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Creamy Bacon and Leek Creamed Spinach

creamy bacon and leek creamed spinach - featured image
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A rich, creamy, and smoky creamed spinach side dish featuring crispy bacon and sweet leeks, perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 2 medium leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced thin
  • 10 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed (about 10 ounces or 280 grams), washed and tough stems removed
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Heat skillet over medium heat. Add bacon slices and cook until crisp, about 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan; discard excess.
  2. Add sliced leeks to the pan with reserved bacon fat and butter. Cook over medium-low heat for 5–7 minutes until soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally. Avoid browning.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic, careful not to burn.
  4. Sprinkle flour over leeks and garlic, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to cook out raw flour taste.
  5. Slowly pour in heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Add fresh spinach in batches, stirring until each batch wilts before adding more, about 3–4 minutes total. Spinach should be tender but vibrant green.
  7. Crumble cooked bacon over spinach. Stir in Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to melt cheese and meld flavors.
  8. Transfer to serving dish and serve warm immediately.

Notes

Use fresh spinach for best texture; if using frozen, thaw and squeeze out excess water. Cook flour fully before adding cream to avoid raw taste. Add cream slowly to prevent lumps. Season gradually as bacon adds saltiness. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke. To loosen sauce if too thick, add splash of milk or cream. Reheat gently with added cream or milk to prevent curdling.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamed spinach, bacon, leeks, creamy side dish, easy recipe, comfort food, quick side, spinach recipe

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/creamy-bacon-and-leek-creamed-spinach-recipe-easy-homemade-side-dish/