Creamed Kale with Cream Cheese (Jalapeno Popper Style!)
User Reviews
5
Creamed Kale with Cream Cheese (Jalapeno Popper Style!)
Description
This recipe starts by sautéing minced onion, garlic, and jalapeños in butter or bacon grease to build a flavorful base. Cream cheese is then melted in before adding half-and-half and kale, which is wilted and simmered until tender. The cream thickens around the kale, resulting in a smooth, rich coating. The jalapeños add gentle warmth offset by the creamy texture.
The kale becomes soft without losing its vibrant color, offering a balance of creaminess and subtle heat. Adding crisp bacon bits or crunchy breadcrumbs on top introduces contrasting textures and smoky notes, making the dish more complex.
This creamed kale is suitable as a side with pork loin or chicken breast. Leftovers reheat easily on the stove with occasional stirring. The recipe omits cheddar cheese found in jalapeño poppers to keep the texture indulgent yet focused on cream cheese's tang and richness.
Ingredients
- 7-8 ounces kale center stalks removed (weighed using a food scale)
- 2 tablespoons butter (or bacon grease)
- 1 cup half and half
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese
- ½ medium yellow onion minced
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 jalapeños minced (remove pith and seeds to reduce spiciness)
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- 3-4 trips Bacon chopped into bacon bits
- ¼ cup bread crumbs (or crushed up croutons)
Instructions
- Melt butter (or bacon grease) in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, and jalapenos and cook over medium heat for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add cream cheese and stir until melted.
- Add ½ and ½, then toss all of the kale in. Use tongs to help coat the kale in the creamy mixture and encourage wilting. Cover for 2 minutes, then rotate the kale with the tongs.
- Repeat this process (rotating the kale, then covering the kale for 2 minutes) for around 15 minutes or until kale becomes tender and the cream thickens. Once you’ve achieved tender, creamy kale, turn off the burner. Add salt and pepper until seasoned to your liking.
- Let sit for 1-2 minutes to cool and thicken further.
- Sprinkle on bacon bits and/or breadcrumbs or crushed croutons.
- Serve to your kale-hating friends with smug satisfaction.
Notes
- Pair this side with lean proteins like pork loin or chicken breast for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers reheat well in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Removing jalapeño seeds and pith reduces spiciness while still providing flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 292 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 292kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 0.3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 58mg | 19% |
| Sodium | 302mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 375mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 5649IU | 113% |
| Vitamin C | 65mg | 72% |
| Calcium | 224mg | 22% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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