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
Scale
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.
