This Creamed Spinach Gratin with Bacon and Mushrooms is the perfect side dish for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, potluck, date night or you’re entertaining guests, this indulgent side dish will hit the spot.

Easy Creamed Spinach Gratin with Bacon Recipe

Creamed spinach is a classic steakhouse side dish. It’s luscious and one of my favorite choices to enjoy instead of the expected baked potato. Nothing against potatoes, I love them, but variety is the spice of life, right? This spinach recipe begins on the stovetop adding a smoky flavor with the addition of crispy bacon. It’s packed with flavor and if you’re short on time, skip the oven and you can serve it straight from the stovetop, minus the crumb topping. That said, the buttery crumb topping is worth the wait, so make it in advance so you can bake it just before serving.

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need to make Creamed Spinach with Bacon: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

Spinach – Frozen cut leaf spinach completely thawed and squeezed to remove liquid forms the base of the dish.
Mushrooms – Sliced baby portabella mushrooms add texture and expand the flavor.
Onion– Green onions for a hint of onion flavor.
Bacon – Bacon adds a smoky flavor.
Seasonings – Minced fresh garlic, salt, black pepper, nutmeg and red pepper flakes.
Liquid – Half and half and heavy cream for moisture.
Cheese – Grated Parmesan cheese and shredded sharp white cheddar cheese for a melty cheesy flavor.
Bread Crumb Topping – Panko breadcrumbs and melted butter.

how-do-you-make-creamed-spinach-with-bacon

How to Make the Best Creamed Spinach Gratin Recipe

Heat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish – Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 2 quart shallow baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
Fry Bacon and Cook Mushrooms – Remove crispy bacon, reserve bacon fat. Saute mushrooms and onion until softened.
Combine – Remove excess moisture from spinach then add to the onion mixture in the pan with seasonings.
Add Heavy Cream and Cheese – Stir in half and half, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese and shredded cheese. Mix in bacon.
Transfer to Prepared Dish – Pour into the baking dish, top with shredded cheese and buttered bread crumbs.
Oven – Bake per the cooking time in the recipe until golden brown.
Garnish with reserved bacon and serve.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Creamed Spinach with Bacon

A large skillet or pot. The skillet doubles as the mixing bowl.
Sharp knife and chopping board.
Measuring cups and spoons.
2 quart gratin dish or similar baking dish.
Cheese grater. Grating your own cheese takes the flavor to another level. You can used pre-grated, if preferred.
Small microwave safe bowl to melt the butter and make the breadcrumb topping.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

Spinach -Frozen spinach works extremely well for this gratin. Keep in mind it holds a ton of moisture so not only do you need to thaw it, but squeeze it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to remove as much excess liquid, as possible.
Bacon – You can omit the bacon and use olive oil in place of the drippings.
Fresh Spinach – You can use fresh spinach if you prefer, to equal the same amount. Should you choose to go with fresh spinach, it will take a very large skillet to wilt it thoroughly, so adjust accordingly. Make sure all moisture is cooked out before adding the ingredients for the sauce.
Mushrooms – Mushrooms add texture to this dish. You can omit them or swap them out with another variety that you enjoy.
Parmesan Cheese – You can use Parmesan Reggiano cheese or Parmesan Romano cheese.
Cheddar Cheese – You can use classic yellow sharp cheddar cheese, swiss cheese, gruyere cheese or spicy pepper jack cheese.

Storage and Leftovers

Make-Ahead Tip – This gratin can be fully assembled in advance, covered and chilled overnight in the refrigerator for a time saver. Allow 15-20 minutes on the counter to warm to room temperature prior to baking.
Leftovers – Store baked Creamed Spinach Gratin in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap chilled the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating – Gently reheat in single servings in the microwave or in a preheated 350°F oven for 15 minutes or just until heated through.
Freezer – You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and bake or reheat before serving.

More Easy Side Dish Recipes to Make

This Creamed Spinach Gratin with Bacon is company worthy, but don’t wait until you’re entertaining to try it. Add it to the menu and serve your family and friends steakhouse favorites at home. More Southern style side dish recipes to make:

Broccoli Cheddar Gratin is oh so good!
Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts are roasted in the oven to bring out the natural sweetness.
EASY Cheddar Mixed Vegetable Gratin just may have the kids eating their vegetables and loving it.
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole frees up the oven for other dishes.
Cheesy Baked Asparagus is super simple to make.
Make ahead Baked Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes.
Roasted Green Beans from Wholesome Yum.

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