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Creamed Kale

This totally simple creamed kale is the perfect Thanksgiving side dish. Full of healthy kale, cream cheese, and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. Hello, delicious!

Creamed Kale in a small metal bowl.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of The Frozen Food Foundation. All opinions are 100% mine.

I have a lot of favorite vegetables but my favorite (made a little less healthy) vegetable has to be creamed spinach.

Anytime I go to a steakhouse it’s the one side I’m sure to order.

Well, that and a big skillet of home fries. What is a steak without greens and potatoes?

This creamed dish is obviously made with kale instead of spinach and I think I actually like that just a bit better.

The kale is heartier so it holds up better and never gets overcooked. I like my greens with just a little bite.

The best part is that I used frozen kale to make this dish so it’s super simple and ready from start to finish in just 30 minutes!

Creamed Kale topped with parmesan cheese.

Do you love creamed kale?

Do you use frozen vegetables a lot?

My 2 biggest shortcuts are using fresh diced onions and sliced bell peppers.

Cheaper and easier than chopping them up fresh.

Bonus, the frozen veggies are just as fresh! And we all know eating a colorful diet is important for our health.

They don’t tell you to eat the rainbow for nothing.

Did you know that nearly 90% of people fail to consume the recommended amount of daily vegetables?

Not kidding.

I do not want to fall into that 90%!

So, buy some frozen vegetables and get dinner on the table even faster.

I’m all about fast food. The good kind, not the kind with the golden arches.

You should also know that the University of California, Davis partnered up with the Frozen Food Foundation and found out that frozen fruits and vegetables are as rich in nutrients as fresh vegetables!

Basically, this means that by freezing all those vegetables you pause nature and help keep your ingredients fresh and delicious.

a scoop of Creamed Kale on a plate.

So, you want to know how I got this creamed spinach so creamy? Cream cheese.

Sweet Baby J, I love this stuff!

It provides awesome flavor and a creamy sauce with no fear of breaking.

Plus I like to think that because I have cut down on all that heavy cream it makes it a tiny bit healthier to eat in bulk.

Right?

Oh, and you don’t have to serve this with a steak.

It goes great with turkey too. Cough, cough, Thanksgiving.

Love this creamed kale?

Why not try a few of my other delicious side dish recipes?!

This totally simple creamed kale is the perfect Thanksgiving side dish. Full of healthy kale, cream cheese and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. Hello delicious!

Creamed Kale

This totally simple creamed kale is the perfect Thanksgiving side dish. Full of healthy kale, cream cheese, and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. Hello, delicious!
4.75 from 4 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 small shallots minced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 18 ounces frozen kale lightly steamed and drained
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 – 1/2 cup whole milk
  • Kosher salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a 12-inch skillet add butter and olive oil and set over medium heat.
  • Once melted add shallots and garlic. Saute until soft and fragrant.
  • Add in cream cheese, break up with a spatula, and let melt into the pan. If it starts to burn turn down the heat.
  • Once mostly melted add in steamed drained kale and stir.
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese.
  • Pour in 1/3 cup whole milk, stir and add more milk if needed for creaminess and moisture.
  • Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.

Notes

  • If you want to keep the dish lighter feel free to use milk instead of heavy cream.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 351kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 427mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g
Course Side Dishes
Cuisine American
Keyword creamed kale, creamed spinach, creamed vegetables, kale recipes, side dish recipes, thanksgiving recipe
Did you try this recipe?Leave a comment and 5 star review!

Brandy

About Brandy!

I am a food lover and recipe developer bringing you delicious recipes that taste great and are easy to make! My food is inspired by travels around the world and my love of flavorful food. A list of things that make me happy: cats, Coke Zero, houseplants, and travel. Read more...

Recipe Rating




Stef

Tuesday 30th of November 2021

I made this for a thanksgiving dish a few years back an never forgot it. The vegetarians loved it. I will be making it again. I m thinking of throwing in some dandelions too. Thank you

Shannon

Monday 30th of November 2020

I sautéed fresh kale I white wine and the wine added an extra tang that was so amazing with this recipe. So good!

Margaret Freeman

Sunday 25th of November 2018

This was really nice! Used fresh blanched kale. I wonder if a squeeze of lemon would be good......

Regina

Sunday 19th of November 2017

Cant wait to make this. Sorry if I missed it, but I didnt see info on how many people it serves? Also, how thoroughly do you drain the kale after steaming? I know other recipes have talked about draining it like you would crozennspinach, wringing it out, etc.

Thanks in advance!

nutmegnanny

Monday 20th of November 2017

Hi Regina! I hope you love the creamed kale! I steamed my kale and then drained out the water. You don't have to totally squeeze it dry just drained is fine. It should serve around 4 as a side dish. I'm going to make a note on the serving size into the recipe. Thanks!

Laurie Garcia

Monday 17th of November 2014

Can this be made ahead of time? Or serve immediately? I have about an hour travel time for the holidays.

nutmegnanny

Monday 17th of November 2014

Hi Laurie! It will thicken up as it cools so if you make it and then travel you might find that it will be really thick. Simply warm with a few splashes of milk to help loosen it up. Hope this helps! :)

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