Indulge in the creamy, cheesy delight of Wonderful Baked Spinach, a comforting side dish that transforms humble spinach into an irresistible masterpiece. This recipe combines tender, blanched spinach with a luscious cream cheese and Parmesan sauce, enhanced by the fragrant sizzle of sautΓ©ed garlic. Topped with a golden, crispy layer of buttery breadcrumbs and gooey mozzarella, itβs the perfect blend of rich flavors and textures. With hints of nutmeg for a subtle earthy warmth, this spinach bake is both elegant and easy to prepare, requiring just 15 minutes of prep time. Perfect as a side for family dinners or festive gatherings, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, pasta, or crusty bread.
Preheat the oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish and set it aside.
Wash the spinach thoroughly and remove any tough stems. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and blanch the spinach for 1 minute. Drain and immediately transfer the spinach to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Once cooled, squeeze out excess water and chop the spinach roughly.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sautΓ© for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir the heavy cream and cream cheese into the skillet, and cook until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet, mixing well to coat with the creamy sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Remove from heat.
Transfer the spinach mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
In a small bowl, toss together the breadcrumbs, shredded mozzarella, and olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the spinach in the baking dish.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dish is heated through.
Remove the baked spinach from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Calories |
2746 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 212.2 g | 272% | |
| Saturated Fat | 119.7 g | 598% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 597 mg | 199% | |
| Sodium | 6955 mg | 302% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 114.0 g | 41% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.4 g | 59% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.7 g | ||
| Protein | 91.0 g | 182% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2340 mg | 180% | |
| Iron | 22.5 mg | 125% | |
| Potassium | 242 mg | 5% | |
*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.