Best 2 Cheesy Kale Casserole Recipes

Craving a comforting and healthy dish? Look no further than the cheesy kale casserole, a delectable combination of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. This versatile casserole features a medley of sautéed kale, onions, and garlic, enveloped in a creamy and cheesy sauce. Topped with a golden brown breadcrumb crust, it offers a delightful contrast between the tender filling and the crispy topping. With its vibrant green kale, gooey cheese, and savory breadcrumb crust, this casserole is a feast for the eyes and a delight for the palate. Whether you're a vegetarian seeking a hearty main course or a meat-eater looking for a nutritious side dish, this cheesy kale casserole is sure to satisfy. This article provides three variations of the recipe, catering to different dietary preferences and tastes. The classic recipe offers a harmonious blend of kale, cheese, and breadcrumb topping. For a vegan delight, the vegan version replaces dairy with plant-based alternatives, resulting in a creamy and flavorful casserole. Lastly, the gluten-free variation caters to those with gluten sensitivities, using gluten-free bread crumbs to create a crispy topping.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CHEESY KALE CASSEROLE

Cheesy Kale Casserole image

Make and share this Cheesy Kale Casserole recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Shug22

Categories One Dish Meal

Time 55m

Yield 1 Casserole, 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1/2 cup light extra-light vegetable oil spread
1 onion, finely chopped
16 cups kale, chopped
1/2 cup flour
1 cup half-and-half
2 cups parmesan cheese, grated
8 ounces fat-free cream cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray rectangle baking dish with nonstick spray. Melt butter and add onions to a saucepan, cook until translucent. Add kale in batches and cook until wilted. Sift flour over kale mixture. Cook 2-3 minutes then add half and half, 1 cup parmesan, and cream cheese. In another bowl combine 1 cup parmesan, panko, and spices. Sprinkle over kale in baking dish and cook 35 minutes until brown and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 267.2, Fat 10.1, SaturatedFat 5.6, Cholesterol 29.3, Sodium 717.3, Carbohydrate 28.4, Fiber 3.1, Sugar 2.6, Protein 17.8

CHEESY KALE BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

Cheesy Kale Breakfast Casserole image

Provided by Molly Yeh

Categories main-dish

Time 1h20m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 yellow onion, diced
16 ounces crusty sourdough, cut into cubes
1 cup shredded mozzarella (about 4 ounces)
1 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss (about 4 ounces), plus more for topping
6 ounces kale, chopped (chard or spinach would always work!)
3 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
8 large eggs
4 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only
A few shakes hot sauce
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

If you're planning to bake this immediately, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. If you're prepping this the day before, no need to preheat now.
In a skillet (or 4-quart braiser that you can put in the oven), heat the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, 5 to 7 minutes.
Combine the sourdough, mozzarella, Gruyere and kale with the buttery onion mixture, either in a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish or in the braiser.
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, mustard, salt, nutmeg, eggs, thyme, hot sauce and a bunch of turns of pepper. Pour into the casserole dish over the bread mixture. Top with another little sprinkle of Gruyere. Cover with foil and bake immediately or refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Bake, covered, for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake until browned on top and set throughout, about another 30 minutes.

Tips:

Prep the Kale: Before using the kale, remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure that the kale cooks evenly and has a pleasant texture in the casserole.
Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh kale, onion, and garlic. Fresh ingredients will provide a more vibrant taste and aroma to the casserole.
Season Generously: Don't be shy with the seasonings! A combination of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper will enhance the flavors of the kale and cheese.
Choose the Right Cheese: Use a combination of cheeses that melt well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. This will create a gooey, flavorful cheese sauce that coats the kale and pasta.
Don't Overcook the Kale: Kale cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. Overcooked kale will become mushy and lose its vibrant green color.
Serve Immediately: Cheesy kale casserole is best served immediately after baking, while the cheese is still melted and gooey. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, but the texture may not be as good.

Conclusion:

Cheesy kale casserole is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's packed with healthy kale, flavorful cheese, and comforting pasta. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this casserole is a great option for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings. So next time you're looking for a tasty and nutritious dish, give cheesy kale casserole a try!