Bacon Creamed Spinach Recipe
Make Bacon Creamed Spinach Recipe in just 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Spinach & Garnish
Bacon & Aromatics
Cream Sauce
Method
Spinach & Garnish
- 1
Prepare and wilt spinach
Rinse the baby spinach thoroughly and spin or pat dry. Bring a very large pot of water to a boil and add 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Add spinach in two batches, blanching each for 20–30 seconds until wilted. Drain immediately in a colander and plunge into an ice bath to stop cooking. When cool, squeeze out as much water as possible using clean kitchen towels or cheesecloth and roughly chop; you should end up with about 3 cups packed chopped spinach.
- 2
Finish
After combining the creamed spinach (see sauce section), stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice, taste, and adjust with remaining salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper as needed.
Bacon & Aromatics
- 3
Cook bacon
Cut bacon crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Place bacon in a cold skillet and set over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp and browned, 8–10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet. Reserve about 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the pan and discard excess (or save for another use).
- 4
Sauté onion and garlic
Reduce heat to medium-low and add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Add 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion and cook, stirring, until translucent and soft, about 4–5 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 30–45 seconds, taking care not to brown the garlic.
Cream Sauce
- 5
- 6
Add milk and cream
Gradually whisk in 3/4 cup whole milk until smooth, then add 3/4 cup heavy cream. Increase heat to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking frequently, until it thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes.
- 7
Incorporate cheeses and seasoning
Lower heat to low and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan and 2 ounces softened cream cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste). Simmer gently for 1–2 minutes to meld flavors.
- 8
Combine with spinach and bacon
Add the well-drained, chopped spinach to the cream sauce and fold until evenly coated and heated through, about 2 minutes. Stir in the crisp bacon pieces, reserving a tablespoon for garnish if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning with lemon juice and black pepper as described in the Spinach & Garnish section.
