Bacony Creamed Spinach
Creamy, smoky creamed spinach enhanced with crispy bacon, perfect as a side dish for hearty or elegant meals, blending rich flavors with tender greens.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook spinach by boiling or in microwave, then drain well and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
- Chop spinach finely using a food processor or food grinder.
- Cook bacon in a skillet until crisp, then remove and drain. Crumble and set aside.
- In about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat, saute garlic and onion over medium heat until the onion is limp.
- Add chopped spinach to the skillet, lower the heat, and season with salt and white pepper.
- Stir well as moisture evaporates from the spinach, about 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Sprinkle in flour, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Gradually stir in light cream, half and half, or milk, and cook until smooth and bubbly.
- Stir in the spinach mixture and heat through.
- Remove from heat, stir in reserved bacon bits, and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using pancetta instead of bacon. If you're looking for a healthier option, substitute the cream with a lower-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative. Make sure to drain the spinach thoroughly to avoid a watery dish. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra depth of flavor, which pairs beautifully with Easy Hardy Corn Chowder.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Bacony Creamed Spinach as a decadent side dish alongside roasted meats or as part of a brunch spread. It pairs well with the Best Ever Quiche or can be enjoyed over baked potatoes for a comforting meal. Garnish with extra bacon bits or a sprinkle of parmesan for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also add a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess if it thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bacony Creamed Spinach contains roughly 242 calories, with 6g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2073mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach is a convenient alternative! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before adding it to the dish. This will help achieve the desired consistency without making the creamed spinach watery.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter for sautéing. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for additional flavor and texture, maintaining the creamy aspect with plant-based milk options.
What's the best way to serve creamed spinach?
Creamed spinach is best served warm as a side dish, and it complements various main courses such as grilled meats or roasts. For a festive touch, consider serving it in a hollowed-out bread bowl or alongside crusty bread to soak up the creamy goodness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).