In a large cast-iron skillet (or oven-safe saucepan), cook the bacon until crispy. When cooked, set aside on a plate, but keep the bacon grease in the pan.
Turn heat to high and pour in the entire bag of kale into the hot bacon grease. Add ½ tsp salt and continue to stir everything for a minute or two, until it starts to wilt and get coated in the oil. After 2 minutes, the kale will be about half its initial volume.
Turn heat to medium-low, and add heavy cream and both cheeses. Stir well.
Add garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Continue to stir until it's reduced more in volume and bubbly.
Preheat your oven to broil.
Turn heat to low and simmer for another 2–3 minutes. Meanwhile, chop the bacon into very small pieces, toss back into the mixture, and stir one last time.
Then sprinkle the top with a little more cheese and toss under the broiler on the top rack. Keep an eye on it, it only takes 1 or 2 minutes to crisp the cheese on top.
That’s it! Serve and enjoy this incredible side dish!
Almost every grocery store now sells bags of pre-chopped kale. It's cheap and saves so much time and effort.
In terms of cheese, you can totally use whatever cheese you like. I particularly love the “Quattro Formaggio” cheese blend from Trader Joe’s, but if you can’t get to TJ’s, don’t stress… any Italian cheese will do in this recipe!
This side goes amazing with steak, roasted chicken, or crispy salmon!
Serving Size 1
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
