Rich & Creamy Spinach Bake
Indulge in a luxurious side dish that pays homage to the classic creamed spinach found in upscale prime rib restaurants. This Rich & Creamy Spinach Bake combines crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and a velvety blend of seasonings to create an irresistible dish that perfectly complements your favorite entrees. Made with carefully balanced flavors and creamy textures, this recipe is sure to impress your family and guests alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
6 slices (finely chopped)
Onion
1 cup (finely chopped)
Flour
1/4 cup (all-purpose)
Seasoned Salt
2 teaspoons (preferably Lawry's)
Seasoned Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (preferably Lawry's)
Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Parsley
1/4 teaspoon (dried or fresh)
Milk
1 3/4 cups (whole or low-fat)
Frozen Spinach
2 (10 ounce) packages (cooked and drained)
Instructions
1
In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the finely chopped bacon until it starts to crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and continue to cook until the onion is soft and translucent, approximately 10 more minutes.
3
Remove the skillet from heat, and sprinkle the flour, seasoned salt, seasoned pepper, garlic powder, and parsley over the bacon and onion mixture. Stir well to combine.
4
Gradually pour in the milk while stirring to avoid lumps, then return the skillet to low heat.
5
Cook and stir the mixture over low heat until it thickens, which should take around 5-7 minutes.
6
Once thickened, fold in the cooked and thoroughly drained spinach, ensuring it is well mixed.
7
If the mixture is too thick for your liking, adjust the consistency by adding additional milk, a tablespoon at a time.
8
Transfer the creamed spinach to a baking dish, top with a sprinkle of additional garlic powder or cheese if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rich & Creamy Spinach Bake?
It is a luxurious side dish inspired by classic upscale steakhouse creamed spinach, featuring bacon, onions, and a velvety creamy sauce.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients include bacon, onion, all-purpose flour, seasoned salt, seasoned pepper, garlic powder, parsley, milk, and frozen spinach.
How much bacon is required for this recipe?
You will need 6 slices of finely chopped bacon for this dish.
How should the bacon be cooked?
Cook the finely chopped bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until it starts to crisp.
What kind of spinach is used?
The recipe calls for two 10-ounce packages of frozen spinach that have been cooked and thoroughly drained.
What type of seasoned salt is recommended?
Lawry's seasoned salt is the preferred choice for this recipe to achieve the intended flavor profile.
How long do I need to sauté the onions?
Add the chopped onions to the bacon skillet and cook for approximately 10 more minutes until they are soft and translucent.
How do I prevent lumps in the creamy sauce?
To avoid lumps, gradually pour in the milk while stirring constantly after the flour and seasonings have been mixed with the bacon and onions.
What type of milk can I use?
The recipe works well with 1 3/4 cups of either whole milk or low-fat milk.
What if the spinach bake is too thick?
If the mixture is too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding additional milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired texture.
How long does it take for the sauce to thicken?
Once the milk is added, cook and stir the mixture over low heat for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens.
Can I add cheese to the spinach bake?
Yes, you can top the dish with a sprinkle of cheese or additional garlic powder before serving if desired.
What seasoning is used for the pepper?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of seasoned pepper, preferably Lawry's brand.
How much onion is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of finely chopped onion.
What is the final step before serving?
Transfer the creamed spinach to a baking dish, top with optional seasonings or cheese, and serve while warm.
Is the garlic powder added to the sauce?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder is mixed into the skillet along with the flour and other seasonings.
What kind of flour is used as a thickener?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to create the creamy base.
Can I use fresh parsley?
Yes, you can use 1/4 teaspoon of either dried or fresh parsley.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and is designed to be a rich, satisfying vegetable side dish.
Should the spinach be drained?
Yes, it is crucial that the cooked spinach is thoroughly drained before folding it into the sauce to prevent the dish from becoming watery.
What heat setting should I use for thickening the milk?
The milk mixture should be cooked and stirred over low heat to ensure it thickens properly without burning.
Does the recipe include any sugar?
Based on the ingredients listed, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
Is this a vegetarian dish?
No, this recipe contains bacon, but it could be modified by omitting the bacon and using butter for sautéing the onions.
What can I serve with this spinach bake?
It is a perfect complement to upscale entrees like prime rib or other favorite meat dishes.
Is the bacon drained before adding onions?
No, the onions are added directly to the skillet with the bacon to cook in the rendered fat.
How much spinach total is used?
The recipe uses 20 ounces total (two 10-ounce packages) of frozen spinach.
Does this recipe contain many ingredients?
The recipe is relatively simple, with an ingredient count of 9 items.
How do I incorporate the spinach into the sauce?
Once the sauce has thickened, fold the cooked and drained spinach into the skillet until well mixed.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, the recipe contains all-purpose flour. To make it gluten-free, a suitable flour substitute would be required.
How many servings does this provide?
While specific serving counts aren't provided, it uses 20oz of spinach and nearly 2 cups of milk, making it a substantial side for a family meal.