This Creamy Spinach and Potato Bake with Cheese Sauce is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender layers of potatoes with sautéed spinach and onions, all enveloped in a fluffy, cheesy egg and cream cheese mixture. Topped with gooey mozzarella and baked until golden, it’s a protein-rich, veggie-packed meal that works beautifully as a meatless main course or a hearty side. Perfect for weeknight dinners, brunches, or potlucks, it’s warm, satisfying, and irresistibly cheesy.
Preparation Time, Cook Time, Total Time
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield
Servings: 6–8
Cuisine
Comfort Food / European-Inspired Casserole Dish
Ingredients
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4 large eggs
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Salt, to taste
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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4 tablespoons cream cheese
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150 g (5 oz) pizza mozzarella, shredded
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450 g (1 lb) potatoes
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1 medium onion
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250 g (0.5 lb) fresh spinach
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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Boiling water, for parboiling potatoes
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Make the cheese egg sauce
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 4 eggs, a pinch of salt, garlic powder, and baking powder. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and slightly frothy. -
Add cream cheese
Add 4 tablespoons of cream cheese to the egg mixture. Mix until the cream cheese is fully incorporated. It’s okay if it’s a little lumpy—this will melt during baking. -
Add cheese
Stir in about 2/3 of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Reserve the rest for topping. -
Let the mixture rest
Allow the sauce mixture to sit for 15 minutes. This gives the baking powder time to activate and helps create a light, fluffy texture. -
Prepare the potatoes
Peel the potatoes and slice them very thinly using a knife or mandolin—about 2–3 mm thick. -
Parboil the potatoes
Place the sliced potatoes in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Add a pinch of salt and let them cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly softened but not fully cooked. Drain well and set aside. -
Sauté the onion and spinach
Finely chop the onion. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft and translucent—about 3–4 minutes. -
Add the spinach
Add the spinach to the softened onions and stir. Cook for about 3 minutes, just until wilted and reduced in volume. Remove from heat. -
Assemble the bake
In a greased baking dish (about 9×13 inches or similar), layer the parboiled potato slices evenly along the bottom. Top with the sautéed spinach and onion mixture. -
Pour the cheese sauce
Pour the egg, cream cheese, and mozzarella mixture over the top, spreading it out with a spatula to evenly cover the vegetables. -
Top with remaining cheese
Sprinkle the reserved mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. -
Bake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the dish uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown on top and set in the center. The cheese should be bubbly and slightly crispy. -
Cool and serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate for 8 servings)
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Calories: 240
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Protein: 12g
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Carbohydrates: 14g
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Fat: 15g
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Saturated Fat: 6g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sodium: 280mg
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Sugar: 2g
Values may vary depending on cheese and cream cheese types used.
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This dish takes inspiration from European baked casseroles—particularly French gratins and Eastern European vegetable bakes—where thinly sliced potatoes are layered with dairy and vegetables to create a nourishing, oven-baked meal. It combines the convenience of pantry ingredients with the wholesome richness of vegetables and eggs, making it a go-to for families and home cooks.
The inclusion of spinach and cream cheese brings a slightly Mediterranean feel to the dish, while the fluffy, protein-rich egg base is reminiscent of frittatas and crustless quiches. It’s popular online due to its hearty nature, simple steps, and the ability to scale up or adapt it easily.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Super comforting: Soft layers of potato, creamy eggs, and melty cheese in every bite.
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Perfect for meal prep: Tastes great the next day and reheats beautifully.
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Vegetarian-friendly: No meat needed—just nourishing, filling ingredients.
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Budget-friendly: Uses inexpensive pantry and fridge staples.
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Great for feeding a crowd: Serve it at brunch, dinner, or holidays.
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Customizable: Easily adapted with other vegetables or cheeses.
Once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to it as a reliable crowd-pleaser.
Health Benefits
Despite being rich and cheesy, this dish has quite a few nutritional advantages:
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Eggs: Packed with protein, B vitamins, and healthy fats.
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Spinach: Loaded with iron, calcium, and antioxidants.
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Potatoes: A natural source of fiber, potassium, and complex carbs.
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Onions and garlic powder: Provide anti-inflammatory compounds and depth of flavor.
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Cream cheese and mozzarella: Contribute protein and calcium.
It’s a balanced meal when paired with a side salad or roasted vegetables, making it suitable for those seeking comfort and nourishment.
Serving Suggestions
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With salad: Serve alongside a fresh cucumber or green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
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As a main course: Add a piece of crusty bread or roasted carrots on the side.
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For brunch: Pair with fruit, toast, and fresh juice for a weekend gathering.
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In lunchboxes: Slice into squares and pack cold or warm in containers.
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As a holiday side: Serve at Easter, Christmas, or other gatherings alongside protein mains.
It’s versatile enough for every occasion—from everyday meals to festive feasts.
Cooking Tips
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Slice potatoes thinly and evenly: Ensures even cooking throughout.
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Drain potatoes well: Wet potatoes can make the dish watery.
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Let the sauce rest: Helps the baking powder activate for fluffier texture.
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Don’t skip pre-cooking the spinach: Reduces moisture and intensifies flavor.
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Add foil if needed: If the top is browning too fast, loosely cover the dish partway through.
These small tips ensure your casserole comes out perfect every time.
Variations to Try
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Add protein: Mix in cooked bacon, turkey, or sausage crumbles.
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Try other cheeses: Feta, goat cheese, or Cheddar offer different flavors.
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Use kale or chard: Substitute or combine with spinach for variety.
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Add tomatoes: Layer in sliced fresh tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes.
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Low-carb version: Use zucchini slices or cauliflower florets instead of potatoes.
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Spice it up: Add chili flakes, smoked paprika, or herbs like thyme or oregano.
These ideas help you make the recipe your own and keep things exciting.
Conclusion
Creamy Spinach and Potato Bake with Cheese Sauce is one of those recipes that feels like home—cozy, warm, and made with love. It’s the kind of dish that feeds both the body and soul, combining everyday ingredients into something truly special. With tender potatoes, melty cheese, savory eggs, and iron-rich spinach, it’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether you’re making it for family dinner, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to win everyone over—bite after cheesy bite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Thaw and drain it very well before cooking to remove excess moisture.
2. What’s the best cheese to use?
Pizza mozzarella melts well, but you can use a blend including Cheddar, Emmental, or even Parmesan for added flavor.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving or reheat fully baked leftovers.
4. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes. They will add a slight sweetness and more fiber and vitamin A.
5. Can I make it dairy-free?
You can try using dairy-free cream cheese and cheese substitutes, and almond or oat milk for thinning the egg mixture if needed.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
7. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but texture may change slightly. Freeze in portions and reheat from frozen or thawed.
8. Do I have to pre-cook the potatoes?
Parboiling ensures they’re tender after baking. You can skip this step if slicing paper-thin, but bake longer.
9. What can I add for more flavor?
Try sautéed garlic, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary also work beautifully.
10. Can I make individual portions?
Yes. Use ramekins or muffin tins for personal-sized bakes—perfect for meal prep or parties.