Bacon Cheddar Spinach Squares

These bacon cheddar spinach squares have become my favorite answer when someone asks what to bring to a potluck. Crispy bits of bacon, tangy sharp cheddar, and tender spinach get bound together with plenty of herbs and a hint of garlic for the perfect savory bite. They bake up golden and firm enough to slice, but every square stays so moist that no one can take just one.

I started making these years ago for neighborhood potlucks and quickly found myself handing out copies of the recipe to everyone. Around my house, any leftovers disappear by the next morning because they are just as tempting cold as fresh from the oven.

Ingredients

• Thick cut bacon: brings smoky and salty flavor and block cut holds its shape so every bite gets some
• Frozen chopped spinach: offers texture and quick prep just be sure to remove every bit of water
• All purpose flour: gives the bars structure and a good rise check the flour for freshness before using
• Baking powder: helps the squares puff slightly choose an aluminum free brand for a cleaner taste
• Kosher salt: balances the richness and helps herbs shine select fine grain for even mixing
• Dried oregano and dried thyme: add an earthy Mediterranean base for extra layers of flavor
• Black pepper: gives warmth and a little heat always go with fresh cracked for maximum aroma
• Milk: keeps everything moist and whole milk gives the richest results
• Lemon juice: brightens the whole mix and reacts with baking powder for lift try fresh squeezed
• Large eggs: hold everything together for sturdiness bring to room temperature first for best results
• Seriously sharp cheddar cheese: delivers tang and that craveable melted texture hand shredded melts best
• Pepper Jack cheese: gives a subtle kick and creamy melt factor
• Yellow onion: adds gentle sweetness and keeps things savory pick a firm heavy onion for best flavor
• Minced garlic: sharpens every flavor and always use freshly minced when possible

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Bacon:

Cook thick cut bacon in a large skillet until very crisp and golden Lay pieces out on a paper towel lined plate and let them cool until the fat solidifies This makes the bacon much easier to crumble and mix without greasy clumps and you will get rich bites in every piece

Prepare the Spinach:

Follow package instructions to cook frozen chopped spinach then squeeze every bit of liquid out using paper towels or a clean kitchen dishcloth The spinach must be very dry or the squares can turn soggy

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

Take a large mixing bowl and combine all purpose flour baking powder salt oregano pepper and thyme Stir until leavening and spices are evenly distributed ensuring every bite is seasoned without any bland spots

Combine Wet Ingredients and Bacon:

To the bowl with spinach and bacon add milk lemon juice eggs two cups of cheddar cheese all of the pepper jack cheese finely diced onions and minced garlic Mix thoroughly with a sturdy spoon so everything is evenly cohesive and no pockets of flour remain

Assemble and Top:

Spray your baking pan generously with nonstick spray Pour in the thick spinach cheese mixture pressing into corners and leveling with a spatula For extra cheesy crust scatter the last half cup of cheddar cheese across the top so the squares brown beautifully

Bake and Cool:

Place pan in a preheated oven at three seventy five degrees and bake for forty five to fifty minutes until the top is deep golden and fully set Edges should pull away slightly from the sides Let it rest for at least fifteen minutes for neat slicing

Slice and Serve:

With a sharp knife cut into squares Warm or at room temperature these hold together well and look great piled on a platter or served straight from the baking tray

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Sharp cheddar is what takes these from good to truly irresistible in my family Even my grandfather who was never a spinach fan devoured half a tray the first time I made these Now they are the number one request for every reunion and holiday meal

Storage tips

Let the squares cool completely before wrapping them tightly with plastic or foil Refrigerate for up to four days For the best flavor store in layers with parchment paper separating them If freezing arrange the cut squares on a baking sheet until solid then store in a freezer bag and reheat in a low oven or the microwave until just warmed

Ingredient substitutions

No sharp cheddar available Use an equal mix of Monterey Jack and Parmesan Try turkey bacon or plant based bacon crumbles for a lighter twist If you want to sneak in more greens swap half the spinach for kale or Swiss chard You can change up the herbs using Italian seasoning or add in a pinch of nutmeg for warmth

Serving suggestions

Stack the squares on a brunch board with muffins and fruit Arrange on a platter with ranch or a spicy mustard dressing for parties They make a perfect lunchbox protein snack and are wonderful paired with tomato soup as a simple dinner

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A little history

Spinach and cheese egg bakes have long roots in European kitchens where cooks combined leftovers with eggs for a hearty meal This American inspired take adds smoky bacon and sharp cheddar melting old recipes with new favorites for a modern comfort classic

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh spinach works well. Just sauté it and drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture before mixing, ensuring the squares don’t get soggy.

→ What type of bacon works best?

Thick-cut bacon adds a satisfying texture and smoky flavor. Cook it until crispy for the best bite throughout the squares.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

After cooling, layer the squares with parchment paper in an airtight container and refrigerate up to four days for freshness.

→ Can these squares be frozen?

Yes, separate the squares and wrap tightly before freezing for up to a month. Thaw overnight and gently reheat in the oven.

→ Are there cheese alternatives to cheddar?

Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese are great options that melt well and add unique flavor variations.

→ What are good serving suggestions?

Pair these squares with fresh salads, soups, or fruit trays. They also work well as hearty snacks or part of a brunch spread.