Kale Madeline

Kale Madeline is creamy, cheesy and utterly decadent. This spicy creamed kale recipe comes together quickly and can be made in advance for the holidays. If you’re looking for a kale recipe with some spice to bring to the Thanksgiving table, this is it! Makes 4 servings.

A casserole dish of kale Madeline with a blue striped towel

I was introduced to Spinach Madeline on New Years Eve. It was end of quarter for my work, so I had to work late.

My husband and mother a special dinner for us to enjoy after I was off work. One of the recipes was Spinach Madeline.

I fell in love with it at first bite.

Funnily enough, I got to photograph Madeline Wright, the woman who created the recipe, a few years later.

When I was thinking about Thanksgiving, I wanted to add a twist to her recipe, so I used kale.

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    Not surprisingly, it is every bit as wonderful.

    What is Kale Madeline?

    Kale Madeline is a creamy side dish. It’s similar to creamed spinach, but with kale. Instead of just using cream, it gets a kick from pepperjack cheese.

    The original recipe calls for a jalapeno log. This one calls for shredded pepperjack cheese.

    This Kale Madeline recipe was adapted from my Spinach Madeline recipe, which was adapted from River Road Recipes.

    Why I love this recipe:

    Kale Madeline is a fun twist on a classic.

    It’s comforting, cheesy and decadent while also being wonderfully delicious.

    Unlike a lot of creamy kale recipes, this one does not call for heavy cream, cream cheese or parmesan cheese.

    We’re using a combination of milk and pepperjack cheese, along with some spices, to really bring the flavor.

    This recipe is simple, calling for just a handful of ingredients. It comes together quickly.

    We love the versatility of it, too. You can serve it as a side dish for a holiday, like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

    It also is an excellent side for Date Night at Home. We love to pair it with Broiled Steak, Garlic Butter Steak or Cast Iron Ribeye.

    Other side dishes to try: Roasted Parmesan Broccoli with Pine Nuts | Hasselback Sweet Potatoes | Lemon Pepper Green Beans | Homemade Mashed Potatoes | Broiled Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan

    Looking for more inspiration? Head on over to my Side Dish recipe index for more ideas.

    Ingredients to make creamy kale Madeline in bowls on marble with a blue striped towel

    What you need to make this recipe:

    The Speckled Palate participates in affiliate programs. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Please refer to my disclosure page for more information about these affiliate programs.

    Let’s talk ingredients!

    In addition to the tools above, you’re going to need some ingredients to make this recipe, too! Chances are, you might already have some of them in your fridge or pantry. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full measurements and instructions.

    Here’s what you need:

    • Kale — I like to use frozen chopped kale and cook that before draining it and saving the liquid. My original recipe called for fresh kale, and I changed it because I liked the ease of the frozen kind better. However, if you want to use fresh kale, be my guest! More on this below.
    • Unsalted butter — you could also use extra virgin olive oil here, if desired.
    • All-purpose flour — I like to use unbleached AP flour, but the regular kind works, too. I have never swapped this for a gluten free flour, so I do not recommend that.
    • Onion — yellow or white is perfect. You do not want to use a sweet onion or a purple onion.
    • Milk — whatever you’ve got on hand works. We like to use 2% or whole milk for the most flavor.
    • Worcestershire sauce — this gives the sauce some umami. If serving this recipe to vegetarians, purchase vegan Worcestershire sauce.
    • Kale cooking liquid — this is the liquid that comes out of the kale after it cooks. You want to save it because it imparts such amazing flavor to the dish!
    • Seasonings — we’re using a combination of celery salt, garlic salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can add extra salt, to taste, though I suggest holding off on it until you taste the final sauce. It can get salty.
    • Pepperjack cheese — this is what adds our spiciness. It goes into the sauce, as well as sprinkled on top before baking. Give it a taste before stirring it in to gauge the heat, as different brands are spicier than others.

    Substitution ideas:

    • Use fresh kale. Blanch the kale in a pot of salted water until crisp tender, then remove and drain. Reserve some of that liquid, then make the recipe as written below.
    • Add some more heat. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes will add a kick!
    • No onion? Use shallot! It will have a milder flavor, but it’s still delicious. I always have onions on hand, but if you’re into shallots, those work!
    • Don’t have garlic salt? Use granulated garlic instead. You might need to add a pinch of salt to the final dish, but taste it beforehand.
    • Pepperjack cheese too spicy? Use half pepperjack and half monterrey jack. If you don’t like heat at all, you can use all monterrey jack. We love the kick pepperjack adds, but I know it can be too much for some.
    Collage showing how to make the sauce for kale Madeline

    How to make Creamy Kale Madeline

    Cook and drain the kale. Steam the frozen kale in the microwave. Drain over a large bowl in a fine mesh strainer. Let it cool before pressing the liquid out with a large spoon or your hand.

    Preheat the oven, and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

    Melt the butter in a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat.

    When the butter is melted, add the onion. Cook until soft but not brown.

    Add the flour and stir until the onions are coated.

    Cook for a few minutes until the flour begins to turn a golden brown. This is a roux, which will thicken the cheese sauce.

    Slowly pour in the milk and the kale liquid. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens.

    Collage showing how to put together the kale Madeline before baking

    Once the sauce has thickened, add Worcestershire, celery salt, garlic salt and black pepper. Give it a taste and add salt, if necessary.

    Remove the skillet from the heat and add most of the cheese. You also should add the kale.

    Stir until combined.

    Transfer into a casserole dish. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

    Bake for 30-40 minutes. The cheese will brown.

    Serve immediately, and enjoy!

    Kale Madeline in a casserole dish before going into the oven

    Erin’s Easy Entertaining Tips

    One thing I love about this spicy kale is that it’s versatile. You can make it for a variety of different occasions.

    Here’s what I like to do when I make it for a gathering:

    • Make it early. Put together the sauce and stir in the kale. Sprinkle the cheese on top, wrap in plastic wrap and transfer to the refrigerator overnight. Bake when ready.
    • Double or triple the recipe. We always make extra when hosting because this side is always gobbled up.
    A casserole dish holding Baked Creamy Kale on marble with a blue striped towel

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do you make delicious kale?

    We think this is a delicious way to prepare kale! First, you steam the kale and then throw it into the sauce, which is creamy and cheesy and a little spicy. Then you bake it for optimal gooeyness.

    What’s the tastiest way to eat kale?

    In my opinion, it’s this!

    What seasoning is good for kale?

    Honestly, adding celery salt and garlic salt really adds such a kick to this recipe, alongside the pepperjack cheese.

    A spoon holds a serving of kale Madeline over a baking dish

    Tips and Tricks to making the BEST Kale Madeline

    • Cook the kale early, and let it drain slowly over a bowl. This will give the kale time to cool off so you don’t burn your hands.
    • Prep everything before starting cooking. This will make the assembly and cooking easy.
    • Taste the pepper jack before stirring it in. Some are more spicy. If you’re concerned about this, mix in some mozzarella or monterrey jack.
    • How to store: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container after cooled. Refrigerate for up to a week.
    • How to reheat: Reheat portions in the microwave until warm.

    More unique sides:

    A casserole dish of kale Madeline with a blue striped towel

    Kale Madeline

    Erin Parker, The Speckled Palate
    A take on the ever-popular Spinach Madeline, Kale Madeline is heartier than the dish that inspired it. Fresh kale is cooked and tossed with onion, seasonings and cheese before baking into a casserole. This dish makes for a fantastic Thanksgiving or Christmas side dish.
    4.93 from 53 votes
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 225 kcal
    Prep Time 30 minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes
    Total Time 1 hour

    Ingredients
      

    • 12 oz. frozen kale cooked and drained with liquid reserved
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
    • 1 small onion finely diced (about ¼ cup)
    • ½ cup milk
    • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
    • ¼ cup reserved kale liquid
    • ½ teaspoon celery salt
    • 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt
    • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese divided (140g)
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
    • Cook the frozen kale in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish. When cooked through, let cool and then drain in a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and save the liquid.
    • In a skillet, melt the butter and add the flour, forming a blonde roux.
    • Add the onion, cooking until translucent and coated in the roux.
    • Pour in the milk, Worcestershire and the reserved kale liquid. Season with the celery salt, as well as freshly ground black pepper and salt.
    • Simmer until the sauce has thickened substantially, then add in the kale and 3/4 cup of the cheese, stirring until combined.
    • Pour into a greased baking dish, top with the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese, and transfer to the oven.
    • Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is brown and bubbly.
    • Serve warm and enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    This recipe was updated in 2022 to use frozen kale instead of fresh. If you'd still like to use fresh kale, use the same amount as the frozen and blanch in a pot of salted water until cooked. Drain like you would above and then follow the recipe.
    This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd.
    How to store: Transfer leftovers to an airtight food storage container after they have cooled completely. Refrigerate for up to a week.
    How to reheat: Reheat portions in the microwave until warm.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 12gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 752mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g
    Keyword baking, christmas side dish, date night, easy side dish, holiday side dish, kale side dish, new year’s greens, side dishes, thanksgiving side dish
    Course Side Dishes
    Cuisine American
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    About the Author:

    Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her

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    16 Comments

    1. I have to say, I saw the title and immediately pictured bright green madeleine cookies! So (although that is actually kind of intriguing) I’m glad to see that I’m wrong. This beautiful gratin sounds like such a decadent way to eat your greens!

      1. I’m embarrassed to admit that I had NO IDEA what a bright green madeline cookie was when I first saw your comment… and I’ve just looked it up, and I DO know what they are. Hmm.

        Thanks! It’s really gorgeous and decadent and pretty delightful because of this. 😉

    2. I’ve always wanted to try Kale, and this recipe is really making me want to start right now! Looks delicious! Thanks for posting the recipe!

      1. Kale is really wonderful, LeSha! It’s super similar to spinach, but it’s more like collard and mustard greens because it offers more ‘uumph,’ if that makes any sense… I was totally freaked out to try it for the first time. However, it’s wonderful, and it works really nicely in this casserole, too! If you try it out, be sure to let me know how you like kale!

      1. You definitely gotta give it a try! And when you do, let me know what you think! I didn’t try kale until last year, and I am so happy I did!

    3. I have never had Kale but it looks like spinach hmmm this gives me something new to consider as I make my Thanksgiving dinner I am tired of the traditional stuff I want something different.

      1. Kale is super similar to spinach, though I like to think it’s a little meatier, if that makes any sense. (So it’s more filling/robust than the spinach and is similar to collard and mustard greens, in my humble opinion.) Let me know if you give this a shot, Kita!

    4. My aunt was just saying we should try a couple healthier dishes for Thanksgiving!! This looks amazing! I think I could adjust to this over green bean casserole! 🙂

      1. Thanks, Kalee! This recipe is a gem, and it’s perfect for a crowd because it’s easily doubled and tripled. 🙂 Let me know if y’all try it this year instead of the green bean casserole!

      1. Ha! Come on down, girl! Granted, I’m not the one doing the cooking, but I can guarantee it’ll be amazing. After all, Louisiana Thanksgiving is ALWAYS delicious!

      1. Thanks, Tiffany! It’s delicious, relatively painless, and hopefully a hit with any crowd! I know the folks we hosted enjoyed the twist on a classic.

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