Creamed Spinach Gratin with Bacon

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American, Southern

Keyword creamed-spinach, creamed-spinach-gratin-with-bacon-mushrooms, creamed-spinach-with-bacon

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings servings

Calories 446kcal

Author Melissa Sperka

Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 2 quart shallow baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain. Reserve 3 Tbsp bacon fat in the pan.
Add the sliced mushrooms and onion to drippings. Cook for 3-5 minutes over medium-high until softened and beginning to brown.
Ring the spinach in a kitchen towel to remove all excess moisture, then add to the onion mixture in the pan.
Add salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, nutmeg, half and half, heavy cream and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir and simmer over low heat just until combined.
To the pan add 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Crumble the bacon and add back to the spinach reserving 2 Tbsp for the top. Mix well then pour into the baking dish.
Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese.
Toss the panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese with 2 Tbsp melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly on top of the cheese.
Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Garnish with reserved bacon crumbles, then serve..

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 moisture, as possible.
Bacon - You can omit the bacon and use olive oil in place of the bacon drippings.
Fresh Spinach - You can use fresh spinach if you prefer, to equal the same amount of frozen. 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.