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Utica Greens

Escarole with cherry peppers, prosciutto, and a crispy breadcrumb topping — Utica’s famous spicy greens.

⏱ 15 minPrep time
🔥 25 minCook time
🍽 6Servings
🏷 New York KitchenCategory
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Utica Greens — escarole with cherry peppers, prosciutto and crispy breadcrumb topping

Utica greens are the signature side dish of Utica, New York — escarole sautéed with garlic, hot cherry peppers, and crisp prosciutto, then baked under a blanket of breadcrumbs and Pecorino Romano. They’re spicy, savory, and completely addictive.

Chef Emily presents Utica Greens

The spicy, savory side from Utica

Escarole with cherry peppers, prosciutto, and a crispy breadcrumb-cheese crust — Utica greens, the region’s most famous side dish.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Blanch the escarole in boiling salted water for 3 minutes, then drain well.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet and sauté the garlic and cherry peppers for 1 minute. Add the prosciutto and cook until crisp.
  3. Add the escarole and broth and cook until the broth mostly evaporates, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Transfer to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs and Pecorino.
  5. Bake 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbling. Serve hot.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Use hot cherry peppers for the authentic kick, and adjust the amount to your heat tolerance. The breadcrumbs should be golden and crisp, not soggy — add them at the end of baking.

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Recipe details

Prep15 min
Cook25 min
Servings6
CategoryNew York Kitchen
PublishedAugust 16, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →