If you're searching for the perfect recipe to satisfy your Southern food cravings, look no further than this delicious kale dish. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it's also loaded with nutrients, making it the ideal addition to any meal. Whether you're a kale lover or a skeptic, this recipe will surely impress even the pickiest eaters. So, grab your apron and get ready to whip up the best Southern kale dish you've ever tasted.
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Broth, Spanish Onion, Garlic, Kale, Sharp
If you're looking for a delicious and hearty side dish to accompany your beer can chicken, look no further than these smothered two-cheese grits and greens. This Southern-style dish combines creamy grits with a blend of two cheeses, collard greens, and a touch of hot sauce for a little kick. The result is a perfect balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.
2of 20
Southern Kale Salad with Smoky Ranch
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Oil, Salt, Pepper, Black Eyed Peas, Bbq
Add some greens to your dinner table with this Southern kale salad. The smoky ranch dressing adds a unique twist to the classic ranch flavor, making this dish a standout. With a combination of fresh kale, cherry tomatoes, and red onion, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded meal.
For a traditional Southern side dish, look no further than these black-eyed peas. Cooked with bacon, onion, and garlic, these peas are full of flavor and pair perfectly with a juicy beer can chicken. Serve them with a side of cornbread for a true Southern experience.
4of 20
Southern Mixed Greens & Turnips
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Yellow Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic, Seasoning
Turnips may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Southern cuisine, but this dish will change that. These mixed greens and turnips are sautéed with onions and bacon, creating a savory and delicious side dish that complements the rich flavors of beer can chicken.
5of 20
Southern Style Cornbread Panzanella
Main Ingredients: Cornbread, Delicata Squash, Bacon, Butter, Sage Leaves
Looking to add some crunch to your meal? This Southern-style cornbread panzanella is the perfect solution. This dish combines crispy cornbread cubes with fresh vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette for a unique and delicious salad. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a satisfying and well-balanced meal.
6of 20
Southern-Style Beer Braised Kale with Bacon
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Vidalia Onion, Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes, Kale
Beer and bacon – need we say more? This Southern-style beer braised kale is cooked with bacon and your choice of beer for a flavorful and hearty side dish. The bacon adds a smoky and savory taste, while the beer adds a touch of bitterness that balances out the dish. Serve it with your beer can chicken for a complete meal.
7of 20
Southern Ham and Kale Hot Dish
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Kale, Garlic, Cayenne Pepper, Ham
This Southern ham and kale hot dish is a perfect way to use up any leftover ham from your beer can chicken dinner. The combination of ham, kale, and a creamy sauce makes for a satisfying and comforting meal. It's also a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
8of 20
Green Gumbo
Main Ingredients: Peanut Oil, Flour, Chopped Onion, Chopped Green Bell
This green gumbo is a unique twist on the classic Louisiana dish. It's made with a variety of green vegetables, including collard greens, kale, and okra, and served over rice. The result is a hearty and flavorful meal that is perfect for pairing with your beer can chicken.
9of 20
Southern Summer Salad
Main Ingredients: Thick Sliced Bacon, Peach, Grape Tomatoes, Baby Kale
Looking for a light and refreshing side dish? This Southern summer salad is the perfect option. It combines fresh watermelon, cucumber, and feta cheese for a sweet and savory flavor combination. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a summery and satisfying meal.
10of 20
Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a side of cornbread. This Southern skillet cornbread is cooked in a cast-iron skillet, giving it a crispy crust and a soft and fluffy inside. The addition of corn kernels adds a pop of sweetness, making it the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken.
11of 20
Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas with Kale and Garlic
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Sweet Onion, Garlic, Kale, Chili
Don't have time to stand over the stove? Let your slow cooker do the work with these black-eyed peas with kale and garlic. Simply toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let them cook for a few hours. The result is a flavorful and hearty side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
Take your chicken to the next level with this Southern smothered chicken recipe. The chicken is cooked in a creamy and flavorful mushroom and onion gravy, giving it a rich and savory taste. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a hearty and satisfying meal.
13of 20
Gumbo Z’herbes (Louisiana Gumbo with Herbs)
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, All Purpose Flour, Yellow Onions
This gumbo z'herbes is a traditional Louisiana dish that is packed with flavor. It's made with a variety of herbs, including parsley, basil, and thyme, and served over rice. The addition of sausage and chicken make it a hearty and filling option to serve alongside your beer can chicken.
This Southern cornbread dressing is a staple at any Southern holiday dinner. Made with a blend of cornbread, sausage, and veggies, it's a hearty and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. It's also a great way to use up any leftover cornbread from your beer can chicken dinner.
15of 20
Scarf Down Spicy Savory Cheddar Grits With Veggies
Main Ingredients: Grits, Butter, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Clove, Hot Sauce
Spice things up with these spicy savory cheddar grits with veggies. The grits are cooked with a blend of herbs and spices, including cayenne pepper and garlic, for a flavorful and satisfying dish. Serve it with your beer can chicken for a well-rounded and delicious meal.
16of 20
Black Eyed Pea Soup
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Smoked Turkey, Kale, Onion, Carrots
Warm up on a chilly evening with this black-eyed pea soup. It's made with a variety of vegetables, including carrots, celery, and onions, and a touch of bacon for added flavor. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a comforting and hearty meal.
17of 20
Crispy Collards and Kale
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Collard Greens, Kale, Sea Salt, Freshly
Crispy collards and kale are a delicious and healthy side dish option to serve with your beer can chicken. The greens are sautéed until crispy and seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices for a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Collard greens are a classic Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. They're cooked with bacon, onion, and a touch of vinegar for a savory and tangy flavor. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded and delicious meal.
Oxtails may not be the most common meat choice, but they are a Southern delicacy. These Southern smothered oxtails are cooked in a rich and flavorful gravy and served over rice. The result is a hearty and satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
20of 20
Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a side of flaky and buttery biscuits. This classic Southern biscuit recipe is easy to make and pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. Serve them warm with a touch of butter for a comforting and delicious addition to your meal.
The Secret Ingredient: Bacon
When it comes to Southern cooking, bacon is a staple ingredient that adds a burst of smoky, savory flavor to any dish. In this kale recipe, the *bacon* is the star of the show. By cooking the bacon first and then sautéing the kale in the rendered fat, you'll infuse every bite with a delicious bacon flavor that will have your taste buds singing. Plus, the *bacon grease* adds a richness to the dish that can't be replicated by any other cooking oil.
Not All Kale is Created Equal
To truly make the best Southern kale dish, it's important to use the right type of kale. While any variety of kale will work, Tuscan or Lacinato kale is the most commonly used in Southern cooking. Its dark, wrinkled leaves hold up well to cooking and have a slightly sweeter flavor compared to other varieties. Make sure to remove the tough stems before cooking to ensure a tender and enjoyable eating experience.
Don't Be Afraid to Add Some Heat
To add a little kick to this dish, consider incorporating some *red pepper flakes* or *Cajun seasoning* into the recipe. This will give the dish a subtle heat that pairs perfectly with the smoky bacon and earthy kale. Just be sure to add the spice in small increments and taste as you go to ensure it's not too overpowering.
The Perfect Side Dish or Standalone Meal
This Southern kale recipe is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a standalone meal. Serve it alongside your favorite protein, such as fried chicken or grilled salmon, for a well-rounded meal. Or, for a vegetarian option, top the kale with a fried egg and some avocado slices for a hearty and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ready to Serve Up the Best Southern Kale?
Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making the best Southern kale dish, it's time to put it into action. The combination of *bacon*, *Tuscan kale*, and a touch of spice makes this dish a standout among other kale recipes. So, grab your skillet and get ready to impress your taste buds and dinner guests with this delicious and nutritious dish.