Creamy Baked Spinach

Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of Creamy Baked Spinach, a comforting dish that's perfect as a hearty side or a light main course. This recipe combines tender, blanched spinach with a velvety béchamel sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese, creating a luscious base. Topped with gooey mozzarella, golden breadcrumbs, and a drizzle of olive oil, this baked spinach dish achieves a perfectly crisp and bubbling finish in the oven. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a short bake, it’s an easy yet elegant addition to any meal. Perfect for spinach lovers, this creamy casserole is also enhanced with a hint of nutmeg for a warm, nutty undertone. Serve it alongside roasted meats or enjoy it solo for a decadent, cheesy treat!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams fresh spinach
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups whole milk
• 2 units garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 0.125 teaspoons nutmeg (optional)
• 0.25 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (to drizzle)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch baking dish or casserole dish.

Step 2

Rinse the fresh spinach thoroughly and remove any tough stems. In a large pot, blanch the spinach in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Drain and press out any excess water, then roughly chop and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 5

Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 6

Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season the béchamel sauce with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Remove from heat.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach and béchamel sauce, ensuring the spinach is evenly coated.

Step 8

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs.

Step 9

Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the breadcrumbs to help them crisp up during baking.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Step 11

Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Creamy Baked Spinach as a side dish or light main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1055.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1166.7

Total Fat 72.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 41.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.5g
Cholesterol 222.8mg	0%
Sodium 3407.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 71.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.8g	0%
Total Sugars 19.8g
Protein 60.0g	0%

Vitamin D 167.8IU	0%
Calcium 1800.8mg	0%
Iron 18.1mg	0%
Potassium 607.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.2%

Protein: 20.5%

Carbs: 24.3%