Skillet Spinach
Skillet Spinach is a quick, flavorful side dish featuring tender spinach wilted with bacon grease and savory ham, accented by a creamy egg and half-and-half mixture. Topped with scallions, it offers a satisfying balance of richness and freshness, perfect for brunch or a hearty side.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the spinach thoroughly and trim the stems. Tear large leaves in half if needed. Shake to dry.
- In a very large skillet, heat the bacon grease over medium-high heat. Add the chopped pork or ham and brown slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the vinegar.
- Mix the beaten egg with the half and half, then stir into the skillet.
- Add the spinach a handful at a time, letting it cook down while stirring until more can be added. Continue until all spinach is used.
- Sprinkle chopped scallions over the top and stir until the last batch of spinach is wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using duck fat instead of bacon grease. If you don't have half and half, you can substitute it with equal parts milk and cream. For added texture, consider throwing in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts. Make sure to add the spinach gradually to ensure it cooks down properly without overcrowding the skillet.
Serving Suggestions
Skillet spinach is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with Christmas Pork Roast or can be served as a hearty side to Fried Cabbage And Shells. For a light meal, serve it with crusty bread or over a bed of rice. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the skillet spinach to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving as it can overcook the spinach.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Skillet Spinach contains roughly 263 calories, with 3g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (17% of the Daily Value), and iron (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1832mg per serving (80% 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, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture. The texture will be different, but it will still work in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time as needed since frozen spinach is already cooked.
What can I substitute for bacon grease?
If you prefer not to use bacon grease, olive oil or butter are excellent substitutes. They will provide a different flavor profile but will still yield a delicious result. If you want a smoky flavor, you might consider using smoked olive oil.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Skillet Spinach is great for meal prep! Just make sure to store it in airtight containers. It reheats well and can be easily added to meals throughout the week, such as omelets or grain bowls, making it a convenient and nutritious option.
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).