Creamy Spinach Bacon Noodle Bake
This Creamy Spinach Bacon Noodle Bake combines the rich flavors of crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and creamy parmesan in a delightful dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. Originating from an Amish cookbook, this recipe has been enhanced with minced garlic and a kick of cayenne pepper for added warmth. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this comforting casserole is both satisfying and quick to prepare, coming together in under an hour.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
1 lb (cooked until crispy and crumbled)
flat noodles
1 lb (cooked according to package instructions)
frozen spinach
10 oz (thawed and excess water squeezed out)
minced garlic
1 tablespoon (minced)
butter
1/2 cup (unsalted)
egg
1 (lightly beaten)
heavy cream
1 1/2 cups (fresh)
parmesan cheese
2 cups (freshly grated)
salt
to taste (fine)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
cayenne pepper
to taste (optional, for heat)
Instructions
1
Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from skillet, crumble, and set aside. Drain excess bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
2
Thaw the frozen spinach in a colander and squeeze out any excess water with your hands or a clean kitchen towel.
3
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thawed spinach and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-5 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the spinach is tender.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked flat noodles, heavy cream, beaten egg, grated parmesan cheese, crumbled bacon, and sautéed spinach mixture. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste.
5
Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are well-coated and combined.
6
Transfer the noodle mixture into a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbling.
7
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your deliciously creamy and cheesy noodle bake!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Spinach Bacon Noodle Bake?
It is a comforting casserole that combines crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and creamy parmesan sauce with flat noodles, based on an Amish recipe.
What type of noodles are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of flat noodles, cooked according to the package instructions.
How much bacon is required?
You will need 1 lb of bacon, cooked until crispy and then crumbled.
How should I prepare the frozen spinach?
Thaw 10 oz of frozen spinach in a colander and squeeze out all excess water with your hands or a clean towel.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This dish originates from an Amish cookbook and has been enhanced with garlic and cayenne pepper.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the casserole.
How long does the noodle bake take to cook in the oven?
Bake the mixture for 25-30 minutes or until it is hot and bubbling.
How much garlic should I add?
The recipe suggests using 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is a quick meal that comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknights.
Do I need to keep the bacon fat?
After cooking the bacon, you should drain the excess fat but leave about 1 tablespoon in the pan for flavor.
What seasonings are included in the bake?
The dish is seasoned with salt, fresh black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
How much butter is used to sauté the spinach?
Use 1/2 cup of unsalted butter to sauté the spinach and minced garlic.
What role does the egg play in this recipe?
One lightly beaten egg is added to the mixture to help bind the creamy sauce and noodles together.
How much heavy cream is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of fresh heavy cream.
Is the cayenne pepper mandatory?
The cayenne pepper is optional and used for those who want to add a bit of heat to the dish.
How long do I sauté the spinach and garlic?
Sauté them together for 3-5 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the spinach is tender.
Should the baking dish be prepared beforehand?
Yes, you should transfer the noodle mixture into a greased baking dish.
Can I serve this dish immediately after baking?
It is recommended to let the bake cool slightly before serving to allow it to set.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients, including the seasonings.
Is this dish considered a casserole?
Yes, it is described as a comforting casserole and a creamy noodle bake.
What kind of salt is suggested?
Fine salt is recommended, added to your personal taste preference.
Can I use freshly ground pepper?
Yes, the recipe specifies freshly ground black pepper.
What is the primary flavor profile of this bake?
The flavor profile is rich, creamy, and cheesy, with smoky notes from the bacon and a savory garlic-spinach base.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include pasta, bacon, spinach, cream, cheese, casserole, and comfort food.
Is the parmesan cheese mixed in or just a topping?
The parmesan cheese is combined in the large mixing bowl with the other ingredients before baking.
How do you ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed?
The instructions say to toss all ingredients gently in a large bowl to ensure they are well-coated and combined.
What type of butter should I use?
The recipe specifically lists 1/2 cup of unsalted butter.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, while quick enough for weeknights, it is rich and flavorful enough to impress for special occasions.
How much spinach is used?
The recipe calls for a 10 oz package of frozen spinach.