Fresh Spinach Gratin

The smell of warm, cheesy goodness wafting through the kitchen always brings a smile to my face. Especially when that cheesy goodness is nestled on top of a bed of vibrant spinach! This Fresh Spinach Gratin recipe is a winner in my book. I’ve made this at least a dozen times in my Texas kitchen and even my picky-eater kids gobble it up. It’s the perfect side dish for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Trust me, you’re going to love how easy and delicious this gratin is!

Why This Recipe Works

Let’s be honest, getting everyone to eat their greens can be a challenge, right? That’s why I love this Fresh Spinach Gratin. It’s a sneaky (and delicious!) way to get a healthy serving of spinach into the bellies of my family. Here’s what makes it so great:

• Kid-Approved: The creamy, cheesy sauce makes even spinach irresistible.
• Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: It pairs perfectly with everything from roasted chicken to grilled steak.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

After tons of testing, I’ve perfected this recipe to ensure it’s flavorful, easy to make, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. You won’t be disappointed!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Ingredient Notes

Spinach: Fresh spinach can be used in place of frozen. You’ll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach, washed, stemmed, and coarsely chopped. Sauté it until wilted before adding it to the cream cheese mixture.

Cheese: Cheddar cheese provides a classic, comforting flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick!

Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg adds a warm, subtle flavor that complements the spinach and cheese beautifully. Don’t skip it!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the gratin from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. The aroma will fill your kitchen and make your mouth water!

Step 3: Combine Spinach and Cream Cheese. Add the squeezed-dry spinach to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook for a few minutes to heat through. Then, stir in the softened cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure everything is well combined and the cream cheese is fully melted

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish. Pour the spinach mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. This ensures that every bite will have the perfect balance of spinach and cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Top with Cheese. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the spinach mixture. This will create a beautiful golden-brown crust when baked.

Step 6: Bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the gratin is heated through. The top should be golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve. Let the gratin cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set up slightly and prevent burning your tongue. Enjoy!

Expert Tips from My Kitchen

• Squeeze the Spinach: This is crucial! Make sure to squeeze out as much excess water as possible from the thawed spinach. This will prevent your gratin from being watery. I use a clean kitchen towel to do this.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry gratin. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, but still slightly soft in the center.
• Add a Breadcrumb Topping: For extra crunch, top the gratin with buttered breadcrumbs before baking. Simply toss breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spinach mixture for a little bit of heat.
• Make it Kid-Friendly: If your kids are hesitant about spinach, try finely chopping the spinach before adding it to the mixture. You can also add a little extra cheese to make it even more appealing.
• Use a Variety of Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese to create your own unique flavor combination. Gruyere, mozzarella, or pepper jack all work well.
• Make it Ahead: Assemble the gratin ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving for a quick and easy side dish.

Storage & Meal Prep

Storage: Leftover spinach gratin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat the gratin in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals until warm. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the cheese rubbery.

Make-Ahead: This gratin is perfect for making ahead! Assemble the entire dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Substitutions & Variations

Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!

Dairy-Free: To make this dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives. Use a dairy-free shredded cheese on top. I haven’t personally tested this, but I’ve heard good things about cashew-based cream cheeses!

Vegetarian: This recipe is vegetarian-friendly!

Add-Ins: Consider adding other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts to the spinach mixture for added flavor and nutrition. You could even add some cooked bacon or ham for a meaty twist!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! You’ll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach. Wash, stem, and coarsely chop it. Sauté it in the skillet until wilted before adding it to the cream cheese mixture. Make sure you cook it down well, or it will be too watery in the gratin.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This is a great make-ahead dish. Assemble the entire gratin, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

How do I know when the gratin is done?

The gratin is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly and the spinach mixture is heated through. The top should be golden brown and slightly crispy. Insert a knife into the center of the gratin; it should come out hot.

What if my gratin is too watery?

The most common cause of a watery gratin is excess moisture in the spinach. Be sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the thawed spinach before adding it to the cream cheese mixture. You can also try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the mixture to help absorb excess moisture.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, it is! The creamy, cheesy sauce makes even spinach irresistible to most kids. If your kids are hesitant, try finely chopping the spinach and adding a little extra cheese. You can also serve it with a side of their favorite dipping sauce, like ketchup or ranch dressing.

Serving Suggestions

This Fresh Spinach Gratin is a versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. Try serving it with roasted chicken, grilled steak, baked ham, or even vegetarian dishes like lentil loaf or stuffed bell peppers.

For a simple plating idea, garnish the gratin with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve it warm and enjoy!

For families, portion sizes can be adjusted to suit everyone’s needs. A small serving is great for younger children, while adults may enjoy a larger portion.

This Fresh Spinach Gratin is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients transformed into a comforting and delicious meal. It’s the kind of recipe that brings families together around the table, creating memories that last a lifetime. I truly hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share your results in the comments below. I love hearing your feedback! Don’t forget to explore my other family-friendly recipes on FamiliesRecipes.com, and sign up for my newsletter to receive new recipes and cooking tips straight to your inbox. Happy cooking, y’all!

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