If you are craving a warm, cheesy, and utterly satisfying side dish, this Creamy Spinach Gratin Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It features tender spinach enveloped in a luscious, silky cream sauce, topped with golden, bubbly mozzarella and Parmesan that create an irresistible crust. This recipe brings comfort and elegance together in a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, holiday celebrations, or any time you want to elevate your greens with a dose of creamy goodness. Easy to prepare yet decadently rich in flavor, the Creamy Spinach Gratin Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that transforms humble spinach into a show-stopping delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making this dish shine. Each component plays a vital role: the spinach brings vibrant color and earthiness, the butter and cream enrich the texture, and the cheeses provide layers of savory flavor and that unbeatable gratin crust.
- Fresh spinach (1 1/2 pounds): Use fresh, tender leaves for the best texture and bright green color.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics perfectly.
- Small onion, diced: Offers subtle sweetness to balance the dish.
- Garlic, minced (1 tablespoon): Provides a fragrant kick that enhances overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour or cornstarch (1/2 tablespoon): Thickens the creamy sauce for that perfect consistency.
- Heavy cream (1 1/2 cups): Creates the luscious, dreamy sauce that coats every spinach leaf.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup, divided): Adds nutty depth and forms a golden topping.
- Salt (1 teaspoon, or to taste): Brings all the flavors together harmoniously.
- Ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A touch of spice to awaken the palate.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup): Melts beautifully for a bubbly, irresistible crust.
How to Make Creamy Spinach Gratin Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9-inch square baking dish or casserole pan. This step ensures your gratin doesn’t stick and bakes evenly to a gorgeous golden finish.
Step 2: Blanch the Spinach
Cut the fresh spinach in half to help it cook evenly, then quickly blanch in boiling water for about 30 seconds until just wilted. Immediately drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, then squeeze out excess water thoroughly so your gratin is rich, not watery.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter until it bubbles. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, then sauté for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step builds the flavor foundation for the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
Stir in the flour or cornstarch until evenly combined with the butter and aromatics. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, reduce the heat to medium, and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 4-5 minutes until thick and silky. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine Spinach and Sauce
Mix the blanched spinach into the cream sauce, tossing well to ensure every leaf is coated with luscious creaminess. Let it cook together for an additional 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld and the mixture is heated through.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the creamy spinach mixture to your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan evenly on top. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted and turned delightfully golden brown.
Step 7: Optional Broiling for Extra Crust
If you prefer a crispier top, place the gratin under a high broiler for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning and achieve a perfectly browned crust.
How to Serve Creamy Spinach Gratin Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or finely grated lemon zest on top of the gratin right before serving to introduce a fresh contrast to the rich flavors. A light dusting of extra Parmesan adds an elegant touch that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
The Creamy Spinach Gratin Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken or pork, complementing their savory richness with its creamy texture. It’s also a wonderful addition to a vegetarian meal alongside hearty grains or a crisp salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this gratin in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch at dinner parties. You can also use it as a decadent filling for puff pastry parcels or spoon it over toasted baguette slices as an indulgent appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover spinach gratin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and taste.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Place the cooled gratin in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese topping comes back to life, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving to preserve the creamy texture and prevent it from becoming watery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While fresh spinach is ideal for its texture and flavor in this Creamy Spinach Gratin Recipe, frozen spinach can be a convenient substitute. Just be sure to thaw and thoroughly squeeze out all excess water before using.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream for a dairy-free version, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly from the classic creamy richness.
Can I add other vegetables to this gratin?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, artichokes, or roasted bell peppers can add wonderful depth and variety. Just sauté or roast them beforehand so they blend seamlessly into the creamy sauce.
How can I make this dish less rich?
Try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese slightly. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors and lighten the overall feel.
What type of cheese makes the best gratin topping?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic for their meltability and flavor, but Gruyere or Fontina also work beautifully if you want to experiment with a nuttier or creamier finish.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Spinach Gratin Recipe is undoubtedly a winner whenever you want to impress with a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. It’s deceptively simple but bursting with flavor and creamy goodness that everyone will love. I encourage you to give it a try — once you do, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire!
Print
Creamy Spinach Gratin 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
A creamy and cheesy spinach gratin recipe featuring tender spinach in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and baked to golden perfection. This comforting side dish is perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Spinach
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh spinach (about 3 bunches), stems removed
Sauce
- 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
Topping
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish or casserole pan to prepare it for the gratin.
- Prepare spinach: Cut the fresh spinach in half and blanch it in a large pot of boiling water for about 30 seconds until wilted. Immediately drain in a colander and rinse under cold running water until cool enough to handle. Squeeze out all excess water and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat until bubbly, about 1-2 minutes. Add diced onion and minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Make cream sauce: Sprinkle in the flour or cornstarch and stir well to combine. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. Add 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Lower the heat to medium and simmer gently for 4-5 minutes, stirring often until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine spinach and sauce: Stir the prepared spinach into the creamy sauce and toss well to coat. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture is evenly heated through.
- Assemble gratin: Transfer the spinach mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Bake and finish: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Alternatively, place the dish under the broiler on high for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Notes
- Be sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the spinach to avoid a watery gratin.
- You can substitute cornstarch for flour for a gluten-free option.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- The broiler step is optional but adds a lovely golden crust to the top.
