Creamy Baked Spinach
Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of Creamy Baked Spinach, a comforting dish that's perfect as a hearty side or a light main course. This recipe combines tender, blanched spinach with a velvety béchamel sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese, creating a luscious base. Topped with gooey mozzarella, golden breadcrumbs, and a drizzle of olive oil, this baked spinach dish achieves a perfectly crisp and bubbling finish in the oven. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a short bake, it’s an easy yet elegant addition to any meal. Perfect for spinach lovers, this creamy casserole is also enhanced with a hint of nutmeg for a warm, nutty undertone. Serve it alongside roasted meats or enjoy it solo for a decadent, cheesy treat!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams fresh spinach
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 2 units garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 0.125 teaspoons nutmeg (optional)
- 0.25 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (to drizzle)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
Rinse the fresh spinach thoroughly and remove any tough stems. In a large pot, blanch the spinach in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Drain and press out any excess water, then roughly chop and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season the béchamel sauce with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach and béchamel sauce, ensuring the spinach is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs.
Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the breadcrumbs to help them crisp up during baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Creamy Baked Spinach as a side dish or light main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1167 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 72.0 g | 92% | |
| Saturated Fat | 41.4 g | 207% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 223 mg | 74% | |
| Sodium | 3407 mg | 148% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 71.3 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.8 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.8 g | ||
| Protein | 60.0 g | 120% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.2 mcg | 21% | |
| Calcium | 1801 mg | 139% | |
| Iron | 18.1 mg | 101% | |
| Potassium | 607 mg | 13% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
