Dinner

Southern-Style Braised Kale Recipe

Name: Southern-Style Braised Kale Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 cups Water; 2 teaspoons Sodium-Free Chicken Bouillon; 1/4 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil; 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar; 3 Bay Leaves; 1/2 teaspoon Celery Salt; 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes; 4 slices Bacon; 1 cup Yellow Onion, chopped; 1 tablespoon Garlic, minced; 1 bag Kale (about 10-12 cups, packed)

ByBen Miller December 18, 2025December 18, 2025

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Introduction

Southern-style braised kale is a flavorful and comforting side dish that combines tender greens with savory bacon and a tangy broth. This recipe brings out the best in kale, making it a perfect addition to any meal.

Two plates of cooked kale mixed with bits of onion and small pieces of bacon sit on a white marbled surface. Each plate is white and round, holding a dark green, slightly shiny pile of kale with light green and pale yellow stems, scattered light pink bacon bits, and small pieces of translucent cooked onion. One plate is in the foreground with a silver fork resting on its right edge. Next to this plate are fresh kale leaves and a whole brown onion. Above this plate is a small clear glass bowl filled with golden olive oil, all placed on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups water
2 teaspoons sodium-free chicken bouillon
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
4 slices bacon
1 cup yellow onion, chopped
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 bag kale

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl or cup, combine water, chicken bouillon, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, bay leaves, celery salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well.
Step 2: Heat the mixture in the microwave for 30 seconds to help dissolve the spices. Stir again and set aside.
Step 3: In an extra-large saucepan, sauté the bacon, yellow onion, and garlic over medium to medium-high heat. Cook until the bacon begins to brown, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add the whole bag of kale to the saucepan. It’s okay if it’s packed tightly, as it will wilt down during cooking.
Step 5: Pour the prepared broth over the kale and bring the liquid to a boil, about 3 minutes.
Step 6: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 40 minutes. Stir the kale every 5-10 minutes to rotate the leaves from bottom to top for even cooking.
Step 7: Serve the braised kale immediately or refrigerate and reheat when ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

For a smokier flavor, use smoked bacon or add a splash of liquid smoke.
Substitute apple cider vinegar with lemon juice for a different tangy note.
Remove bay leaves before serving to avoid any bitter bites.
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon.

Storage

Store leftover braised kale in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.