This Creamy Potato and Spinach Bake is the ultimate comfort food—rich, velvety layers of tender potatoes, sautéed spinach, a creamy carrot-garlic milk sauce, and golden melted mozzarella cheese. It’s an easy, family-friendly dish that works perfectly as a main course or a hearty side.
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a crowd-pleasing vegetarian bake, this recipe is simple to follow and delivers big on flavor. With nourishing vegetables and a rich, homemade sauce, this bake feels both indulgent and wholesome.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: European / Comfort Food
Ingredients
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1 kg (2.2 lbs) potatoes
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Water, for boiling
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Salt, to taste
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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40 g (1.4 oz) butter
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1 carrot, peeled and grated
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30 g (¼ cup) all-purpose flour
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500 ml (2 cups) milk
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Dried ground nutmeg, to taste
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200 g (7 oz) spinach, fresh
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Vegetable oil, for sautéing
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150 g (5.3 oz) hard mozzarella cheese, grated
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
Prepare the potatoes
Peel and slice the potatoes into thin, even rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline for uniformity. Place them in a pot, cover with water, and add salt to taste. Bring to a boil and cook until just tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Sauté garlic and carrot
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated carrot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and aromatic.
Make the roux and sauce
Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually add milk in small batches, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Let the sauce thicken to a smooth, creamy consistency. Season with salt and a pinch of ground nutmeg.
Cook the spinach
In a separate skillet, heat a bit of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the spinach and sauté until wilted, about 3–4 minutes. Season lightly with salt.
Assemble the bake
Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F). Lightly grease a baking dish. Layer half of the cooked potato slices on the bottom. Top with half of the sautéed spinach and pour half the carrot-garlic milk sauce over the spinach. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
Top with mozzarella
Sprinkle the grated mozzarella evenly across the top layer. For extra golden crust, you can lightly drizzle a few drops of olive oil over the cheese.
Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving – based on 6 servings)
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Calories: 310
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Protein: 10g
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Carbohydrates: 30g
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Fat: 17g
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Saturated Fat: 9g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 4g
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Sodium: 250mg
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Calcium: 18% DV
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Vitamin A: 70% DV
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Iron: 12% DV
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Baked potato dishes have long been cherished in European and Mediterranean cuisines, often combined with leafy greens, cheese, and creamy sauces. This version builds on the idea of a French gratin, but with a healthier twist—using spinach and carrots for added nutrition, and garlic for depth.
With the rise of home cooking and interest in one-dish meals, this vegetarian-friendly, layered potato bake has gained popularity on recipe blogs, social media, and family meal plans. Its simplicity, versatility, and satisfying taste make it a staple across cultures.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying
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Simple, whole ingredients and no complicated steps
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Loaded with vegetables like spinach, potatoes, garlic, and carrots
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Family-friendly – even picky eaters will ask for seconds
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Great as a main or side dish
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Perfect for make-ahead meals and weekly meal prep
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Budget-friendly and filling
Health Benefits
This dish may feel indulgent, but it comes with plenty of nutritional perks:
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Potatoes are high in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber (especially with skin on)
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Spinach is rich in iron, magnesium, and folate
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Carrots provide beta-carotene and antioxidants
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Milk delivers calcium and vitamin D
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Garlic offers immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory benefits
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A balanced meal with protein, fiber, and healthy carbs
Serving Suggestions
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Serve as a main course with a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables
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Pair with grilled chicken or fish for extra protein
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Add a spoonful of sour cream or herbed yogurt for tangy contrast
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Drizzle with balsamic glaze or pesto for an elegant touch
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Cut into squares and serve warm or room temperature at a brunch or potluck
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Enjoy leftovers the next day for a quick and satisfying lunch
Cooking Tips
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Slice potatoes thinly and evenly for consistent texture and quicker baking
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Grate carrot finely to melt into the sauce without standing out
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Use freshly grated mozzarella for best meltability and flavor
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Whisk the sauce constantly to avoid lumps—patience pays off!
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Let the bake rest before slicing to help it set and avoid falling apart
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Use a ceramic or glass baking dish for even heat distribution
Variations to Try
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Add mushrooms or zucchini for more veggies
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Swap spinach for kale or chard for a different green
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Use sweet potatoes instead of regular for a deeper flavor and more antioxidants
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Add grated parmesan or feta to the top layer for a bolder cheese taste
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Mix cooked quinoa into the spinach layer for added protein
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Include fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary in the sauce
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Make it spicy with a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika
Conclusion
This Creamy Potato and Spinach Bake is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into a rich, flavorful dish that comforts and nourishes. With its delicate garlic-carrot sauce and gooey mozzarella topping, it’s the kind of recipe that feels both indulgent and balanced.
Perfect for casual weeknights or cozy gatherings, this dish is flexible, approachable, and endlessly customizable. Whether you serve it hot from the oven or enjoy leftovers the next day, it’s guaranteed to bring warmth to your table and smiles all around.
FAQ
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the bake, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
2. Can I use frozen spinach?
Absolutely. Thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before layering.
3. What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella melts well and has a mild flavor, but you can mix in parmesan, cheddar, or even gouda for variety.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute the flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Let the bake cool completely, slice, and freeze portions. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
6. Is this a complete meal?
Yes! It contains carbs, protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. Add a salad or lean protein if you want more balance.
7. How can I make it vegan?
Use plant-based butter and milk, and a vegan cheese alternative. Swap the roux for cornstarch or blended cashews for the creamy effect.
8. Can I skip the carrot?
Yes, though it adds sweetness and nutrients to the sauce. You can also replace it with finely chopped onion or bell pepper.
9. What’s the best way to reheat?
In the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes per slice.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger baking dish or make two trays. Perfect for feeding a crowd or storing extras.