Step 1

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Working in batches, add some kale to the boiling water and cook until tender, about 4 minutes. Transfer to an ice water bath and then drain in a colander. Place in a salad spinner to remove excess water. Continue to cook and drain remaining batches.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Step 3

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Add pimentos and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add half-and-half and cream and bring to a simmer.

Step 4

Remove from the heat. Stir in Gruyere cheese, 1/2 of the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and cayenne. Fold in kale. Transfer to a shallow baking dish and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and panko.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes.