Comforting, satisfying, and packed with rich flavor, this Baked Potato and Spinach Cheese Casserole is a dish that brings warmth to your table with every bite. With layers of soft mashed potatoes, sautéed onions, garlic, tender spinach, and a gooey cheese center, this recipe is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients. It combines the heartiness of potatoes with the creamy, nutty touch of Parmesan and the smoky depth of scamorza, creating a dish that’s both rustic and refined. Ideal for family dinners, vegetarian mains, or a savory holiday side, this casserole has something for everyone.
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Serves 6 as a side or 4 as a main dish
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
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1 kg (2 lb 4 oz) of potatoes, peeled and cubed
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Salt, to taste
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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1 clove garlic, minced
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300 g (11 oz) fresh spinach
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40 g (1½ oz) grated Parmesan cheese
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1 large egg
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A pinch of ground nutmeg
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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100 g (4 oz) cheese (smoked scamorza recommended, or substitute with mozzarella or provolone)
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Breadcrumbs, for coating and layering
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Olive oil, for drizzling
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Boil the Potatoes:
Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until soft—about 15–20 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth. Let cool slightly. -
Prepare the Spinach Mixture:
In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes, then stir in the garlic. Sauté for another minute until fragrant. -
Cook the Spinach:
Add the spinach to the skillet with a pinch of salt. Cover and cook for 5 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. -
Make the Potato Base:
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with the sautéed spinach mixture. Add the grated Parmesan, egg, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined. -
Assemble the Casserole:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil and sprinkle the bottom with breadcrumbs.
Spread half of the potato-spinach mixture into the dish and smooth it evenly. Place slices or small chunks of scamorza (or your cheese of choice) over this layer. -
Add the Final Layer:
Spread the remaining potato-spinach mixture over the cheese, smoothing the surface. Top with breadcrumbs and a drizzle of olive oil for crispness. -
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese inside has melted. -
Serve Warm:
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm as a main or hearty side.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: ~310
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Protein: 11g
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Carbohydrates: 28g
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Fat: 18g
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Saturated Fat: 7g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugar: 2g
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Sodium: 410mg
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Calcium: 15% RDI
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Iron: 12% RDI
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Vitamin A: 50% RDI
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Potassium: 620mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This casserole echoes classic Italian comfort food traditions—where humble ingredients like potatoes, spinach, and cheese are layered into rustic dishes full of heart and soul. Italian families often use leftover vegetables and cheeses to create filling, oven-baked meals that feed a crowd. Similar to dishes like “gateau di patate” from Naples, this recipe blends regional charm with modern versatility. It has become popular online for its satisfying texture and blend of creamy, crispy, and cheesy elements—ideal for anyone seeking cozy vegetarian meals.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Familiar yet Unique: Combines comfort food staples with Mediterranean flair.
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Easy to Prepare: Uses basic kitchen staples and simple steps.
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Great for Meal Prep: Holds up well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.
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Customizable: Works with many cheese and veggie swaps.
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Kid-Friendly: Mild flavors and cheesy interior appeal to picky eaters.
Health Benefits
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Spinach is rich in iron, vitamin A, vitamin K, and folate, supporting vision, immunity, and blood health.
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Potatoes provide complex carbs, potassium, and fiber.
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Garlic and Onion have natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Parmesan and Egg offer protein and calcium, essential for bones and muscles.
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Olive Oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Serving Suggestions
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Pair with a green salad with lemon vinaigrette for a light, fresh contrast.
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Serve with roasted tomatoes or grilled vegetables.
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Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side.
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Slice into squares and serve as an appetizer at a party.
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Serve alongside grilled meat or roasted chicken for a complete meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Undercooking the Potatoes: Ensure they’re soft enough to mash easily.
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Not Cooling Mixtures: Let potatoes and spinach cool slightly before adding the egg to avoid curdling.
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Using Too Much Moisture: Drain the spinach well or the casserole may become watery.
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Skimping on Seasoning: Potatoes need salt and flavor—taste and adjust seasoning before baking.
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Skipping the Breadcrumbs: They help add texture and prevent sticking.
Pairing Recommendations
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Wines: Light reds like Pinot Noir or whites like Vermentino.
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Bread: Rustic country loaf or garlic bread.
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Drinks: Sparkling water with lemon or a light beer.
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Condiments: Herbed yogurt sauce, pesto drizzle, or spicy ketchup.
Cooking Tips
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Use a potato ricer or food mill for the smoothest mash.
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Smoked cheeses like scamorza or provolone enhance the flavor profile.
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Add chopped herbs (basil, parsley, thyme) to the potato mix for extra flavor.
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For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
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To make ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Similar Recipes to Try
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Italian Potato Gateau with Ham and Cheese
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Creamed Spinach and Mashed Potato Gratin
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Cheesy Broccoli and Potato Bake
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Sweet Potato and Kale Casserole
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Zucchini and Ricotta Layered Bake
Variations to Try
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Add Protein: Mix in cooked lentils or shredded rotisserie chicken.
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Go Vegan: Use vegan cheese and egg replacer.
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Swap Veggies: Try chard, kale, or leeks instead of spinach.
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Add Spices: Include paprika, thyme, or crushed chili flakes.
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Top with Nuts: Sprinkle pine nuts or chopped walnuts on top for crunch.
Ingredient Spotlight: Scamorza Cheese
Smoked scamorza is a semi-soft Italian cheese made from cow’s milk. Its creamy texture and mild smoky flavor make it ideal for melting in baked dishes. Unlike mozzarella, it’s slightly firmer and browns better under heat. It brings a distinctive depth to this casserole, especially when contrasted with the clean flavors of spinach and potato.
Conclusion
This Baked Potato and Spinach Cheese Casserole is the kind of dish that bridges nostalgia with nourishment. Its velvety mash, vibrant greens, and gooey cheese center make it a favorite among both vegetarians and omnivores alike. Whether you’re seeking a meatless main, a cozy side dish, or a new way to love potatoes, this recipe delivers comfort and elegance in every slice. Best of all, it’s simple enough for weeknights yet special enough for the holiday table.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but thaw it completely and squeeze out excess water to avoid sogginess.
2. What can I use instead of scamorza?
Mozzarella, provolone, or even a mild cheddar work well as substitutes.
3. Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes! Assemble it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
4. How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
6. Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, it freezes well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
7. What are the best potatoes for this recipe?
Starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold yield the creamiest mash.
8. Can I add meat to the recipe?
Absolutely—add cooked ground beef, sausage, or diced ham between the layers.
9. What herbs go best with this dish?
Parsley, thyme, rosemary, or chives are excellent choices.
10. How do I make it more flavorful?
Don’t shy away from salt, pepper, and nutmeg in the potato mixture, and consider adding garlic powder or mustard for extra depth.