Creamy Potato and Spinach Gratin Recipe

Creamy Potato and Spinach Gratin is a comforting and delicious dish combining creamy potatoes’ richness with spinach’s nutritious goodness.

This gratin is perfect for a hearty side dish or a satisfying main course. Combining thinly sliced potatoes, creamy sauce, and melted cheese creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will impress your guests. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make this delightful Creamy Potato and Spinach Gratin!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Creamy and Delicious: The combination of thinly sliced potatoes, creamy sauce, and melted cheese creates a rich and delicious gratin that’s perfect for any meal.
  2. Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
  3. Versatile: You can customize the seasonings and add-ins to suit your preferences, making it a versatile dish that’s sure to please.
  4. Crowd-Pleaser: This gratin is a hit at family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings, ensuring that everyone will enjoy its delicious flavors.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Potatoes

Potatoes are the star of this recipe, providing a creamy and tender base. You can use Yukon Gold or russet potatoes for their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape when cooked.

Spinach

Fresh spinach adds a nutritious and flavorful element to the gratin. You can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the sauce. You can substitute it with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary.

Cheese

Gruyère cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor to the gratin. You can substitute it with other types of cheese like cheddar, Gouda, or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile. Parmesan cheese provides a salty and nutty flavor that complements the Gruyère.

How to Make Creamy Potato and Spinach Gratin (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures that the oven is hot and ready for baking the gratin.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

  1. Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the Onions: Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
  3. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. This step creates a rich and flavorful base for the gratin.

Step 3: Wilt the Spinach

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. This step ensures that the spinach is fully wilted and ready to be added to the gratin.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Sauce

In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, salt, and black pepper. Heat over medium heat until the mixture just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil. This step creates a rich and creamy base for the sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Gratin

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the sliced potatoes, wilted spinach, and cream sauce. Sprinkle the grated Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses over the top. This step ensures that the gratin is evenly layered and ready to be baked.

Step 6: Bake the Gratin

  1. Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  2. Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. This step ensures that the gratin is fully cooked and achieves a perfect golden and bubbly texture.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the gratin rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This step allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve. This step adds a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, making the gratin even more enjoyable.

Nutrition Information

  • Calories: 350
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Protein: 10g
Creamy Potato and Spinach Gratin - pin image

Creamy Potato and Spinach Gratin

cde30fdd13778f55d8454b40c0159a7dSpuddy
A comforting and delicious gratin made with thinly sliced potatoes, spinach, and a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for any meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs 900g potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 10 oz 280g fresh spinach
  • 1 cup 240ml heavy cream
  • 1 cup 240ml milk
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp 30ml butter
  • 1 tsp 5ml salt
  • ½ tsp 2.5ml black pepper
  • 1 cup 100g grated Gruyère cheese (or cheddar)
  • ½ cup 50g grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Prepare the Cream Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, salt, and black pepper. Heat over medium heat until the mixture just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
  • Assemble the Gratin: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the sliced potatoes, wilted spinach, and cream sauce. Sprinkle the grated Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
  • Bake the Gratin: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  • Rest and Serve: Let the gratin rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Ensure the potatoes are thinly and evenly sliced for uniform cooking.
  • You can adjust the amount of spinach and cheese to suit your taste preferences.
  • For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of cheese.
Keyword Creamy Potato and Spinach Gratin

Expert Tips for Success

  • Uniform Slicing: Ensure the potatoes are thinly and evenly sliced for uniform cooking. This helps to achieve a consistent texture throughout the gratin.
  • Adjust Seasoning: Taste the cream sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional herbs to suit your preferences.
  • Even Layering: Arrange the potatoes, spinach, and cream sauce evenly in the baking dish to ensure even cooking and creaminess.
  • Cover with Foil: Cover the gratin with foil for the first part of baking to ensure even cooking and to prevent the top from browning too quickly.

Variations and Customizations

Dietary Modifications

  • Vegan: Use plant-based cream and milk to make this recipe vegan-friendly. Ensure all other ingredients are certified vegan.
  • Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your ingredient labels to be sure.
  • Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream and milk to make this recipe dairy-free. Ensure all other ingredients are certified dairy-free.

Flavor Twists

  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cream sauce for a spicy twist.
  • Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the cream sauce for an herbal note.
  • Cheesy Delight: Mix in additional shredded cheese like mozzarella or Swiss cheese for an extra cheesy flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Creamy Potato and Spinach Gratin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the gratin is completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing

You can freeze the gratin for up to 2 months. Transfer the cooled gratin to a freezer-safe container and freeze until solid. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the gratin in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. You can also use the microwave, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly. Add a splash of milk or cream to help retain moisture during reheating.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Potato and Spinach Gratin pairs beautifully with:

  • Roasted Chicken: A classic pairing that’s perfect for a hearty and comforting meal.
  • Grilled Steak: The rich and savory flavors of steak complement the creamy and cheesy notes of the gratin.
  • Fresh Salad: Serve with a side of fresh salad for a balanced and nutritious meal.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this Creamy Potato and Spinach Gratin, you might also like:

  • Classic Potato Gratin: A creamy and cheesy gratin made with thinly sliced potatoes and a rich sauce.
  • Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole: A rich and flavorful casserole made with hash browns, cheese, and a creamy sauce.
  • Loaded Baked Potato Casserole: A hearty casserole made with baked potatoes, cheese, bacon, and sour cream.

Conclusion

Creamy Potato and Spinach Gratin is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for any meal. With its rich, creamy flavors and tender potatoes, it’s a gratin that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is a winner. Don’t forget to try out the variations and customizations to make it your own. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious Creamy Potato and Spinach Gratin!

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