Bacon Cheddar Spinach Squares (Print-Friendly Version)
Golden baked squares with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and tender spinach for a flavorful bite any time.
# Ingredients:
→ Meats
01 -
8 oz thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
→ Vegetables
02 -
20 oz frozen chopped spinach, thoroughly squeezed dry
03 -
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
04 -
1 tsp minced garlic
→ Dairy
05 -
2½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided (10 oz total)
06 -
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese (4 oz)
07 -
1 cup whole milk
08 -
3 large eggs, room temperature
→ Dry Ingredients
09 -
1¼ cups all-purpose flour
10 -
1 tsp baking powder (aluminum-free preferred)
11 -
1 tsp kosher salt, fine grain
12 -
½ tsp dried oregano
13 -
¼ tsp dried thyme
14 -
½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
→ Liquids and Flavorings
15 -
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
# Steps:
01 -
Cook the thick-cut bacon in a large skillet until very crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool completely to solidify the fat. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces for even distribution.
02 -
Cook frozen chopped spinach according to package instructions. Once cooked, press out all excess moisture using paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth to prevent sogginess.
03 -
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, dried oregano, dried thyme, and black pepper until evenly combined to ensure even flavor.
04 -
In a separate bowl, combine the milk, lemon juice, and eggs, whisking to blend. Add the cooked spinach, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese (reserve ½ cup), pepper jack cheese, diced onion, and minced garlic. Gradually fold this mixture into the dry ingredients using a sturdy spoon until no flour streaks remain.
05 -
Spray a baking pan generously with nonstick spray. Transfer the spinach mixture into the pan, pressing gently to fill corners evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula and sprinkle the reserved ½ cup cheddar cheese evenly over the surface for a golden crust.
06 -
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is deep golden brown and the center is fully set. The edges should slightly pull away from the pan.
07 -
Allow the bake to cool for at least 15 minutes to firm up for clean slicing. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
# Notes & Tips:
01 -
Ensure spinach is thoroughly dried before mixing to prevent soggy texture.
02 -
Let the bake cool before slicing to achieve neat, uniform squares.
03 -
Using block cheese that you shred yourself improves melt quality and flavor.