Creamed Spinach with Bacon

Name: Creamed Spinach with Bacon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped; 2 tbsp butter; 1 small onion or 2 shallots, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan; pinch of nutmeg; 2 lb fresh spinach, or 2 (10 oz) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed; salt and black pepper

Tender spinach in a garlicky cream sauce with a little Parmesan, finished with a pile of crisp, chopped bacon.

Prep10 min

Cook15 min

Total25 min

Serves6

What you'll need

Stainless steel skilletFor browning and pan sauces

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12-inch cast-iron skilletFor searing and oven finishes

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Ingredients

6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

2 tbsp butter

1 small onion or 2 shallots, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup grated Parmesan

pinch of nutmeg

2 lb fresh spinach, or 2 (10 oz) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed

salt and black pepper

Steps

Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp. Drain on paper towels.

If using fresh spinach, wilt it in batches in a large pot with a splash of water, then drain. Squeeze fresh or thawed spinach very dry and chop it.

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook the onion until soft, 4 minutes, then the garlic for 30 seconds.

Whisk in the flour for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in the milk and cream. Simmer until thick, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan and nutmeg.

Fold in the spinach and heat through. Season with salt and pepper, spoon into a serving dish and top with the bacon.

TipMake it a day ahead without the bacon, reheat gently, and add the bacon just before serving.