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Creamed Kale

Creamed Kale made and served in the glass Anyday dish, featuring tender kale in a rich, creamy sauce.
Creamed Kale
PT8M PT5M

Prep Time

8 mins

Cook Time

5-6 mins

Free Time

to sit in blissful silence

This quick microwave creamed kale transforms hearty kale leaves into a rich, flavorful side dish. A creamy blend of garlic, black pepper, and a hint of chili adds just the right amount of spice, making this dish comforting and easy to prepare. Made in an Anyday dish, it’s a simple way to bring out kale’s natural depth.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

American, Thanksgiving, Vegetables, collard greens, Easy Thanksgiving, frozen spinach, garlic, greens, Holiday, Holiday Recipes, Kale, Deep Dish, Shallow Dish, Spinach, Swiss Chard, thanksgiving Thanksgiving, Vegetables

What You’ll Need

What You’ll Need

The Medium Deep Dish

The best dish for 1-2 portions of grains, veggies, mac and cheese, ramen, and more.

The Medium Shallow Dish

Look no further for making poached eggs, desserts, dips, and small portions of meat or fish.

The Anyhand Mitts

Handle hot Anyday dishes with care with these microwave mitts that double as trivets!
Try Anyday

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

1-2
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Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

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To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

700w

Recommended 

Dish

The Medium Deep Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 bunch kale or Swiss chard, tough center and stem removed and cut into ribbons (between 100-150g)
  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes, optional
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Preparation

  1. Add the butter, garlic, salt, pepper, chili flakes, cream, and cornstarch to an Anyday dish. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  2. Cook in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until the liquid thickens. Stir or whisk until fully incorporated.
  3. Add greens in batches, stirring into the sauce slowly to coat. Pack greens tightly into the dish — they will shrink as they cook!
  4. Cover and continue cooking for 4-5 minutes, (stirring halfway through), or until greens are tender. Stir again, and enjoy while warm.

Serving suggestions & tips

  • Make it vegan: Use plant-based butter and coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free alternative.
  • Sweet cranberry addition: Stir in dried cranberries for a hint of sweetness that balances the rich creaminess.
  • Aromatic seasoning: Season with a pinch of ground coriander, cardamom, and cumin for a warm, aromatic twist.
  • Crispy bacon topping: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for a savory crunch that adds a smoky contrast to the creamy kale.
  • White bean boost: Stir in canned white beans for extra creaminess and protein.

Recipe notes

  • You can freeze the cooked and cool kale in the Anytime Freezer Trays and reheat as needed.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All You Need to Know About Making Creamed Kale in the Microwave

What is creamed kale?

Creamed kale is a rich and flavorful side dish where tender kale leaves are cooked in a cream-based sauce, seasoned with garlic, black pepper, and a touch of chili for added spice. It’s a hearty, comforting twist on the classic combination of greens and cream, making it an indulgent addition to any meal. Discover more kale recipes by exploring our collection here!

Can I make creamed kale in the microwave?

Absolutely! With an Anyday dish, you can  make creamed kale quickly in the microwave. This method not only speeds up the cooking process, but also helps infuse the cream and the seasonings  perfectly for a  flavorful, tender side dish with minimal effort.

How long can I store creamed kale in the fridge?

Creamed kale can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an Anyday dish. Once cooked, allow it to cool (uncovered), then cover the dish with the Anyday lid and store in the refrigerator. The lid’s seal keeps the creamed kale fresh and ready to reheat in the microwave..

Can I freeze creamed kale?

Yes, you can freeze creamed kale! Use our silicone Anytime Freezer Trays to portion the greens and freeze for up to 3 months. The tray’s lid helps prevent freezer burn, so the kale stays creamy and flavorful. When ready to enjoy, simply microwave in an Anyday dish for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through..

What’s the best way to reheat creamed kale?

The best way to reheat creamed kale is in the microwave using an Anyday dish. From the fridge, reheat on full power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If reheating from frozen, add the  portions into an Anyday dish and reheat in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes per portion or until fully heated. For more tips on reheating, check out our blog here.

Can I use a different green for creamed kale?

Certainly! Swiss chard is a great alternative to kale in this recipe, as its hearty leaves  hold up well in the creamy sauce. Spinach can be used, though it will cook down faster and might be slightly softer in texture. Discover more leafy green recipes by exploring our collection here!

Can I make creamed kale dairy-free?

Yes! For a dairy-free option, replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter and swap the heavy cream for a non-dairy alternative like coconut  or cashew cream. This will keep the dish creamy while accommodating dairy-free needs.

How can I make creamed kale thicker?

To achieve a thicker consistency in this recipe, use a bit more cornstarch (try an extra ½ teaspoon) or cook the sauce slightly longer in the microwave to let it reduce. This will create a richer, thicker texture that clings well to the kale. Remember, the sauce will thicken as it cools.

Is creamed kale keto-friendly?

Yes, this recipe can fit a keto-friendly diet! The cream and butter provide a good amount of fat, while kale is low in carbs, making this a suitable side dish for those following a ketogenic lifestyle.