If you’re looking for a savory, creamy, and indulgent side dish, this Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms recipe is the perfect choice. This dish blends the earthiness of mushrooms, the rich flavors of crispy bacon, and the velvety texture of spinach all wrapped in a creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s the ideal side to elevate any meal, or even a standalone dish when you want something hearty. Whether you’re serving it alongside a main course or topping it on rice, pasta, or protein, the Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms will become a household favorite for comfort food lovers. Bigzazoo is especially fond of this recipe for its quick prep and deep, rich flavors.
Why This Recipe Works
The Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms recipe works so well because it’s the ultimate balance of textures and flavors. The crispy bacon offers a savory, salty crunch that complements the soft and tender mushrooms and spinach. The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a luscious sauce that coats everything perfectly without overpowering the other ingredients. The sautéed onions and garlic provide a flavorful base, while the nutmeg adds a subtle warmth that ties everything together. In just 30 minutes, you can prepare a dish that’s indulgent and rich without being too complicated. Bigzazoo loves this recipe not only for its ease but for the depth of flavor it brings to any meal.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have all the ingredients and tools needed to create this delectable dish. Here’s what you’ll need for Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms:
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bacon – chopped (adds a smoky, savory crunch to the dish)
- 1 tablespoon butter – for sautéing the vegetables
- ½ cup onion – finely chopped (adds sweetness and depth of flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic – minced (a classic aromatic that enhances the flavor of any savory dish)
- 8 oz mushrooms – sliced (use any variety, though cremini or button mushrooms work best)
- 10 oz fresh spinach – chopped (the star green of this dish, offering a nutritious base)
- 1 cup heavy cream – for the creamy sauce
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – for a salty, nutty flavor in the sauce
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional) – adds warmth and depth to the creamy sauce
Tools:
- Large skillet – for cooking the bacon and sautéing the ingredients
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring and combining the ingredients
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping vegetables and bacon
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions
Now that you have everything ready, let’s move on to how to make Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms.
How to Make Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms
This recipe is simple, quick, and yields delicious results. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a rich and flavorful side dish ready in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the Bacon
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once the bacon is done, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet, and set it aside. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the pan, as this will be used to sauté the remaining ingredients. - Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add 1 tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant. - Cook the Mushrooms
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir everything together and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms become golden brown and tender. This step allows the mushrooms to release their moisture and develop a rich, earthy flavor. - Wilt the Spinach
Once the mushrooms are cooked, add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir the spinach into the mushroom mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the spinach has wilted and reduced in volume. - Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. - Season and Finish
Season the dish with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. The nutmeg adds a touch of warmth that complements the cream and spinach. Stir in the crispy bacon pieces to combine all the flavors, and then remove the skillet from the heat. - Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms warm, either as a side dish or on top of pasta, rice, or your favorite protein. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success
To ensure that your Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms comes out perfect every time, here are some helpful tips and tricks from Bigzazoo:
- Use fresh spinach: While frozen spinach can be used in a pinch, fresh spinach has a better texture and flavor. Be sure to chop it roughly so that it mixes well with the other ingredients.
- Don’t overcook the mushrooms: Mushrooms release a lot of moisture as they cook. Let them cook until golden and tender but avoid overcooking, which can make them rubbery.
- Customize the flavors: Feel free to add other spices or herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika to enhance the dish.
- Balance the sauce thickness: If you find that the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth to thin it out slightly.
- Crispy bacon tip: If you prefer extra-crispy bacon, you can cook it separately in the oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes instead of in the skillet. This method ensures even crispiness without worrying about burning.
How to Serve Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms
This Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms recipe is versatile and can be served in many different ways. Bigzazoo suggests:
- As a side dish: This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled steak, roast chicken, or seared salmon. The richness of the cream sauce and bacon complements lean proteins beautifully.
- Over pasta: Toss this creamy mixture with cooked pasta like penne or fettuccine for a quick and indulgent dinner.
- On top of rice: Serve the creamed spinach and mushroom mixture over white or brown rice for a satisfying meal.
- With baked potatoes: Spoon the creamy spinach mixture on top of a baked potato for a comforting and filling option.
Serving Suggestions
To make your meal complete, consider pairing this recipe with a fresh, crisp side salad or a light vegetable soup. A warm loaf of crusty bread or garlic bread also goes well with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms, allowing you to soak up all the rich, flavorful sauce.
Time Required for This Recipe
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
- Protein: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
In conclusion, this Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms recipe is a delightful addition to any meal plan. With just a few ingredients and a simple process, it provides a rich, comforting, and satisfying dish that Bigzazoo loves to prepare for family dinners or when hosting guests. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and creamy texture. Enjoy!
Recipe Card
Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms Recipe
Ingredients
- – **4 slices of bacon** – chopped adds a smoky, savory crunch to the dish
- – **1 tablespoon butter** – for sautéing the vegetables
- – **½ cup onion** – finely chopped adds sweetness and depth of flavor
- – **2 cloves garlic** – minced a classic aromatic that enhances the flavor of any savory dish
- – **8 oz mushrooms** – sliced use any variety, though cremini or button mushrooms work best
- – **10 oz fresh spinach** – chopped the star green of this dish, offering a nutritious base
- – **1 cup heavy cream** – for the creamy sauce
- – **½ cup grated Parmesan cheese** – for a salty nutty flavor in the sauce
- – **Salt and pepper** – to taste
- – **Pinch of nutmeg optional** – adds warmth and depth to the creamy sauce
Instructions
Cook the Bacon
- Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once the bacon is done, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet, and set it aside. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the pan, as this will be used to sauté the remaining ingredients.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic
- In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add 1 tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Cook the Mushrooms
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir everything together and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms become golden brown and tender. This step allows the mushrooms to release their moisture and develop a rich, earthy flavor.
Wilt the Spinach
- Once the mushrooms are cooked, add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir the spinach into the mushroom mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the spinach has wilted and reduced in volume.
Make the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Season and Finish
- Season the dish with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. The nutmeg adds a touch of warmth that complements the cream and spinach. Stir in the crispy bacon pieces to combine all the flavors, and then remove the skillet from the heat.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the **Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms** warm, either as a side dish or on top of pasta, rice, or your favorite protein. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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