Sautéed Spinach with Bacon

This sautéed spinach with bacon recipe combines fresh baby spinach, crispy bacon, and caramelized onions for a quick and flavorful side dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this easy-to-make dish highlights simple ingredients that come together in minutes. The savory bacon fat enhances the natural taste of spinach, making it a popular choice for healthy, low-carb, and keto-friendly meals. Ideal alongside grilled chicken, steak, or seafood, this sautéed spinach recipe is a versatile addition to any meal plan.

Ingredients

• 6 strips bacon
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1 pound (16 oz) fresh baby spinach
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cut the bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears or a knife. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave 2-3 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
4. Add about half of the spinach to the skillet. Use tongs to toss and coat it in the bacon fat and onions. As the spinach begins to wilt, continue adding the remaining spinach a handful at a time, tossing frequently until all the spinach is wilted. This should take about 5 minutes.
5. Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and toss everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sautéed spinach with bacon offers a quick and flavorful way to add more greens to your meal. The crispy bacon and caramelized onions enhance the natural taste of spinach, creating a savory side dish perfect for any dinner.

Tips

• Use kitchen shears for quick and easy bacon cutting.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when adding spinach; add it gradually for even cooking.
• Adjust seasoning carefully since bacon adds saltiness.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap baby spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different texture.
• Use turkey bacon for a lighter alternative.
• Add minced garlic with the onions for extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but thaw and drain well before sautéing to avoid excess water.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but leftovers can be reheated gently on the stove.

Serving

Serve this sautéed spinach and bacon as a side with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as a topping for baked potatoes.

Suggestions

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Sautéed Spinach with Bacon

Recipe by 50Krecipes

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

Adjust servings

+

–

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Ingredients

• 6 strips bacon

• 1/2 medium onion, chopped

• 1 pound (16 oz) fresh baby spinach

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

• Cut the bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears or a knife. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
• Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave 2-3 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
• Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
• Add about half of the spinach to the skillet. Use tongs to toss and coat it in the bacon fat and onions. As the spinach begins to wilt, continue adding the remaining spinach a handful at a time, tossing frequently until all the spinach is wilted. This should take about 5 minutes.
• Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and toss everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.