Sausage & Kale Recipe

Cook the sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the bulk sausage, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked sausage to a bowl, leaving rendered fat in the pan.

Sauté aromatics

Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet if the pan is dry. Add sliced onion and a pinch of salt; sauté until translucent and starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Wilt the kale

Add the chopped kale to the pan and season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Pour in 1/4 cup water or chicken broth, cover the pan, and let the kale steam and wilt for 2–3 minutes. Uncover and stir; continue cooking until kale is tender but still bright green, 2–3 more minutes. Return the cooked sausage to the pan and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with remaining salt and pepper as needed.

Make the buffalo butter sauce

While the kale wilts (or in a small saucepan), combine 1/2 cup house buffalo sauce and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over low heat. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce is glossy, about 2 minutes. If you prefer a milder, creamier sauce, whisk in 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream until smooth and warm.

Combine sausage mixture with sauce

Pour the warm buffalo butter sauce over the sausage and kale in the skillet. Stir gently to coat everything evenly and warm through for 1–2 minutes.

Add blue cheese

Sprinkle 1/2 cup crumbled Danish blue cheese into the skillet and toss gently so some melts into the sauce while some remains as creamy crumbles. Remove from heat.

Plate the sausage & kale mixture on a serving dish. Top with 1/2 cup shredded carrots for crunch and color. Scatter chopped parsley or chives over the top and, if using, drizzle 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Serve immediately while warm. Offer extra blue cheese and buffalo sauce at the table, if desired.