Sauteed Kale With Bacon

For a quick and flavorful side dish, this sautéed kale with bacon is a must-try! The smoky, crispy bacon pairs perfectly with hearty, nutrient-packed kale, creating a savory dish that’s ready in minutes. Whether you’re looking for a keto-friendly option or simply a new way to enjoy greens, this recipe brings out the best in kale with minimal effort.

Ready in 10 minutes, this sauteed kale with bacon is savory and delicious. If you are looking for a new way to prepare kale (and enjoy some bacon) this recipe is for you!

You’ll be in love this delicious recipe, so get ready for it to be in frequent rotation in your kitchen! If you think “kale” and “delicious” don’t belong in the same sentence, think again. One bite of this delicious sauteed kale and bacon recipe and you will be sold on kale. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite green when prepared this way!

Why You’ll Love Sauteed Kale With Bacon

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 10 minutes, making it a convenient side dish for any meal, whether you’re cooking on a busy weeknight or hosting a gathering.
• Amazing Flavor Combo: The smoky, crispy bacon complements the earthy, slightly bitter taste of kale, creating a delicious balance that’s savory and satisfying.
• Keto and Low-Carb Friendly: Packed with healthy fats and low in carbs, this dish is perfect for those on keto or low-carb diets, adding variety to meal planning.
• Minimal Ingredients: With just kale, bacon, garlic, and basic seasonings, this recipe keeps things simple without sacrificing taste, making it easy to prepare anytime.
• Nutrient Boost: Kale is rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and fiber, so you get a nutritious side dish without much effort. The bacon adds protein and keeps the dish filling!

You’ve probably seen kale on magazine covers or heard about how it is a superfood. When cooked, kale is a great source of iron and it is a great source of fiber. If you’ve thought about trying this dark green veggie, here is the perfect opportunity to give it a try. Full of nutrients, this sauteed kale with bacon is perfect for low-carb and keto diets. Even if you aren’t following one of these eating plans, you’ll love the rich flavor of this tasty dish.

Ingredients for Sauteed Kale With Bacon

• Kale – Adds a hearty, earthy flavor and is packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C, iron, and fiber.
• Bacon – Provides a smoky, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with kale, adding delicious richness.
• Garlic – Adds a bit of aromatic depth to the dish, enhancing both the bacon and kale flavors.
• Salt and Pepper – Simple seasonings to bring out and balance the flavors of all ingredients.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

I’m obsessed in love with the flavor combination achieved in this recipe. This recipe includes delicious garlic, scrumptious bacon, and perfectly cooked kale. Taking only two minutes of prep time and eight minutes in total, this sauteed kale with bacon recipe is not one to be missed! It is a perfect side dish that will have your savoring each and every bite.

Kitchen Tools You Need to Make Sauteed Kale With Bacon

• Large Non-Stick Frying Pan – Perfect for cooking the bacon and kale without sticking, making cleanup easier.
• Kitchen Scissors – Ideal for quickly cutting bacon slices into bite-sized pieces.
• Measuring Spoons – Handy for measuring out salt, pepper, and garlic to ensure the perfect seasoning balance.

This recipe is so simple and fast. After cutting your bacon slices into pieces, you’ll place them in a non-stick pan for three minutes on medium-high heat. A tip to make life easier, use kitchen scissors to cut up your bacon. After cooking for three minutes, flip your bacon over and cook for another two minutes. While your bacon is cooking, wash your kale and remove the stems. Give the leaves a coarse chop or tear them into pieces away from the stems. When the bacon is done cooking, add in the chopped kale and minced garlic. Give your ingredients a mix and cook, stirring every thirty seconds. You’re going to cook your kale until it is wilted and cooked through, typically about give minutes. Add some salt and pepper to taste and your sauteed kale with bacon is ready to enjoy.

You can’t beat the delicious flavor explosion of this sauteed kale with bacon. Savory and rich in flavor, this recipe is mouthwatering. You’ll love the combination of bacon and kale. Whether you are new to kale or a kale pro, this recipe is not one to miss.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this sautéed kale with bacon alongside grilled chicken, air-fried salmon, or a juicy steak for a well-rounded meal.
• Add a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan or crumbled feta for an extra layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the smoky bacon and hearty kale.
• For some added texture, try topping the dish with toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds just before serving.
• Enjoy this dish as a breakfast side with scrambled or fried eggs—it’s a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional hash browns!

Tips for Success

• Choose Fresh Kale: Look for fresh, crisp kale leaves without any yellowing or wilting. Fresher kale will have a brighter flavor and better texture when cooked.
• Prep the Kale Well: Removing the stems is key to keeping the dish tender. The stems can be tough and chewy, so strip the leaves off and tear them into manageable pieces for even cooking.
• Use a Quality Non-Stick Pan: Bacon releases a lot of fat as it cooks, but a non-stick pan ensures that you won’t need any extra oil and makes for an easy cleanup. The bacon grease will help cook the kale without adding extra oil.
• Stir Regularly: Stirring every 30 seconds prevents the garlic from burning and ensures that all the kale leaves get evenly coated in bacon flavor and cook down uniformly.
• Season to Taste at the End: Bacon is naturally salty, so it’s best to add salt only after cooking. Taste the dish first, then season with a little salt and pepper to bring out the flavors just right.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add a Splash of Acid: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar added at the end brightens up the flavors and balances the richness of the bacon.
• Spice It Up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, or stir in a sliced chili pepper along with the garlic. It adds a spicy kick that pairs nicely with the smoky bacon.
• Make It Vegetarian: Substitute the bacon with diced mushrooms or chopped smoked tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly version. The smoky flavor can still be achieved with a dash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
• Try Different Greens: This recipe works well with other leafy greens like Swiss chard, collard greens, or even spinach. Adjust the cooking time based on the heartiness of the greens, as some will cook faster than kale.
• Garlic Alternatives: If fresh garlic isn’t available, use garlic powder or roasted garlic for a milder flavor. You can also experiment with shallots for a slightly sweet and mellow taste.

Storage and Reheating

• Storing Leftovers: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored without losing too much flavor.
• Freezing: While kale can be frozen, the texture may change slightly upon reheating. If you choose to freeze, place in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: For the best flavor, reheat in a frying pan over medium heat until warmed through. This keeps the bacon crispy and the kale from becoming soggy. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 1-2 minutes, though the texture may be softer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe with pre-cooked bacon?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked bacon for convenience. Simply chop it up and add it to the pan with the kale and garlic. You might need to add a bit of oil to replace the bacon fat if the pan seems dry.

Is it necessary to remove the kale stems?

Removing the stems is recommended as they can be tough and take longer to cook than the leaves. However, if you prefer a bit more texture, you can keep some of the smaller, tender stems.

Can I use frozen kale for this recipe?

Fresh kale is best for this recipe to achieve the right texture, but you can use frozen if needed. Thaw and drain the kale thoroughly before cooking, as frozen kale releases more water.

What type of bacon is best for this dish?

Any type of bacon will work, but thick-cut bacon provides a nice balance of crispy and chewy textures. For a smokier flavor, try hickory-smoked bacon.

How can I reduce the saltiness of this dish?

If you’re concerned about salt, choose a low-sodium bacon and add salt only after tasting the final dish. Kale can absorb the bacon’s saltiness, so taste before adding additional seasoning.

If you like kale with bacon, you will also like these recipes:

• Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus – this is a perfect low-carb appetizer, so elegant and delicious!
• Instant Pot Kale – if you own an Instant Pot, you will love cooking kale in it! So easy!
• Keto Kale Chips – these crunchy kale chips are so easy to make and so addictive! You can crunch through a pound of kale in minutes when it’s in a chip form :)
• Oven Baked Bacon – this is the easiest way of cooking bacon ever! Just put it in the oven and take out delicious crunchy bacon strips!
• Kale Salad With Cranberries And Pine Nuts – this kale salad is so colorful and festive! This is my favorite kale salad!

Also, please browse my kale recipes and bacon recipes for more goodies :)

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