This Creamy Spinach and Potato Bake combines tender potatoes, creamy spinach, and a cheesy topping for a comforting and delicious dish. It’s versatile enough to be served as a main course or a side dish and packed with hearty flavors and nutrients.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
- Frozen Spinach: 500 g (17.6 oz), thawed and drained
- Potatoes: 500 g (17.6 oz), peeled and sliced
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Sunflower Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Butter: 20 g (0.7 oz)
- Red Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced
- Green Onions: 2, chopped
- Water: 150 ml (⅔ cup)
- Milk: 400 ml (1⅔ cups)
- Nutmeg: A pinch
- Chili Pepper: To taste
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Flour: 50 g (⅓ cup)
- Grated Mozzarella: 100 g (3.5 oz)
Directions
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Boil the sliced potatoes in salted water for 10 minutes, or until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Spinach Mixture:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the red onion, garlic, and green onions until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the thawed and drained spinach, stir well, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Season with nutmeg, chili pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Prepare the White Sauce:
- In a separate pan, heat the sunflower oil over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the water and milk, ensuring no lumps form.
- Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish.
- Spread half of the spinach mixture over the potatoes, followed by half of the white sauce.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes, spinach, and white sauce.
- Add Cheese and Bake:
- Sprinkle the grated mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Final Browning:
- Return the dish to the oven for an additional 15 minutes for a crispy topping.
- Serve:
- Let the bake cool for 5 minutes before serving.
5 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for added protein.
- Enjoy as a main dish with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
5 Cooking Tips
- Use fresh spinach instead of frozen if desired; sauté it until wilted before combining with the onion mixture.
- Thinly slice the potatoes for even cooking and layering.
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream to the white sauce.
- Mix in other cheeses like Parmesan or Gruyere for a more complex flavor.
- Allow the bake to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven to set the layers.
Nutritional Benefits
- Spinach: High in iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C.
- Potatoes: A great source of potassium and dietary fiber.
- Milk: Provides calcium and protein for bone health.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Gluten-Free: No (use gluten-free flour for the white sauce)
- Dairy-Free: No (use dairy-free butter, milk, and cheese for a dairy-free version)
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (356°F) for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 2-3 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A comforting and hearty dish with creamy layers.
- Perfect for vegetarians or as a side dish for meat-based meals.
- Easy to prepare with everyday ingredients.
- Packed with nutrients from spinach and potatoes.
- Delicious with a golden, cheesy topping!
Conclusion
This Creamy Spinach and Potato Bake is a versatile and satisfying dish that brings together the richness of cheese, the heartiness of potatoes, and the freshness of spinach. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side, this bake is sure to impress with its comforting flavors and creamy texture.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and pair well with spinach.
- What can I use instead of mozzarella? Cheddar, Gruyere, or a mix of cheeses work well.
- Can I add meat to this recipe? Yes, cooked bacon, ham, or chicken can be layered with the spinach mixture.
- Can I make this recipe vegan? Use plant-based milk, vegan cheese, and margarine for a vegan version.
- Can I use fresh spinach? Yes, substitute 500 g frozen spinach with about 700 g fresh spinach, sautéed until wilted.
- What other vegetables can I add? Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers can be added to the spinach mixture.
- Can I prepare this dish in advance? Yes, assemble the bake and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- What’s the best way to slice potatoes? Use a mandoline slicer for even, thin slices.
- Can I skip the white sauce? The white sauce adds creaminess, but you can substitute with heavy cream or omit it for a lighter dish.
- How do I prevent a watery bake? Ensure spinach is well-drained and the white sauce is thickened before layering.
Enjoy this delicious, creamy bake that’s as nutritious as it is comforting! 🥔🧀✨