Skillet Utica Greens
Skillet Utica Greens is one incredible dish that you will want to try out. A traditional dish from Upstate New York, Utica to be specific, I was born and raised in the Utica area and have never had greens like these anywhere else. These Utica Greens are vibrant, spicy, and bursting with fresh flavors.
Utica Skillet Greens is a side dish that is very common in restaurants and homes in the Utica area. You can even find this dish on the menu at most area restaurants. My recipe for Utica greens has hot red cherry peppers, pancetta, romano cheese, escarole, garlic and more. This is one incredible recipe.
Skillet Utica Greens
Escarole really helps this recipe stand out from the rest. I highly recommend you giving this dish a try if you like spicy food and greens. It is a family favorite I have been making for years.
What is Escarole
Escarole is a leafy green vegetable that is broad-leafed. Escarole does have a bitter taste, but when you prepare it as I did, it will help to remove the bitter flavor. Learn More about Escarole
What If I Can’t Find Escarole
If you can’t find escarole, for the Utica greens, no fret. I know some areas might not carry this, so you can easily swap with spinach or arugula. It will, of course, adjust the flavor but they all will work in swapping if you need them.
Is Escarole Good For You
Yes, escarole is full of nutrients that are very beneficial. Fiber, vitamins like A and K, antioxidants, and minerals. This is a great way to add more greens into your diet to gain health benefits.
What Do I Serve Utica Greens With?
I serve my Utica Greens as a side dish with Utica Chicken Riggies. You can also just eat them as a lunch of dinner serve them on Italian bread with a little bit of butter and romano cheese.
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How To Store Leftover Skillet Utica Greens
You will want to store any leftover greens in the fridge. They will go bad if left out on the counter at room temperature. Try not to allow your Utica greens to stay out for more than 2 hours at a time. This will cause bacteria to grow more rapidly. These greens will store for up to three days in the fridge.
Can I Add Potatoes To This Greens Recipe
Depending on where in Utica you order greens you can find fried potatoes in your greens. Potatoes are optional, so it is up to you. You are welcome to peel and dice potatoes and cook them in the dish until they are soft and tender. It adds more flavor and texture to the recipe.
I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. It is a lot different than other greens recipes you will find this dish offers tons of bold and zesty flavors.

Skillet Utica Greens
Skillet Utica Greens is one incredible dish that you will want to try out. A traditional dish from Upstate New York, Utica to be specific, I was born and raised in the Utica area and have never had greens like these anywhere else. These Utica Greens are vibrant, spicy, and bursting with fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 Heads of Escarole
- 6 Cloves Garlic
- 4-5 Red Cherry Peppers
- 3/4 Cup Romano Cheese
- 1/2 Cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- 4 Slices Prosciutto
- 4 Slices Hot Ham (Optional)
- 2 TBS Olive Oil
- 1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Rinse and then chop escarole into bite-size pieces
- Slice meat into 1" squares
- Cut Cherry Peppers in half and remove seeds
- Heat skillet to medium-high heat
- Add olive Oil and chopped garlic
- Add slices of meat cook 1-2 minutes
- Add Cherry Peppers
- Add 1 cup water
- Add Escarole
- Cover and cook for 5 minutes
- Remove cover and continue cooking until tender
- Mix together Romano and panko bread crumbs in a small bowl
- Sprinkle cheese mixture over the greens
- Optional Top with mozzarella and put under the broiler for 5 minutes or until cheese melts
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 183Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 777mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 15g
Can’t wait to try this recipe of greens 😍