Are you ready to transform an ordinary vegetable side into a mouthwatering sensation that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds? Our Creamed Spinach with Bacon and Crispy Onions is not just another boring vegetable dish – it's a flavor explosion that combines the earthiness of fresh spinach, the smoky crunch of bacon, and the irresistible texture of crispy fried onions. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality side that elevates any meal from mundane to magnificent!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh spinach
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by washing the fresh spinach thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- In the same skillet, with the bacon drippings still in the pan, add the washed spinach. Sauté the spinach over medium heat until it wilts down, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the spinach has wilted, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine the spinach and cream, allowing the mixture to heat through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the crispy bacon back into the skillet with the spinach and cream mixture. Stir to combine, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finally, sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the top of the creamed spinach. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Remove from heat and serve the creamed spinach warm, garnished with additional crispy fried onions if desired. Enjoy!
Tips
- Fresh is Best: Always use fresh spinach and wash it thoroughly to remove any grit or sand.
- Bacon Magic: Cook bacon until it's perfectly crispy to add maximum flavor and texture to the dish.
- Don't Overcook Spinach: Sauté spinach just until it wilts to maintain its vibrant green color and nutritional value.
- Low and Slow Cream: Add heavy cream on low heat to prevent separation and create a smooth, creamy texture.
- Layer Your Flavors: Add crispy fried onions at the end to maintain their crunch and provide a delightful textural contrast.
- Season Carefully: Taste and adjust salt and pepper, remembering that bacon adds natural saltiness.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, right after cooking, to preserve the crispy elements and creamy consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 85mg
