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–+ servings

Creamy Spinach Casserole

Creamy Spinach Casserole is a twist on a classic side dish and combines tender spinach with a velvety sauce made from cream, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses. Elevated with the subtle flavors of shallots, garlic, nutmeg, and cayenne and topped with a crispy breadcrumb and Parmesan crust, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. It is perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a comforting weeknight side.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 376 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Medium Sauce Pan
  • 1 Small mixing bowl
  • 1 9-inch Baking Dish

Ingredients
  

Creamed Spinach

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 medium shallots – peeled & finely diced about ½ cup
  • 2 cloves garlic – peeled & finely diced
  • 1 ¾ cups heavy cream – at room temperature
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne
  • 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
  • ½ cup plus 2 tbsp grated parmesan
  • 3 (10 ounces) bags of frozen spinach – thawed & squeezed dry
  • 1/3 cup Crème Fraiche
  • kosher salt and ground black pepper

Crispy Casserole Topping

  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grease a 9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, two tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt and pepper, and melted butter to create a crispy topping. Set aside.
  • Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sauté shallots until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, nutmeg, and cayenne, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the cream, season with salt and pepper, and simmer gently for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and whisk in the Gruyère cheese until fully incorporated. Add the remaining Parmesan and whisk until smooth. Gently stir in the spinach and cook for 1 minute to heat through. Remove from heat and stir in the Crème Fraîche. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Transfer the spinach mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the crispy topping evenly over the casserole.
  • Bake the casserole UNCOVERED for 18-22 minutes, until bubbling around the edges and lightly golden brown on top. For an extra crispy top, broil the casserole for the last 2-4 minutes of baking.
  • Before serving, garnish the top of the Creamed Spinach Casserole with a light dusting of Parmesan cheese. Serve the casserole immediately while it's still warm.

Notes

To freeze: Prepare and bake the casserole according to the recipe instructions. Allow the baked spinach to cool on the counter to room temperature. Wrap the casserole dish in a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 376kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 13gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 338mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1254IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 386mgIron: 1mg
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