Cooking has always been a bit of a family affair in my household. I remember as a child watching my mom whip up the most delightful dishes with what seemed like the simplest of ingredients. One of these cherished recipes was her Bacon Cheddar Spinach Squares. This dish is like comfort food wrapped in a warm hug, perfect for any occasion. It would often make its way to our table for holiday brunches or cozy Sunday dinners. The combination of crispy bacon, sharp cheese, and nutritious spinach was always a crowd-pleaser, and it filled our home with an irresistible aroma that lingered long after the meal was devoured.
What I love about this recipe is its versatility and ease. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t require hours of prep, yet delivers a flavor punch that makes everyone think you spent all day in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting on your culinary journey, Bacon Cheddar Spinach Squares are foolproof. I’ve tweaked the recipe over the years, adding a dash of this and a pinch of that, but the core ingredients remain the same.
Whenever I’m in need of a dish that brings warmth and nostalgia, I turn to these savory squares. There’s something about the crispy edges and cheesy gooeyness that instantly takes me back to simpler times. The key to these squares is the balance of flavors—the saltiness of the bacon, the sharpness of the cheddar, with a hint of spice from the pepper jack cheese, all tied together with the earthiness of spinach. It’s a symphony of tastes that’s both satisfying and comforting.
So, if you’re looking to bring a bit of that old-school comfort to your table, I invite you to try these Bacon Cheddar Spinach Squares. They’re not just a dish; they’re a cherished memory waiting to be shared with loved ones. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying a quiet meal at home, these squares promise to make your mealtime a little more special. Now, let’s get cooking and create some delicious memories of our own!
How to Make Bacon Cheddar Spinach Squares
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Ingredients:
- 8 oz. thick-cut bacon
- 20 oz. frozen chopped spinach
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- 1 cup milk
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 3 large eggs
- 2½ cups shredded Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded Cabot Pepper Jack Cheese
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
Directions:
- Set your oven to preheat at 375°F.
- Fry the bacon in a skillet until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
- While the bacon cooks, prepare the spinach as per package instructions. Drain thoroughly using a colander and press with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place the spinach in a large mixing bowl.
- Add crumbled bacon to the spinach in the bowl.
- Incorporate the flour, baking powder, salt, oregano, pepper, and thyme, mixing until evenly combined.
- Mix in the milk, lemon juice, eggs, 2 cups of cheddar cheese, Pepper Jack cheese, onion, and garlic. Stir until fully blended.
- Grease a 9”x13” baking dish with nonstick spray and pour the mixture into it.
- Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
- Allow it to cool in the dish for 15 minutes before slicing into squares.
- Enjoy your squares warm or at room temperature!
Don’t Have All the Ingredients? Here’s What to Use Instead
If you’re out of certain ingredients, no worries! You can substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option or use fresh spinach if you prefer. Don’t have Pepper Jack cheese? Feel free to swap it for Monterey Jack or even a mild cheddar for less spice. Almond milk can replace regular milk for a dairy-free version.
Best Ways to Store Your Bacon Cheddar Spinach Squares
These squares store beautifully in the fridge. Simply place leftovers in an airtight container, and they’ll keep for up to 3 days. They also freeze well—wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to a month. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Side Dishes to Complete Your Meal
Pair these squares with a fresh garden salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. They also go wonderfully with a glass of chilled white wine or a light beer, which complements the rich flavors of the bacon and cheese beautifully.
Cooking Hacks to Elevate Your Bacon Cheddar Spinach Squares
For an extra crispy top, consider broiling the squares for the last few minutes of baking. If you prefer a softer texture, underbake slightly and let it cool in the pan. Mixing in some freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley can also give the squares a burst of fresh flavor.
Adapting Bacon Cheddar Spinach Squares for Any Time of Year
In the spring, add some fresh asparagus for a seasonal touch. Summer calls for incorporating sun-dried tomatoes, while autumn invites roasted red peppers into the mix. For a winter twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, comforting flavor.
FAQs:
Can I make these squares without bacon?
Absolutely! If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon. You might want to add a bit more seasoning to enhance the flavor, or try some smoked paprika to mimic the smokiness of bacon.
What can I use instead of all-purpose flour?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or a gluten-free blend if you are avoiding gluten. Just ensure that the consistency of the batter remains the same.
How do I know when the squares are fully cooked?
Check for a golden brown crust on top and test with a toothpick inserted in the center. It should come out mostly clean, with maybe a few crumbs sticking but not wet batter.
Can I prepare these squares in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a day before and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, bake as directed. This makes it a great dish for meal prep or entertaining guests.
What if my squares are too dry?
If you find the squares a bit dry, it might be due to overbaking or not enough wet ingredients. Next time, ensure accurate measurements and consider reducing cooking time slightly.
Is there a way to reduce the fat content?
To lower the fat, use turkey bacon instead of pork and opt for low-fat cheeses. You can also use skim milk and reduce the amount of cheese slightly without sacrificing too much flavor.
Bacon Cheddar Spinach Squares
Equipment
- large skillet
- 9x13 baking dish
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 8 oz thick-cut bacon
- 20 oz frozen chopped spinach
- 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp dried thyme
- 1 cup milk
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 3 large eggs
- 2.5 cups shredded Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese divided
- 1 cup shredded Cabot Pepper Jack Cheese
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 tsp minced garlic
Instructions
- Begin by preheating the oven to 375°F.
- Fry the bacon in a spacious skillet until crispy.
- As the bacon cooks, prepare the spinach according to the package's guidelines. Once cooked, drain it using a colander. Squeeze out extra moisture with paper towels if needed, then move the spinach to a large mixing bowl.
- Crumble the crispy bacon and add it to the bowl with the spinach.
- Combine flour, baking powder, salt, oregano, pepper, and thyme with the spinach mixture. Stir until everything is evenly blended.
- Stir in the milk, lemon juice, and eggs along with 2 cups of the cheddar cheese, Pepper Jack cheese, diced onion, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly.
- Prepare a 9”x13” baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pour the combined mixture into the prepared dish and top it with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for approximately 45 to 50 minutes until it turns a lovely golden brown color.
- Allow the dish to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before cutting it into squares.
- Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy your delicious bacon cheddar spinach squares!
