This recipe creates a classic cheesy potato and spinach casserole, a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy weeknight meal. Layers of tender potatoes, wilted spinach, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce combine to create a warm and flavorful experience. The rustic, homemade feel of this casserole makes it a timeless favorite, bringing warmth and comfort to any table.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- This includes slicing the potatoes, preparing the spinach, and making the cheese sauce.
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- This is the baking time for the casserole.
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes
- This includes all preparation and cooking time.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 500g (1 lb) fresh spinach, washed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 50g (1/4 cup) butter
- 50g (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour
- 500ml (2 cups) milk
- 200g (7 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
- 100g (3.5 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Nutmeg, a pinch
- Olive oil, for sautéing
Directions:
-
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife.
- Thin slices ensure even cooking and a tender texture.
- Place the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Drain and pat dry before layering.
-
Prepare the Spinach:
- Wash the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
- Remove any tough stems from the spinach leaves.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the washed spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- The spinach will reduce in volume significantly as it cooks.
- Drain any excess liquid from the wilted spinach by pressing it against the side of the skillet or squeezing it in a colander.
- Roughly chop the wilted spinach and set aside.
-
Sauté Onions and Garlic:
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent the onions from burning.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Avoid overcooking the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Set the sautéed onions and garlic aside.
-
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly with a whisk, for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- This cooks out the raw flour taste and helps thicken the sauce.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Cook the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste.
-
Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a large baking dish (9×13 inch or similar) with butter or cooking spray.
- Arrange a layer of potato slices on the bottom of the baking dish, slightly overlapping them.
- Sprinkle the potato layer with salt and pepper.
- Top the potato layer with the sautéed onions and garlic, spreading them evenly.
- Add a layer of the wilted spinach over the onions and garlic.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce over the spinach layer, ensuring it covers the spinach evenly.
- Add another layer of potato slices, slightly overlapping them, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the top layer of potatoes, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese over the casserole.
-
Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- The cheese should be melted and lightly browned.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Let the casserole cool slightly for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- This allows the cheese sauce to set and prevents it from being too runny.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutritional Facts (Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 400-500
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Fiber: 5-7g
The Origins and Popularity of This Recipe:
This cheesy potato and spinach casserole is a classic comfort food dish with origins in European and American home cooking. Casseroles, in general, have been popular for generations due to their simplicity, versatility, and ability to feed a crowd. The combination of potatoes, spinach, and cheese is a timeless one, offering a balance of flavors and textures that appeal to a wide range of palates. The rustic, homemade feel of this dish, often referred to as “caserol” or “casero” in some regions, adds to its appeal, evoking a sense of warmth and tradition. The ease of preparation and the ability to customize with different cheeses, seasonings, and additions contribute to its enduring popularity. This type of casserole is often served at family gatherings, holiday meals, and potlucks, making it a staple in many households. The comfort and satisfaction it provides have solidified its position as a beloved dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Comforting and Hearty: A warm and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Cheesy Goodness: The rich, creamy cheese sauce adds a delicious and indulgent flavor.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make it a breeze to prepare.
- Versatile: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite cheeses, seasonings, and additions.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleasing meal that’s enjoyed by both kids and adults.
Health Benefits of:
- Potatoes: Provide carbohydrates for energy, potassium for heart health, and vitamin C for immune support.
- Spinach: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, folate, and antioxidants.
- Cheese: Provides calcium for strong bones and protein for muscle maintenance.
- Milk: Provides calcium, vitamin D, and protein.
Serving Suggestions of:
- Main Course: Serve as a main course with a side salad or crusty bread.
- Side Dish: Serve alongside roasted chicken, pork, beef, or fish.
- Potluck Dish: A perfect dish to bring to potlucks, holiday gatherings, and family meals.
- Leftovers: Enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner, reheated in the oven or microwave.
Tips:
- Slice Potatoes Thinly: Thinly sliced potatoes cook more evenly and create a tender texture.
- Drain Spinach Well: Drain any excess liquid from the wilted spinach to prevent a watery casserole.
- Use Quality Cheese: Use good quality cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or nutmeg as needed.
- Cover with Foil: Covering the casserole with foil during the first part of baking prevents the top from browning too quickly and ensures the potatoes cook through.
- Let it Rest: Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to allow the cheese sauce to set.
Variations to Try:
- Add Meat: Add cooked bacon, ham, sausage, or ground beef to the casserole for a heartier meal.
- Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, fontina, or pepper jack for a variety of flavors.
- Add Herbs: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, parsley, or chives to the cheese sauce or layered into the casserole.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
- Add Vegetables: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or caramelized onions to the casserole.