Creamed Spinach Bake

Name: Creamed Spinach Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons butter; 1/8 cup flour; 1 heaping 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)

Published: January 6, 2026

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This Creamed Spinach Bake comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a quick addition to your meal.
Rich Flavor: The combination of parmesan cheese and garlic creates a luscious taste that everyone will enjoy.
Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners, this dish pairs well with many main courses.
Customizable: You can adjust the seasoning or add different toppings to suit your taste preferences.
Crowd-Pleaser: With its creamy texture and cheesy crust, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on this delicious Creamed Spinach Bake, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Cast iron skillet or oven-safe baking dish
Cooking spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife for chopping garlic

Importance of Each Tool

Cast iron skillet: Ideal for both stovetop cooking and oven baking, providing even heat distribution.
Cooking spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching non-stick surfaces.
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accuracy in your recipe for the best results.

Ingredients

For the Creamy Base

3 tablespoon butter
1/8 cup flour
1 heaping tablespoon freshly minced garlic
1.5 cups half & half
3/4 cup heavy cream
2 cups parmesan cheese (divided)

For the Spinach

16 ounces fresh spinach leaves (or 1 box frozen leaf spinach, not chopped)

For the Topping

5 strips crispy Turkey Bacon for topping
optional; 2 teaspoons seasoning blend (recipe in notes)

How to Make Creamed Spinach Bake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot enough when your dish is ready to bake.

Step 2: Cook the Butter and Garlic

Melt the butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Mixture

Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the flour, creating a paste. Gradually add in heavy cream and half & half while stirring until it starts to thicken.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Mix in 1 cup of parmesan cheese until fully combined. If the mixture is too thick, feel free to add more cream or half & half as needed.

Step 5: Incorporate Spinach

Add spinach leaves in batches, stirring until they begin to wilt down into the sauce.

Step 6: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of parmesan cheese on top of the spinach mixture. Optionally, sprinkle with seasoning blend if desired.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese on top is nicely browned. Remove from oven and immediately top with crispy diced Turkey Bacon before serving.

Enjoy your flavorful Creamed Spinach Bake!

How to Serve Creamed Spinach Bake

Creamed Spinach Bake is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with many meals. Whether it’s a festive gathering or a casual family dinner, this dish can elevate any table setting.

As a Side Dish

Perfect with grilled chicken or turkey for a hearty meal.
Pairs well with beef dishes, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

With Toasted Bread

Serve it alongside crusty bread for dipping; the creamy texture complements the crunch perfectly.
Use it as a spread on sandwiches to add richness and depth.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

Top your creamed spinach bake with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor.
A sprinkle of lemon zest can brighten up the dish and enhance its creaminess.

How to Perfect Creamed Spinach Bake

Creating the ideal Creamed Spinach Bake takes a few tricks. Here are some tips to ensure your dish is top-notch.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach offers better flavor and texture than frozen. If using frozen, ensure it’s thoroughly drained.
Adjust seasoning: Taste your mixture before baking and adjust seasonings as needed. A pinch of nutmeg can elevate the flavors.
Control the thickness: If your sauce is too thick, gradually add more half & half or heavy cream until you reach your desired consistency.
Crisp the Turkey Bacon: For maximum crunch, cook Turkey Bacon until crispy before adding it on top after baking.
Bake until golden: Keep an eye on your dish while baking; aim for a golden-brown cheese topping for the best visual appeal.
Let it rest: Allow the creamed spinach to sit for a few minutes after baking before serving. This helps it set slightly and makes serving easier.

Best Side Dishes for Creamed Spinach Bake

Creamed Spinach Bake pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some excellent options that complement its rich flavors.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic balance out the richness of the spinach bake perfectly.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted to perfection add a healthy crunch and contrast in texture.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with citrus dressing provides a refreshing counterpoint to this creamy dish.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Filled with rice, beans, and spices, these peppers offer great flavor without overpowering the main dish.
Herb Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with fresh herbs brings a fragrant element that enhances every bite of creamed spinach.
Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are delightful alongside this savory bake, creating a comforting meal option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Creamed Spinach Bake, there are a few common pitfalls to steer clear of to ensure the best results.

Using Fresh Spinach Incorrectly: Make sure to rinse and dry your fresh spinach well before cooking. Excess water can dilute the creaminess of the dish.
Overcooking the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly. Cook it just until fragrant to prevent bitterness in your Creamed Spinach Bake.
Skipping the Cheese Layer: Don’t forget to top with parmesan cheese! This gives your bake a delicious golden crust, enhancing flavor and texture.
Not Adjusting Consistency: If your mixture is too thick, add a bit more cream or half & half. Adjusting ensures a smooth and creamy texture.
Ignoring Seasoning: Always taste your mixture before baking. Adding a seasoning blend can elevate the dish, bringing out all the flavors beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Allow it to cool completely before sealing for maximum freshness.

Freezing Creamed Spinach Bake

Freeze in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Creamed Spinach Bake

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until hot.
Stovetop: Reheat on low heat, stirring frequently to maintain creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Creamed Spinach Bake so special?

This Creamed Spinach Bake is rich and flavorful, combining creamy textures with cheesy goodness. The crispy Turkey Bacon adds a delightful crunch that elevates each bite.

Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen leaf spinach. Just make sure it’s not chopped for the best texture.

How do I customize my Creamed Spinach Bake?

You can customize this recipe by adding different cheeses, such as mozzarella or cheddar, or by incorporating spices like nutmeg or crushed red pepper for added flavor.

What are some side dishes that pair well with Creamed Spinach Bake?

This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even a light salad. It makes a great addition to any holiday spread!

Final Thoughts

The Creamed Spinach Bake is an indulgent side dish that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. Its creamy consistency paired with the crispy topping creates a delightful contrast. Feel free to customize it further with your favorite seasonings or cheeses. Give this recipe a try at your next gathering; it’s sure to impress!

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