Description
Creamed Spinach Gratin is a rich and comforting side dish featuring tender spinach enveloped in a silky cheese sauce, topped with a crunchy golden breadcrumb crust. Perfect for holiday dinners or cozy family meals, this baked gratin combines the creamy flavors of Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses with aromatic seasonings for an irresistible dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Spinach Mixture
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded (or Swiss)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 20 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and very well squeezed dry
Topping
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly butter or spray a medium baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Create Roux and Add Dairy: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the onion and garlic mixture, whisking constantly for 1 minute to cook the flour. Gradually pour in 1 ½ cups of whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Add ½ cup of heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Continue cooking and stirring for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Incorporate Spinach: Fold in the thawed and thoroughly squeezed dry chopped spinach until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Assemble Gratin: Transfer the spinach and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare and Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, ¼ cup grated Parmesan, and olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the spinach.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Notes
- Creamed Spinach Gratin is a rich and comforting holiday side filled with tender spinach, a silky cheese sauce, and a golden breadcrumb topping.
- Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the thawed spinach to avoid a watery gratin.
- Gruyère can be substituted with Swiss cheese if unavailable, but Gruyère delivers a richer flavor.
- Use fresh nutmeg if possible for the best aromatic flavor.
- Let the gratin rest for a few minutes after baking to allow it to set before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 345 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 621 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
