Roasted Bacon with Spinach

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

   Tip: Using parchment paper prevents the bacon from sticking and makes washing up effortless.

2. 2

   Arrange the halved bacon strips on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, spacing them about an inch apart.

   Tip: Don't overlap the bacon too much, as it needs room for air circulation to crisp evenly.

3. 3

   Roast the bacon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until it reaches your desired crispiness, stirring halfway through.

   Tip: For extra-crispy bacon, roast an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

4. 4

   While the bacon cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the sliced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened.

5. 5

   Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

   Tip: Watch the garlic carefully to prevent it from browning too much, which can make it bitter.

6. 6

   Remove the roasted bacon from the oven and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool slightly, then chop into bite-sized pieces.

7. 7

   Add the fresh spinach to the garlic-onion mixture in batches, stirring until each addition wilts before adding more, about 3-4 minutes total.

   Tip: The spinach will reduce significantly in volume as it cooks, so don't be alarmed by the initial amount.

8. 8

   Stir in the chopped bacon, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and toss everything together gently.

   Tip: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.

9. 9

   Transfer the roasted bacon and spinach mixture to a serving dish and serve warm as a side dish.

   Tip: This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently in a skillet if needed.