Creamed Spinach with Bacon and Bechamel Sauce

Indulge in the rich, velvety flavors of this Creamed Spinach with Bacon and Béchamel Sauce—a comforting side dish that effortlessly elevates any meal. This recipe combines tender sautéed spinach with a luscious homemade béchamel sauce, infused with the warmth of garlic, a hint of freshly grated nutmeg, and the savory depth of Parmesan cheese. Crispy bacon crumbles add a smoky, salty contrast, making every bite irresistibly decadent. Perfect as a holiday favorite or a weeknight indulgence, this dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats or can even shine as a standalone feature. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a simple yet sophisticated way to impress your guests or treat yourself.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Fresh spinach
• 6 slices Bacon
• 3 tablespoons Butter
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Whole milk
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 0.25 teaspoons Freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1

Wash the spinach thoroughly in cold water and drain well. Trim any tough stems if needed.

Step 2

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Crumble the bacon into small pieces once cool and set aside. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pan.

Step 3

Using the same skillet, sauté the spinach in the reserved bacon fat over medium heat in batches, cooking just until wilted. This should take about 2-3 minutes per batch. Once all the spinach is wilted, transfer it to a colander and press gently to remove any excess liquid. Set aside.

Step 4

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 5

Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux. The mixture should be smooth and light golden in color.

Step 6

Gradually pour in the milk while continually whisking to avoid lumps. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the béchamel sauce thickens.

Step 7

Season the béchamel with nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.

Step 8

Return the spinach to the large skillet, and pour the béchamel sauce over it. Mix well to coat the spinach evenly.

Step 9

Fold in the crumbled bacon, reserving a small amount for garnish if desired. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Step 10

Simmer the creamed spinach gently over low heat for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 11

Serve the creamed spinach hot, garnished with the reserved bacon, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1146.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1183.9

Total Fat 79.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 42.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.5g
Cholesterol 244.8mg	0%
Sodium 4633.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 55.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.0g	0%
Total Sugars 23.9g
Protein 62.5g	0%

Vitamin D 229.1IU	0%
Calcium 1543.4mg	0%
Iron 17.6mg	0%
Potassium 1038.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.3%

Protein: 21.1%

Carbs: 18.7%