Creamed Piggy Spinach
Indulge in the comforting richness of Creamed Piggy Spinach, a decadent yet approachable side dish that brings together tender fresh spinach, crispy bacon, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. This recipe elevates the classic creamed spinach by infusing it with the smoky, savory flavor of bacon, perfectly balanced with hints of garlic and a touch of nutmeg. A silky roux made with butter, flour, milk, and heavy cream ensures a lusciously smooth texture, while Parmesan cheese adds a nutty depth of flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is an ideal accompaniment to roasted meats, holiday spreads, or cozy family dinners. Serve it warm, topped with extra bacon crumbles for an irresistible finishing touch, and watch it disappear from the table! Keywords: creamed spinach, bacon spinach recipe, Parmesan cream sauce, holiday side dish, easy spinach recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams fresh spinach
- 150 grams bacon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 50 grams freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.125 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated (optional)
Instructions
Wash the spinach thoroughly under cold water, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet; if less, supplement with butter.
In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour. This creates a roux that will thicken the sauce.
Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer the mixture on low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
In a separate pot, steam or blanch the spinach for about 2-3 minutes, just until wilted. Drain excess moisture by pressing the spinach gently with a paper towel.
Add the spinach to the creamy sauce in the skillet and stir to combine. Let the mixture cook for 2-3 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.
Fold in the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish if desired.
Adjust seasoning to taste and transfer the creamed piggy spinach to a serving dish. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan or bacon crumbles if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2225 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 178.7 g | 229% | |
| Saturated Fat | 93.6 g | 468% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 9.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 520 mg | 173% | |
| Sodium | 5017 mg | 218% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41.8 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.7 g | 45% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.8 g | ||
| Protein | 91.1 g | 182% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.8 mcg | 19% | |
| Calcium | 1357 mg | 104% | |
| Iron | 17.9 mg | 99% | |
| Potassium | 1232 mg | 26% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
