Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Spinach Bake, a comforting dish that perfectly balances rich flavors with wholesome ingredients. Fresh spinach is folded into a velvety garlic-infused béchamel sauce, enriched with Parmesan and mozzarella for a luscious, cheesy bite. This easy-to-make recipe is topped with golden, crunchy breadcrumbs for texture and baked to bubbly perfection. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and an oven-fresh finish in 30, it’s an ideal dish for weeknight dinners or as an elegant side for special occasions. Serve it alongside crusty bread or as a stand-alone vegetarian delight that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for spinach lovers, this recipe checks all the boxes for comfort food!
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and prepare a medium-sized baking dish by greasing it lightly with olive oil or butter.
Wash the spinach thoroughly and remove any tough stems. Pat the spinach dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Gradually stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a light roux.
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach wilts and mixes evenly with the sauce.
Transfer the spinach mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until well coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the spinach and cheese.
Bake the spinach for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy it as a standalone meal with crusty bread.
Calories |
1590 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 98.1 g | 126% | |
| Saturated Fat | 52.0 g | 260% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 265 mg | 88% | |
| Sodium | 6154 mg | 268% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 88.2 g | 32% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.6 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.0 g | ||
| Protein | 95.4 g | 191% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.5 mcg | 18% | |
| Calcium | 2673 mg | 206% | |
| Iron | 17.9 mg | 99% | |
| Potassium | 546 mg | 12% | |
*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.