If you love a simple yet irresistibly flavorful side dish, this Sautéed Spinach with Bacon Recipe is going to be your new go-to. The smoky, crispy bacon combined with tender, garlicky spinach creates a delightful contrast that’s both savory and fresh. Every bite offers a perfect balance between the rich bacon fat that coats the spinach leaves and the gentle sweetness from softened onions. This dish is as quick to make as it is delicious, proving that sometimes the simplest ingredients come together to create something truly special in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, making sure every mouthful is a pure delight. These straightforward ingredients are easy to find and bring that perfect harmony of smoky, sweet, and fresh to the plate.
- Bacon strips: Provides a smoky, crispy base and flavorful fat for sautéing the spinach.
- Onion (half a medium, chopped): Adds sweetness and a tender bite that complements the spinach beautifully.
- Fresh baby spinach (1 pound): The main star, offering a vibrant green color and tender, mild flavor.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors in the dish.
How to Make Sautéed Spinach with Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by cutting your bacon into small pieces—using kitchen shears is a total game-changer here, making it quick and easy. Fry these in a large skillet over medium heat until they turn irresistibly crispy and golden. This step lays down the smoky, savory foundation of your recipe.
Step 2: Save the Bacon Fat
Once your bacon is perfectly crisp, transfer the pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off the excess fat. Don’t toss out all the bacon grease though—leave 2 to 3 tablespoons in the skillet. That flavorful fat is going to take the whole dish up a notch.
Step 3: Sauté Onions Until Soft and Golden
In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, add your chopped onions. Cook them over medium heat until they soften and begin to turn a lovely light brown. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes, and the sweet caramelized onions are key to balancing the smoky bacon.
Step 4: Wilt That Spinach
Add half of your fresh baby spinach to the skillet. It might look like a mountain at first, but don’t worry—keep tossing it with tongs. The bacon fat and onions will coat the spinach leaves, and they’ll start to wilt down nicely. Once they shrink, gradually add the remaining spinach in handfuls, continuing to toss until all the leaves are tender and bright green. This takes around 5 minutes and is where the magic happens.
Step 5: Combine and Season
Finally, toss the cooked bacon bits back in with the wilted spinach and onions. Give everything a good stir to combine those amazing flavors. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to your taste. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor of this delightful side.
How to Serve Sautéed Spinach with Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate your Sautéed Spinach with Bacon Recipe and create a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Consider sprinkling some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for a satisfying crunch, or a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of savory goodness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten and balance the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This sautéed spinach pairs beautifully with a variety of mains. Serve it alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak for a hearty meal, or feature it as a vibrant vegetable side with baked salmon. It also makes a wonderful accompaniment to creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta, adding freshness and texture to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn this dish into a warm spinach and bacon salad by adding a soft poached egg on top. Or stuff it into savory crepes or wraps for a convenient lunch option. Another idea is to blend some of the cooked spinach and bacon into a savory quiche or frittata, making every bite bursting with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Sautéed Spinach with Bacon Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this flavorful dish as a quick side during busy weeknights.
Freezing
While fresh is always best for sautéed spinach, you can freeze leftovers if you want to keep them longer. Place the cooled spinach and bacon in a freezer-safe container or bag, and store for up to 2 months. Just be aware that upon thawing, the spinach may lose some of its texture, so it’s perfect for use in cooked dishes like casseroles or soups rather than fresh sides.
Reheating
For the best results, gently reheat your leftovers on the stovetop over low to medium heat. This helps retain the texture without drying out the bacon. Avoid microwaving if possible, but if you must, reheat in short bursts and stir in between to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use regular spinach instead of baby spinach?
Absolutely! Regular spinach works just fine, but keep in mind it will take a bit longer to wilt and may have a slightly heartier texture. Removing tough stems beforehand helps make it more tender.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the bacon with smoked paprika or a smoky seasoning and use olive oil instead of bacon fat. You can also add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, umami twist.
What can I add to make this dish more flavorful?
Try adding minced garlic with the onions or tossing in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. A splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice just before serving also brightens the flavors beautifully.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the bacon and chop the onions in advance to save time. However, spinach is best cooked fresh when you’re ready to eat to keep it vibrant and tender.
How long does this dish take to make?
From start to finish, the Sautéed Spinach with Bacon Recipe takes about 20 minutes, making it a quick and easy side for any meal.
Final Thoughts
This Sautéed Spinach with Bacon Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s quick, easy, and packs a punch of flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe brings comforting, smoky, and fresh elements together in perfect harmony. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a regular star in your kitchen rotation!
Print
Sautéed Spinach with Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful and easy recipe for sautéed spinach with crispy bacon and sautéed onions. This dish combines fresh baby spinach wilted in savory bacon fat and topped with crispy bacon pieces for a delicious side perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 6 strips bacon
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 pound (16 oz.) fresh baby spinach
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Bacon: Cut the bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears or a knife for easy handling. Fry the bacon pieces in a large skillet over medium heat until they are crispy and browned.
- Drain Bacon: Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Leave about 2-3 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet for cooking the vegetables.
- Sauté Onions: Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat in the skillet. Sauté over medium heat until the onions are softened and start to lightly brown, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Cook Spinach: Add about half of the fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Using tongs, toss the spinach continuously so it gets coated with the bacon fat and onions and begins to wilt. Gradually add the rest of the spinach in large handfuls, tossing continuously, until all the spinach is wilted. This step takes around 5 minutes.
- Combine and Season: Return the cooked bacon pieces to the skillet and toss them with the wilted spinach and onions. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Using kitchen shears to cut bacon simplifies preparation and creates evenly sized pieces.
- Be careful not to overcook the spinach; it should be wilted but still bright green and tender.
- Adjust seasoning to preference, keeping in mind that bacon is naturally salty.
- This dish pairs well as a side for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
