Creamed Spinach Bake is the ultimate side dish that brings comfort and flavor to any table. This creamy and cheesy delight is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or even a cozy weeknight dinner. With a crispy turkey bacon topping, this dish elevates your greens to a whole new level. Whether you use fresh or frozen spinach, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of heavy cream and parmesan cheese creates a luxurious texture that makes every bite irresistible.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time.
- Versatile Side Dish: Great for holiday meals, potlucks, or as a comforting addition to any dinner.
- Vegetable Boost: Incorporating spinach means you’re adding a nutritious element without sacrificing flavor.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its cheesy goodness and crispy topping, it’s sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making this delightful Creamed Spinach Bake, gather your tools for a smooth cooking experience. Having the right equipment will help streamline your preparation.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Oven-safe skillet: This allows you to cook on the stovetop and finish baking in the oven, saving time on cleanup.
- Whisk: Ensures smooth mixing of your ingredients, particularly when combining the cream and cheese.
- Measuring cups & spoons: Precision in measuring ingredients leads to consistent results every time.
Ingredients
To make this delicious Creamed Spinach Bake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Base
- 3 tablespoon butter
- 1/8 cup flour
- 1 heaping tablespoon freshly minced garlic
- 1.5 cups half & half
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups parmesan cheese (divided)
For the Spinach
- 16 ounces fresh spinach leaves (or 1 box frozen leaf spinach, not chopped)
For Topping
- 5 strips crispy Turkey Bacon for topping
- optional; 2 teaspoons seasoning blend (recipe in notes)
How to Make Creamed Spinach Bake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the dish.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Make Paste
Melt butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
– Add freshly minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
– Stir in flour to create a paste.
Step 3: Add Creams Until Thickened
- Lower heat to medium-low.
- Gradually pour in heavy cream and half & half while stirring.
- Continue stirring until the mixture begins to thicken.
Step 4: Stir in Cheese
- Add in 1 cup of parmesan cheese and mix until fully combined.
- If the mixture is too thick, add more cream or half & half until desired consistency is achieved.
Step 5: Incorporate Spinach
- Gradually add spinach leaves into the mixture in batches.
- Stir until they wilt down nicely into the creamy base.
Step 6: Top with Remaining Cheese
- Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Optionally, add seasoning blend for extra flavor if desired.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese turns golden brown. Remove from oven and top immediately with crispy diced turkey bacon for that added crunch.
Enjoy your Creamed Spinach Bake as a delightful side dish that everyone will love!
How to Serve Creamed Spinach Bake
Creamed Spinach Bake is a versatile dish that can elevate any meal. Whether you are hosting a holiday gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, here are some delightful serving suggestions.
As a Side Dish
- Perfect alongside your favorite protein, such as roasted chicken or grilled turkey, to complement the flavors.
With Crusty Bread
- Serve with slices of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping, enhancing the creamy texture.
Topped with Additional Cheese
- For extra indulgence, sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top before serving.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and flavor.
Paired with Salad
- A light green salad can balance the richness of the Creamed Spinach Bake.
How to Perfect Creamed Spinach Bake
To ensure your Creamed Spinach Bake is absolutely delicious, follow these tips for perfection.
Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach offers a vibrant flavor and texture, but frozen spinach can work if thawed and drained well.
Adjust the Consistency: If the mixture becomes too thick, add more half & half or heavy cream to reach your desired creaminess.
Crisp the Turkey Bacon: Make sure your turkey bacon is crispy before adding it on top; this adds a nice crunch to each bite.
Season to Taste: Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning blend according to your preference; adding nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile.
Let it Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after baking to make serving easier.
Best Side Dishes for Creamed Spinach Bake
Creamed Spinach Bake pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:
Roasted Chicken
A simple roasted chicken seasoned with herbs complements the creamy texture perfectly.Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting contrast in texture.Grilled Asparagus
Lightly charred asparagus adds a fresh crunch that balances the richness of the bake.Quinoa Salad
A refreshing quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness and nutrition to your meal.Stuffed Bell Peppers
Colorful stuffed bell peppers filled with rice and vegetables make for an appealing and hearty side.Baked Sweet Potatoes
The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes contrasts beautifully with the savory creamed spinach.Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts offer a delightful bitterness that pairs well with creamy dishes.Cauliflower Rice
Light and fluffy cauliflower rice serves as a low-carb alternative that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Creamed Spinach Bake to new heights. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
Ignoring the spinach: Not properly washing or drying the spinach can result in excess moisture. Make sure to wash fresh spinach thoroughly and pat it dry to avoid a watery dish.
Overcooking the garlic: Cooking garlic too long can lead to bitterness. Sauté it just until it’s fragrant, and then proceed with adding flour.
Using low-fat dairy: Low-fat options can make your Creamed Spinach Bake less creamy. Stick with heavy cream and half & half for the best texture and flavor.
Not seasoning adequately: Failing to season your dish can leave it bland. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning, especially before baking.
Skipping the rest period: Cutting into the bake immediately may cause it to fall apart. Let it sit for a few minutes after coming out of the oven for better slicing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will last for about 3-5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Creamed Spinach Bake
- Use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Creamed Spinach Bake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently until hot throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Creamed Spinach Bake that may help you on your cooking journey.
How do I make my Creamed Spinach Bake thicker?
Adding an extra tablespoon of flour when making the roux or incorporating more parmesan cheese can help achieve a thicker consistency.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just ensure it is thawed and drained properly before adding it to the mixture.
What should I serve with Creamed Spinach Bake?
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, turkey, or beef roasts. It also makes a great side for holiday meals!
How long does Creamed Spinach Bake last in the fridge?
Your Creamed Spinach Bake will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
This Creamed Spinach Bake is an indulgent yet simple dish that brings together rich flavors and creamy textures. Perfect as a side dish for any occasion or holiday feast, it invites customization with various cheeses or spices according to your taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to make this delightful recipe your own!
Creamed Spinach Bake
Creamed Spinach Bake is a rich and creamy side dish that elevates any meal with its delightful blend of flavors. This comforting recipe features a luscious combination of creamy cheeses and fresh spinach, topped with crispy turkey bacon for an added crunch. Perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or a cozy weeknight meal, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether using fresh or frozen spinach, you’ll impress your guests with this indulgent yet easy-to-make treat. Serve it alongside your favorite proteins or crusty bread for a truly satisfying experience.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately four people 1x
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/8 cup flour
- 1 heaping tablespoon freshly minced garlic
- 1.5 cups half & half
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups parmesan cheese (divided)
- 16 ounces fresh spinach leaves (or 1 box frozen leaf spinach)
- 5 strips crispy turkey bacon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Melt butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then stir in flour to create a paste.
- Gradually add heavy cream and half & half while stirring on medium-low heat until thickened.
- Mix in 1 cup of parmesan cheese until fully combined; adjust consistency with more cream if needed.
- Stir in spinach leaves until wilted into the creamy mixture.
- Top with remaining parmesan cheese and optional seasoning blend.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown, then sprinkle with crispy turkey bacon before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the bake (approximately 180g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg