This delicious Layered Potato and Spinach Bake with Ham and Mozzarella is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together layers of tender potatoes, savory vegetables, and cheesy goodness. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this casserole-style recipe is a wonderful balance of flavors and textures, and it’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- Potatoes: 1.2 kg (about 6 medium potatoes), peeled and thinly sliced
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Sweet Red Pepper: 1, finely chopped
- Spinach: 300g, fresh
- Egg: 1, beaten
- Breadcrumbs: 20g (about 2 tablespoons)
- Parmesan Cheese: 30g, grated
- Ham: 150g, sliced
- Hard Mozzarella Cheese: 80g, grated
- Vegetable Oil: For sautéing and greasing
- Salt and Ground Black Pepper: To taste
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Peel and slice the potatoes thinly. Set aside.
- In a pan, sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and red pepper in a little vegetable oil until soft.
- Add Spinach:
- Add the spinach to the pan and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the egg and combine with the sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Layer the Dish:
- Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the dish.
- Spread the vegetable and egg mixture over the potato layer. Add the ham slices on top of the vegetables.
- Layer the remaining potato slices on top of the ham. Season with salt and pepper.
- Top with Mozzarella:
- Grate the mozzarella cheese and sprinkle it over the top layer of potatoes.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a fresh green salad for a lighter side.
- Pair with a glass of white wine for an elegant dinner.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for extra creaminess.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal.
- Complement with crusty bread to soak up the delicious flavors.
Cooking Tips:
- Slice the potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
- Let the sautéed vegetables cool before adding them to the egg mixture to prevent the egg from cooking prematurely.
- To enhance the flavor, add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the potato layers.
- For a crispier top, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Substitute ham with bacon or turkey slices for variety.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Potatoes: A great source of carbohydrates and potassium.
- Spinach: Rich in iron, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants.
- Ham: Provides protein and flavor to the dish.
- Cheese: Adds calcium and protein, contributing to the creaminess and taste.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ham with extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the cheeses with dairy-free alternatives.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) or in the microwave until hot.
- You can also freeze the dish for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Comfort Food: A warm, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for cozy dinners.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with potatoes, ham, and spinach, it’s a satisfying meal.
- Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Customizable: You can swap ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the creamy, cheesy layers.
Conclusion:
This Layered Potato and Spinach Bake is a wonderful, all-in-one dish that delivers both flavor and comfort in every bite. With its rich combination of potatoes, ham, spinach, and melted cheese, it’s the perfect casserole for feeding the family or serving at a dinner party. Plus, it’s easily customizable to fit your dietary needs or preferences.
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Try this recipe today, and I’m sure it will become a regular in your meal rotation. Don’t forget to share your experience and let me know how you liked it! Happy cooking!