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Cheesy Spinach Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 80 reviews

A creamy and cheesy spinach casserole baked to golden perfection, combining tender sautéed onions, garlic, and spinach with a rich blend of Parmesan and Gruyère cheeses, topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs for a delightful crunchy finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 large yellow onion or 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
  • 5 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

Dairy & Cheese

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup/3 ounces finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups (1 pint) half-and-half
  • ½ cup/1 ½ ounces grated Gruyère or extra-sharp Cheddar

Dry Ingredients & Spices

  • ½ cup panko or fresh coarse bread crumbs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and sauté aromatics: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large ovenproof skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Reserve 1 tablespoon of this melted butter in a medium bowl. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned, approximately 7 to 10 minutes.
  2. Prepare bread crumb topping: While the onions are sautéing, stir the bread crumbs into the bowl with the reserved butter until they are fully coated. Season this mixture with salt and pepper, then stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
  3. Combine spinach and dairy: Add the thawed and well-drained spinach to the skillet and stir until warmed through and somewhat dry, about 2 to 4 minutes, allowing some to stick lightly to the skillet. Turn off the heat. Stir in the half-and-half, the remaining Parmesan cheese, and the nutmeg if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. If preferred, transfer the mixture to a 2 ½-quart or larger casserole dish for baking instead of baking directly in the skillet.
  4. Assemble and bake: Evenly top the spinach mixture with the grated Gruyère or extra-sharp Cheddar, then sprinkle the prepared panko and Parmesan topping over the cheese layer. Bake in the preheated oven until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges, about 20 to 25 minutes.

Notes

  • Make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the thawed spinach to avoid a watery casserole.
  • The ground nutmeg is optional but adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the creamy cheese and spinach.
  • Using a skillet that is ovenproof allows you to cook and bake in the same pan, reducing cleanup.
  • Fresh coarse bread crumbs or panko both work well for a crispy topping; panko yields a lighter crunch.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or can be served as a hearty vegetarian main with a side salad.

Keywords: Spinach bake, Cheesy spinach casserole, Gruyère spinach bake, Parmesan spinach casserole, creamy spinach side dish

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/cheesy-spinach-bake-recipe/