If you’re looking for a comforting dish that bursts with creamy, cheesy goodness, this Spinach Gratin Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s the perfect way to transform humble spinach into a luscious, golden-topped casserole that’s both a crowd-pleaser and a beautiful side dish. The velvety cream sauce paired with a cheesy crust makes this gratin unbelievably satisfying, and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spinach Gratin Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a dish with delightful flavor, creamy texture, and an inviting golden crust. Each element plays its part perfectly—from fresh spinach adding vibrant color to cheese bringing that dreamy richness.
- Fresh spinach: Using 1 1/2 pounds ensures plenty of tender greens that wilt down just perfectly for a creamy base.
- Butter: Two tablespoons melt into the sauce, adding richness and depth of flavor.
- Onion: A small diced onion infuses a sweet, aromatic note when sautéed.
- Garlic: One tablespoon minced warms up the dish with its fragrant, savory punch.
- All-purpose flour or cornstarch: Half a tablespoon thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- Heavy cream: One and a half cups create the creamy foundation that makes this gratin irresistible.
- Parmesan cheese, divided: Half a cup adds nutty, salty flavor, sprinkled inside and on top for that perfect crust.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, these seasonings balance and elevate all the ingredients.
- Mozzarella cheese: One cup shredded melts beautifully for a gooey, golden topping.
How to Make Spinach Gratin Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your baking dish. Quickly blanching fresh spinach in boiling water wilts it just right, preserving its bright color and tender texture. Immediately cooling it under cold running water stops the cooking process, so you end up with perfectly soft leaves. Be sure to squeeze out every bit of excess water—you want your gratin creamy, not watery.
Step 2: Build the Creamy Base
Next, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Adding diced onion and garlic at this stage lets those flavors soften and mingle until tender and aromatic. Stir in the flour or cornstarch to create a smooth paste, then gradually whisk in the heavy cream. This transformation turns your skillet into a luscious sauce, thickening beautifully as you simmer gently. The addition of Parmesan early on ups the flavor quotient, balancing richness with its distinctive savory notes. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper—they bring out all the dish’s best qualities.
Step 3: Combine Spinach and Sauce
Now it’s time to fold your perfectly drained spinach into the creamy sauce. Toss it well to coat every leaf in that dreamy, cheesy mixture. A quick cook through on medium heat ensures everything comes together hot and harmonious before baking.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer the spinach mixture to your prepared baking dish, then generously sprinkle mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese on top. Baking for 20 minutes lets the cheeses melt and develop a gorgeous golden crust that’s irresistibly bubbly. If you prefer an even crisper finish, a brief broil of 2-3 minutes shows off a beautiful golden topping—just watch it closely to avoid burning.
How to Serve Spinach Gratin Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a fresh pop of green and an herbal brightness that complements the richness. You could also add a few toasted pine nuts for texture contrast and a lovely nutty flavor. A light dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving amps up the cheesy appeal even more.
Side Dishes
This Spinach Gratin Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or grilled fish, adding a creamy vegetable side to balance your plate. It’s also divine alongside a simple grain like quinoa or wild rice, which soak up the luscious sauce perfectly. For a vegetarian feast, serve it with crusty bread and a crisp green salad to keep things light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel free to prepare individual portions in small ramekins for an elegant dinner party touch. Layer the gratin in a beautiful ceramic dish for rustic charm, or jazz it up with a drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra flair that turns this classic into something special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spinach Gratin keeps well in the fridge for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making for a delicious next-day treat. Just cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze this gratin if you want to save some for later. Cool it completely, then transfer increments into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It freezes well for up to two months without loss of flavor or texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chilled or thawed gratin in a 350°F oven until warmed through and bubbling, about 15-20 minutes. For that freshly baked crisp on top, a quick broil at the end works wonders. You can also reheat smaller portions in the microwave, but keep an eye to prevent rubbery cheese.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh in this Spinach Gratin Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen spinach is a convenient substitute. Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before using to avoid a watery gratin.
Is it possible to make this Spinach Gratin Recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by swapping out butter for olive oil, using a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream, and choosing a plant-based cheese, you can enjoy a delicious dairy-free version with a slightly different twist.
How can I make my Spinach Gratin Recipe more flavorful?
Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce or some sautéed mushrooms for earthiness. A touch of lemon zest before baking can also brighten the flavors beautifully.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time before baking?
Definitely. Assemble the gratin up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed—just add a few minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
What variations can I try with this Spinach Gratin Recipe?
You can mix in other greens like kale or Swiss chard, or sprinkle in some crispy bacon pieces for a smoky crunch. Switching up the cheese blend also keeps things exciting!
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting and celebratory about a golden, bubbly Spinach Gratin Recipe fresh from the oven. It’s a dish that feels both special and homey, perfect for sharing with family or impressing guests. The next time you want to elevate spinach to star status, give this recipe a try—you’ll love how easy it is to create something this rich, flavorful, and simply unforgettable.
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy Spinach Gratin is a comforting and flavorful baked casserole featuring tender spinach in a rich Parmesan cream sauce topped with melted mozzarella and golden brown cheese crust. Perfect as a side dish or a vegetarian main, this recipe combines sautéed onions and garlic with a velvety cream sauce, then bakes until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
Spinach Preparation
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh spinach (about 3 bunches), stems removed
Sauce and Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or cornstarch)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish or casserole pan to prevent sticking.
- Wilt the Spinach: Cut fresh spinach in half and blanch it in a large pot of boiling water for about 30 seconds until just wilted. Drain in a colander, rinse under cold water to cool quickly, then squeeze out as much excess water as possible to avoid sogginess. Set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat until bubbly, about 1-2 minutes. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, then sauté for about 2 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Sprinkle the flour (or cornstarch) into the skillet and stir well to combine. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Reduce heat to medium and simmer gently for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Spinach and Sauce: Stir the prepared spinach into the cream sauce and toss well to coat evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture is heated through.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the creamy spinach mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted and golden brown. Alternatively, you can broil on high for 2-3 minutes to achieve a bubbly, golden crust—watch closely to prevent burning.
Notes
- Make sure to thoroughly squeeze out excess water from the spinach after blanching to avoid a watery gratin.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan enhances the flavor and melts better than pre-grated types.
- For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour as the thickener.
- You can prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate before baking; add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
- Watch the gratin closely during broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.
