Sautéed Kale with Smoked Bacon and Pecorino

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crisp-tender kale cooked with smoky bacon and salty Pecorino, a savory side that complements any keto main. This italian-inspired salads (keto-friendly) ready in about 20 minutes pairs stems removed kale, diced smoked bacon, grated Pecorino cheese into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet, cook 4 oz diced smoked bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving 1 tbsp bacon fat in the skillet.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 minced garlic clove to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 10 oz stemmed kale to the skillet, stirring to coat in oil. Cook for 5-7 minutes until wilted and tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp grated Pecorino cheese.
  5. Step 5: Cook for 1 more minute until cheese melts and kale is evenly coated.
  6. Step 6: Return cooked bacon to the skillet and toss to combine.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Kale with Smoked Bacon and Pecorino take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Kale with Smoked Bacon and Pecorino?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep stems removed kale from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Kale with Smoked Bacon and Pecorino?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sautéed Kale with Smoked Bacon and Pecorino for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Sautéed Kale with Smoked Bacon and Pecorino keto-friendly?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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