2-3 minutes so it starts to soften.
2. Heat the remaining olive oil in a very large pot or Dutch oven. Add the kale in batches, stirring to wilt until all the kale has been added. 3. Cover the pot and cook on medium-low, stirring every few minutes, until the kale is soft about 20-30 minutes. Add the balsamic and stir to combine. If the kale starts to brown, reduce the heat to low and continue to cook.
4. While the kale is cooking, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add the panko bread crumbs and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. 5. Stir and sauté until the bread crumbs are golden brown, about 3 minutes. Stir in the lemon zest and remove from the heat. 6. Add the cream cheese in small pieces and into the kale, while still over low heat. Stir the cream cheese until it’s melted into the kale. 7. Add the fontina, lemon juice, and heavy cream and combine for about 1 minute until the fontina is melted. Transfer the kale mixture to a serving bowl and sprinkle the toasted panko over the top to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions for Creamed Kale with Crunchy Bread Crumbs
1. Can I use frozen kale for this recipe?
Answer: Yes, frozen kale can be used for this recipe but we recommend fresh kale for the best taste.
2. Can I substitute the bread crumbs with something else?
Answer: Yes, you can substitute bread crumbs with crushed crackers, panko crumbs or even grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Can I make this Creamed Kale with Crunchy Bread Crumbs recipe ahead of time?
Answer: Yes, you can make the creamed kale ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just add the bread crumbs before serving.
4. Can I use whole milk instead of heavy cream?
Answer: Yes, you can use whole milk instead of heavy cream but it won’t be as thick and creamy.
5. Can I use a different type of kale?
Answer: Yes, you can use any variety of kale for this recipe.
6. How long do I need to cook the kale until it’s tender?
Answer: Cook the kale for about 7-10 minutes until it’s tender.
7. Can I add bacon to this recipe?
Answer: Yes, you can add cooked and crumbled bacon to the creamed kale for extra flavor.
8. Can I use gluten-free bread crumbs?
Answer: Yes, you can use gluten-free bread crumbs for this recipe.
9. How many breadcrumbs should I use for this recipe?
Answer: Use about 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs for this recipe.
10. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan cheese?
Answer: Yes, you can use any type of cheese that melts well for this recipe. Cheddar cheese, Gouda or Swiss cheese would work well.