If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, creamy, and utterly flavorful side dish that elevates any meal, you cannot go wrong with the Creamed Spinach Bake with Parmesan and Crispy Turkey Bacon Recipe. This dish brings together tender spinach bathed in a luscious, cheesy sauce made rich with Parmesan and a hint of garlic, all crowned with crispy turkey bacon that adds a satisfying crunch and smoky note. It’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent yet fresh, perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the rich textures and layers of flavor in this bake. The ingredients are simple but essential, each bringing a unique role — from creamy decadence to savory depth and finally, that irresistible crispy topping.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Acts as the luxurious base to sauté garlic and build the creamy sauce.
- 1/8 cup flour: The thickening agent that transforms your sauce to silky perfection.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Adds aromatic warmth and a gentle punch of flavor.
- 1.5 cups half & half: Gives a smooth creaminess that’s lighter than heavy cream alone.
- 3/4 cup heavy cream: Elevates the richness for that indulgent mouthfeel you want from creamed spinach.
- 2 cups Parmesan cheese (divided): Brings sharp, nutty, and salty notes that make the dish unforgettable.
- 16 ounces fresh spinach leaves (or 1 box frozen leaf spinach): The star green veggie that keeps everything vibrant and fresh.
- 5 strips crispy turkey bacon (for topping): Adds a smoky crunch topping that perfectly contrasts the creaminess below.
How to Make Creamed Spinach Bake with Parmesan and Crispy Turkey Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures a nice even bake later when your spinach mixture is ready. Heating the oven early means no waiting around when it’s time to bake.
Step 2: Build the Creamy Roux
In an oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté gently until you get that wonderful fragrant aroma—about 1-2 minutes. This step infuses the butter with garlic flavor and sets the stage for the sauce.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
Sprinkle in the flour and stir quickly so it combines smoothly with the butter and garlic, creating a roux. Lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream and half & half while stirring constantly. The mixture will gradually thicken—this creamy base is what gives your creamed spinach that luscious texture everyone loves.
Step 4: Add Parmesan and Spinach
Mix in one cup of Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated evenly into the sauce. Then, add the fresh spinach gradually, stirring constantly until it wilts down and blends perfectly with the creamy mixture. If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and drain well beforehand to avoid excess moisture.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of your skillet mixture. Then, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top. This step makes the cheese crust irresistible and adds a beautiful texture.
Step 6: Crisp Turkey Bacon Finish
While the spinach bakes, crisp your turkey bacon until crunchy. When your bake comes out of the oven, scatter the crispy diced turkey bacon over the top for that final burst of savory crunch and smoky flavor that truly elevates the dish.
How to Serve Creamed Spinach Bake with Parmesan and Crispy Turkey Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the crispy turkey bacon topping, consider a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a light dusting of extra Parmesan for added flair. A few fresh parsley leaves can add a pop of color and brighten the presentation, enhancing that home-cooked appeal.
Side Dishes
This creamed spinach bake pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted pork tenderloin, or baked salmon. It also acts as an indulgent complement to hearty mashed potatoes or crusty artisan bread to soak up all the delicious creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests visually, serve individual portions by scooping this spinach bake into small ramekins and topping each with bacon. Alternatively, try layering it into a shallow casserole dish with thinly sliced tomatoes for a colorful twist before baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover creamed spinach bake into an airtight container and refrigerate. It should stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead side for busy weeknights.
Freezing
You can freeze the creamed spinach bake in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just make sure it’s well covered to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to retain the creamy texture and crispy bacon contrast. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring gently, but beware the bacon may lose some crispness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw and thoroughly squeeze out excess water to avoid a watery bake. Frozen spinach actually works great and makes this recipe even easier to prepare.
Is turkey bacon a good substitute for regular bacon here?
Yes, turkey bacon offers a lighter, leaner option with less fat while still providing that smoky, crispy crunch that complements the creamy spinach beautifully.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the turkey bacon topping. You might consider adding toasted breadcrumbs or sliced mushrooms for added texture and flavor instead.
What can I use if I don’t have half & half on hand?
Mix equal parts whole milk and heavy cream as a substitute for half & half. This will give you the same creamy richness needed for the sauce.
How do I ensure my creamed spinach bake isn’t too watery?
Make sure to wilt fresh spinach thoroughly before adding, or drain frozen spinach well. Also, allowing the sauce to thicken properly on the stove before baking helps reduce excess liquid in the final dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully comforting and satisfying about the Creamed Spinach Bake with Parmesan and Crispy Turkey Bacon Recipe. It shows how a few simple, thoughtful ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re serving it as a rich side or a highlight on your table, I genuinely hope you dive in and enjoy every creamy, crunchy bite just as much as I do.
Print
Creamed Spinach Bake with Parmesan and Crispy Turkey Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This creamy spinach bake is a comforting and delicious side dish perfect for any meal. Fresh spinach is cooked in a rich and velvety sauce made with butter, garlic, half & half, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, then baked to golden perfection and topped with crispy turkey bacon for added flavor and crunch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/8 cup flour
- 1 tablespoon 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the spinach dish.
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In an oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, to infuse the butter with garlic flavor.
- Make Roux and Add Dairy: Stir in the flour thoroughly and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Lower the heat and gradually add the heavy cream and half & half, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Add Parmesan and Spinach: Mix in 1 cup of Parmesan cheese to enrich the sauce. Then, gradually add the fresh spinach leaves, stirring until they are wilted and fully incorporated into the creamy mixture.
- Prepare for Baking: Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top of the spinach mixture in the skillet. Optionally, you may add your preferred seasoning blend at this stage to taste.
- Bake the Dish: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly, indicating the dish is hot and cooked through.
- Finish with Crispy Bacon: Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the crispy diced turkey bacon strips on top. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen spinach for fresh but be sure to thaw and drain excess water prior to use.
- To make this dish vegetarian, omit the turkey bacon or replace with a vegetarian bacon alternative.
- Use a heavy-bottomed oven-safe skillet to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- For a richer flavor, use whole cream instead of half & half if desired.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste before baking for enhanced flavor.
