Indulge in the creamy, cheesy decadence of Special Spinach Au Gratin, a stunning side dish that pairs freshly wilted spinach with a luscious Gruyère and Parmesan cheese sauce. This classic French-inspired recipe is topped with a golden, buttery breadcrumb crust, adding the perfect crunch to each bite. Featuring the warmth of freshly grated nutmeg and the subtle kick of garlic, this dish is an elevated comfort food that’s as sophisticated as it is satisfying. Perfect for holiday feasts or weeknight dinners, this quick-to-prepare dish (ready in just 45 minutes!) is guaranteed to impress. Serve this irresistible spinach casserole alongside your favorite roasted meats or as the centerpiece in a vegetarian spread.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Wash the spinach thoroughly and blanch in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Drain well and squeeze out excess water. Roughly chop the spinach and set aside.
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the flour to the saucepan and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. Do not let it brown.
Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Stir in the grated nutmeg, salt, black pepper, Gruyère cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine the cheese sauce with the chopped spinach, mixing well. Transfer this mixture to a lightly greased baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining Parmesan cheese and olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the spinach-cheese mixture in the baking dish.
Dot the breadcrumb topping with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, cut into small pieces.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Let the Spinach Au Gratin cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Calories |
2209 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 161.3 g | 207% | |
| Saturated Fat | 87.0 g | 435% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 437 mg | 146% | |
| Sodium | 3832 mg | 167% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 108.9 g | 40% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.8 g | 56% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.9 g | ||
| Protein | 83.2 g | 166% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.6 mcg | 23% | |
| Calcium | 2530 mg | 195% | |
| Iron | 20.2 mg | 112% | |
| Potassium | 821 mg | 17% | |
*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.