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    • Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes -->This collection of easy chicken dinner recipes features some of our favorite family dishes, perfect for making a healthy, delicious home cooked meal on a busy night! Getting a healthy, home cooked meal on the table every night can be challenging. Particularly with the demands of work, school, activities and social obligations, well, it can be the last thing we want to do at the end of the day. So I’ve got tons of easy chicken recipes at my disposal that I turn to when I need to whip something up for us on one of those busy weeknights. (Or even busy weekends – dinners can be tough then, too!) And this collection of easy chicken dinner recipes has some that we make over and over again. It includes everything from skillet chicken dinners to slow cooker chicken recipes, one-pot chicken pastas, soups and salads with chicken, chicken burgers and meatballs, sheet pan chicken dinners and easy chicken casseroles. Are you looking for fast as well as easy? Me too. I’ve got collections of chicken recipes in under 30 minutes and, faster still, chicken recipes in under 15 minutes. Or if you want to browse them all, my quick chicken recipes…
      • Easy Chicken Recipes with Few IngredientsThese easy chicken recipes with few ingredients include some great healthy lunch and dinner options, all made with 5 or fewer ingredients! I am all about the EASY when it comes to cooking. I don’t like to fuss much over my food and I certainly don’t like to spend a ton of time in the kitchen at the end of a long day. Easy chicken dinner recipes and healthy lunch recipes with chicken are much more my style. (As are chicken recipes in under 30 minutes and, faster yet, chicken recipes in under 15 minutes. Cause life.) Speaking of life, a million trips to the grocery store also aren’t fun during a busy week. (Especially with little ones in tow!) So I’ve got these go-to easy chicken recipes with few ingredients that help me keep dinnertime simple. And my sanity intact. In fact, one of the first cookbooks I bought on my own, at a used bookstore in Washington, D.C., where I lived for a few years after college, was titled 3-ingredient recipes. I was pretty new to cooking and thought, I think I can handle that. My cooking skills have improved, but I still go for the simple chicken recipes…
      • Quick Chicken RecipesThis collection of quick chicken recipes features some of our favorite family dinners and go-to lunches, all ready in 30 minutes or less! From chicken skillet dinners to one-pot pastas, salads to burgers, you’re sure to find some new favorites! If you know me, you know I am ALL about the quick and easy recipes. I love making all of our homemade meals and home cooked dinners, but like you, I’ve also got a hundred other things to juggle and so keeping things simple in the kitchen is a must. And these quick chicken recipes include all of my chicken recipes in under 30 minutes and, even faster, chicken recipes in under 15 minutes. Sanity savers for sure. Busy weeknights have nothing on us! A few of our favorites from these quick chicken recipes: Healthy chicken Alfredo with broccoli Creamy chipotle chicken 20-minute chicken and tortellini soup with kale Skillet salsa chicken Easy creamy chicken This collection also has some healthy lunch recipes with chicken for mixing up your lunch routine. (It doesn’t include my slow cooker chicken recipes though, since those aren’t ready in 30 minutes. But they can be super quick to prep in the morning and then…
        • Chicken Recipes in Under 15 MinutesThese easy chicken recipes in under 15 minutes are perfect for dinner on a busy weeknight! From one-pot wonders to salads, chicken skillets to tacos, you’re sure to find some new fast favorites! You know those nights when you walk in the door and need dinner pronto?! Like, 5 minutes ago? That’s when I turn to these quick and easy chicken recipes in under 15 minutes. I can make a healthy, home cooked meal for my family and be sitting down to enjoy it in no time. Cause plenty of evenings, 15 minutes is often all the time I have – or want to spend – on dinner. I’m not alone on that, right?! You can browse below but I thought I’d highlight a couple that I make over and over again. A few of our favorite easy chicken recipes in under 15 minutes: 15-minute honey garlic chicken (gets rave reviews!) Southwest chicken skillet dinner (pile on your favorite toppings!) Quick chicken curry (perfect with rice and peas) One-pot low-carb leftover chicken recipe with spinach (my dad’s go-to recipe) This collection also includes some healthy lunch options that are quick to put together — like the Asian chicken mason jar…
        • Chicken Recipes in Under 30 MinutesThese easy chicken recipes in under 30 minutes are perfect for dinner on a busy weeknight! From one-pan meals to burgers, one-pot pastas to healthy salads, you’re sure to find some new favorites! Quick, easy and mostly healthy is pretty much the name of the game for dinner at my house. I love a home cooked meal and we eat a ton of chicken, which means I’ve come up with and found a lot of easy chicken recipes over the years. And this collection highlights some of my easy chicken recipes in under 30 minutes, when you want something delicious but need it on the table pretty quickly. Is that every single night for you too? We’ve got everything from skillet chicken dishes to chicken pasta and from soups and salads with chicken to chicken meatballs and burgers. All the chicken love! Many of these recipes use boneless, skinless chicken breasts (though you could substitute chicken thighs if you prefer) while others use ground chicken and some rely on pre-cooked chicken, such as a rotisserie chicken you pick up at the store or some leftover grilled or baked chicken. Lots of these 30 minute chicken dinners are complete meals but…
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      • Slow Cooker Chicken RecipesThese hands-off slow cooker chicken recipes will put your slow cooker to work and have you coming home to a delicious, healthy dinner that’s ready to go! Some days, you just need someone else to make you dinner. I’m not talking takeout or delivery or a restaurant dinner. I’m talking about your crock pot or slow cooker. I find it supremely satisfying to go about my day, knowing that a delicious home cooked dinner is cooking up at home for me. I can play with the kids, take them to practices, run errands or just relax with a book and breathe easy. These slow cooker chicken recipes mean there is just one less thing to do in the evening and that’s a great thing on a busy day! This collection includes slow cooker recipes for boneless, skinless chicken breasts as well as chicken thighs (though you can usually sub either one). And many of these take just minutes to prep in the morning! 👍 Here’s a few of our favorite slow cooker chicken recipes: Slow cooker balsamic chicken Slow cooker bistro chicken thighs Slow cooker apricot chicken Crock pot Mediterranean chicken Slow cooker teriyaki chicken And be sure to check…
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    • Healthy Fall BakingThese healthy fall baking favorites include everything from muffins and baked oatmeal to snacks to cookies and cakes. These fall recipes are whole grain and most are naturally sweetened for a wholesome, delicious treat at breakfast, snack, school lunch or dessert! Does anyone else get the baking bug when the cooler weather starts to roll in during autumn? I know I do! I get excited for all the apple baking projects, pumpkin baking projects and even getting ready for all the holiday baking to come! 🍎🎃 The spices, the warmth, the aroma of having something in the oven is just part of the season for me. Plus the love that comes from a homemade baked good – it just can’t be beat! ❤️ And y’all know my style is definitely a healthier version of baking. I use whole grains and most of my recipes are naturally sweetened. I try to lighten things up where possible and keep to mostly wholesome treats, maybe with a little indulgence here and there! 😉 Wondering where to start? Here are some of our healthy fall baking favorites: Chocolate chip apple cake Pumpkin baked oatmeal with chocolate chips Whole wheat pumpkin applesauce bread Easy healthy…
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Cheesy spinach bacon cakes

November 12, 2020 By Kathryn Doherty

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy

Cheesy spinach bacon cakes are full of flavor and baked until browned and crunchy on the outside. They make a great savory bite with dinner or for an anytime snack.Baked golden brown cheesy spinach cakes with bacon on parchment paper on a baking pan

We’ve had some warm-ish weather, for November at least, recently and it’s been so lovely.

I live in North Carolina so we’re still squarely in fall weather, not moving at all to winter temperatures, and we’ve been having multiple days with highs in the mid 70s. My (7-year-old) son and I play tennis in the driveway, throw the football and shoot some hoops most afternoons while his sister does her homework. Then we all sometimes take the dog for a walk around the neighborhood or up the street a bit. 

The fresh air and extra movement has been so refreshing. I know it won’t last much longer, so I’m trying to soak it all up!

But OK, let’s talk food.

Today’s recipe for these cheesy spinach bacon cakes is going to be a fast favorite in your house!

These savory little cakes are full of cheddar cheese, crispy bacon and tender spinach. They are baked but they get so browned and crunchy all over and are just packed with flavor.

The flavor combo and that texture is just irresistible!

Close up of browned baked cheesy spinach bacon cakes fresh from the oven

Plus, these crispy little cakes are great for all ages.

They’d be good for toddlers as a finger food or dipping food. Kinda like these baked broccoli tots and whole wheat veggie pancakes, both of which are also great for getting in some veggies.

For my kids (ages 7 and 9), the appeal is that these are cheesy and full of bacon, so the spinach that is snuck in there is hardly noticed. (They also know from experience that I add spinach to all manner of things and it often doesn’t change the taste.)

That’s a bonus because I can get some green goodness in them without any complaints. (My daughter ate 3 of these at dinner the other night and another 3 a few days later for lunch!)

But I also think these would be a huge hit for a hungry bunch of teenage boys or as a late-night snack. (I’m too old to be out partying, but I’m thinking this would have been a great snack upon getting home after a big night out if you know what I mean. 😉)

Otherwise, they are the perfect savory bite to pair with some grilled or roasted chicken or to serve with your favorite soups, stews and chilis.

Crispy baked spinach cheese bacon cakes on a white serving platter with a bowl of Ranch dressing

I’m also so excited to share this recipe because it’s one from my friend Rebecca’s new cookbook!

It’s called The Ultimate Guide to Vegetable Side Dishes and it’s got more than 100 recipes celebrating veggies. You know I love that! 🥦🥬🍆🥕🍅🍠🌽

The book is divided into sections for 14 different vegetables, which makes it really easy to browse. The veggies in this cookbook are roasted, blanched, sautéed and even pickled in the most delicious ways!

This recipe, which she calls “munchy cakes” are one that I think were probably inspired by her 5 teenage and young adult boys. She knows how to feed a crowd, how to feed picky eaters and how to satisfy late-night snacking needs. 😉

The cover of The Ultimate Guide to Vegetable Side Dishes cookbook on a marble counter with a blue striped dish towel alongside

Besides today’s recipe, there are so many more from her beautiful book that I can’t wait to try. Honey garlic glazed cauliflower bites, crispy baked zucchini fries, roasted ginger sesame green beans, Thai peanut slaw, her famous melting sweet potatoes and the list goes on and on.

(You can see in the photo above that I’ve flagged a TON of recipes to make.)

With these recipes in your pocket, the sides are certainly gonna steal the show in your house!

OK, let’s get cooking.

Cheddar spinach bacon cakes on a baking pan before being cooked Crispy spinach cakes with cheddar and bacon on a small baking tray lined with parchment paper after baking

Now, I’ve got some notes and substitutions coming up on how to make cheesy spinach bacon cakes. Just tryin’ to be helpful.

If you want to jump on down to the recipe, simply scroll right on through the rest of the text. The recipe card is near the bottom of the page, above the comments section.

Notes on making cheesy spinach bacon cakes:

  • You can use fresh or frozen spinach here, whatever you’ve got. (You’ll prep them slightly differently, but instructions for both are included in the recipe card below.)
  • The recipe calls for shredded cheddar cheese, and it’s the perfect pairing. But I think you could substitute Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend of shredded cheeses if you prefer.
  • For the bacon, you’ll need 8 oz, which for me was about 8 pieces. You can cook it in the microwave, in the oven or in a skillet for this recipe.
  • Be sure to flip these cakes over after 15 minutes in the oven. That helps both sides get the browned, crispy crust.

Overall though, this is a really easy recipe. Just 6 simple ingredients and they take about 15 minutes to prep.

Golden brown spinach cheddar bacon cakes on a white serving platter with a bowl of Ranch dressing

Also, you can totally pair these with your favorite dip.

Dipping sauces for spinach bacon cheddar cakes:

  • Ranch dressing
  • Honey mustard
  • Ketchup
  • BBQ sauce

They’re also fabulous with just a bit of hot sauce for serving, as recommended in the cookbook.

A hand dipping a baked cheesy spinach bacon cake into a bowl of Ranch dressing A hand holding a Ranch-dipped baked spinach cheddar bacon cake

You do you!

I hope you give these a try for some hearty, delicious savory veggie cakes that’ll have everyone happily eating their spinach.

And do check out my friend’s cookbook; it’s a really great one!

Enjoy those veggies!

XO,

Kathryn

Yield: About 20 cakes

Cheesy spinach bacon cakes

Crispy baked spinach cheese bacon cakes piled up on a white serving platter with a bowl of Ranch dressing

Cheesy spinach bacon cakes are full of flavor and baked until browned and crunchy on the outside. They make a great savory bite with dinner or for an anytime snack.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. fresh or frozen spinach
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups plain breadcrumbs
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1/2 lb. of bacon, cooked and crumbled or finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard powder

For serving (optional):

  • Ranch dressing, honey mustard, hot sauce, ketchup or BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. For frozen spinach, thaw it then drain and squeeze to remove as much excess moisture as possible. (See notes.)
  3. For fresh spinach, add the spinach to a pot of boiling water for 40 seconds, then use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let the spinach cool completely then drain and squeeze to remove as much extra moisture as possible.
  4. Chop the spinach then add to a bowl. Add the cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, bacon and mustard powder and mix until well combined.
  5. Scoop about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the mixture to form each patty. Form in a round puck shape and place on prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake at 375 for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the patties over after about 15 minutes, until all are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
  7. Serve hot or warm with your preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

Cheese: The recipe calls for shredded cheddar cheese, and it’s the perfect pairing, but I think you could substitute Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend of shredded cheeses if you prefer.

Bacon: For the bacon, you’ll need 8 oz, which for me was about 8 pieces. You can cook it in the microwave, in the oven or in a skillet for this recipe.

Golden brown: Be sure to flip these cakes over after 15 minutes in the oven. That helps both sides get the browned, crispy crust.

Recipe from The Ultimate Guide to Vegetable Side Dishes cookbook by Rebecca Lindamood.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

10

Serving Size:

2 cakes

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 366Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 168mgSodium: 808mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 23g
© Kathryn Doherty
Cuisine: American / Category: Side dishes
Baked golden brown cheesy spinach cakes with bacon on parchment paper on a baking pan with a text overlay on top

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Filed Under: Appetizers & Snacks, Side dishes

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Comments

  1. Dennis Yannakos says

    November 15, 2020 at 3:15 AM

    That was so great that I added spinach to these cakes and my kids ate them without any notice and complaints!!!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Doherty says

      November 17, 2020 at 7:15 AM

      Woo hoo! I’m so happy to hear your kids enjoyed these!

      Reply

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Hi there! I’m Kathryn Doherty, a health and nutrition editor, cookbook author, wife, mother of two kids, and devoted food and home cooking nut. I’ve got lots of easy recipes and resources to help you get delicious family food on your table! Learn more about me

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