Sautéed Kale with Smoked Bacon and Pecorino

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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, vegetarian) 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.

★ 3.6 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

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.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

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, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes