Introducing the delectable Creamed Spinach Gratin, a dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds with its creamy texture and delightful flavors! This recipe, brought to you by lovewithrecipes.com, is a perfect fusion of freshness and indulgence, combining the vibrant essence of spinach with the rich creaminess of cheese. Ideal for those seeking a quick and easy-to-make dish bursting with nutritional goodness, this Creamed Spinach Gratin is destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Let’s dive into the culinary adventure and uncover the secrets behind crafting this sensational dish!
Creamed Spinach Gratin
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 bunches of fresh spinach
- 1 large onion
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup of light cream cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 2-4 tablespoons of pine nuts
- 1/4 cup of fresh Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This ensures that your Creamed Spinach Gratin bakes to perfection with a golden-brown topping.
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Prepare Dutch Oven: Spray a large Dutch oven with cooking spray and place it over medium heat. This will prevent the spinach mixture from sticking to the pot while sautéing.
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Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the Dutch oven. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until they turn translucent and aromatic, infusing the kitchen with their savory fragrance.
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Wilt Spinach: Next, add the fresh spinach to the pot. Cover it and let it cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt gently. This step ensures that the spinach retains its vibrant color and crisp texture.
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Add Creamy Goodness: Now, it’s time to introduce the star of the show – the light cream cheese. Add it to the spinach mixture along with the dried oregano, salt, seasoning salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, letting the cream cheese melt and envelop the spinach in its luscious creaminess.
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Transfer to Gratin Dish: Spoon the creamy spinach mixture into a 1-quart gratin dish or shallow casserole that has been lightly coated with cooking spray. This ensures easy serving and cleanup later on.
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Layer with Goodness: Arrange the thinly sliced tomatoes on top of the creamy spinach. Sprinkle the pine nuts evenly over the tomatoes, adding a delightful crunch to every bite. Finally, generously sprinkle the surface with breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, imparting a golden crust and irresistible flavor.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the gratin dish in the preheated oven and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for approximately 30 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and crispy. This baking process allows all the flavors to meld together harmoniously, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the Creamed Spinach Gratin from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Delight your taste buds with each spoonful of this creamy, cheesy goodness, savoring the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Indulge in the wholesome goodness of Creamed Spinach Gratin, a dish that elevates the humble spinach to gourmet heights, making every bite a culinary delight! Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a main course, this recipe is sure to win hearts and garner compliments from all who taste it. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible creation and embark on a culinary journey filled with flavor, freshness, and sheer indulgence! 🌱🧀🍅
