Spinach Au Gratin
Prepare to dazzle your taste buds with this scrumptious Spinach Au Gratin recipe, a delightful fusion of tender spinach and rich cheeses that transforms a humble vegetable into a decadent dish. Whether you’re serving it as a comforting side at dinner or as the star of your holiday table, this recipe from Love With Recipes is sure to impress. With a golden, bubbly crust and a creamy, cheesy interior, it’s the perfect blend of flavor and texture. Let’s dive into the details and make your kitchen come alive with mouthwatering aromas.
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach – A fresh and vibrant base, packed with nutrients and flavor.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons butter – Adds a rich, creamy texture to the dish.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil – A subtle touch of healthy fat and flavor.
- 3 leeks – Thinly sliced; they bring a sweet, onion-like flavor.
- 1 shallot – Minced for a touch of delicate sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic – Minced; infuses the dish with aromatic depth.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Provides a luxurious, creamy consistency.
- 1 egg – Helps bind the mixture together.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese – Creamy and smooth, enhancing the texture.
- 4 ounces Swiss cheese – Grated, for a mild, nutty flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a sharp, tangy kick and a golden finish.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – To taste.
- Freshly ground black pepper – To taste.
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up as you prepare the other ingredients. This ensures your Spinach Au Gratin will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. -
Prepare the Spinach
In a large non-stick skillet, sauté the fresh spinach in batches over medium heat until wilted. This step is crucial to reduce the moisture content of the spinach. Once wilted, transfer the spinach to a strainer and press it with a spoon to remove as much excess liquid as possible. This will prevent your gratin from becoming watery. -
Cook the Aromatics
In the same skillet, melt the butter and olive oil together over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks, minced shallot, and garlic. Cook this mixture, stirring occasionally, until the leeks are tender and the shallot and garlic are softened, about 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat once done to prevent the garlic from burning. -
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg and heavy cream until well combined. Next, incorporate the ricotta cheese, Swiss cheese, and Parmesan cheese into the mixture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the wilted spinach and leek mixture, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed. -
Bake the Gratin
Grease a 13×9-inch (33×23 cm) baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour the prepared mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 50 to 60 minutes. The gratin is ready when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it towards the end of the cooking time. -
Cool and Serve
Allow the Spinach Au Gratin to cool slightly before serving. This helps the dish to set and makes it easier to cut into squares. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with your favorite main course.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 333.2
- Fat: 25.7 grams
- Saturated Fat: 13.8 grams
- Cholesterol: 176.9 mg
- Sodium: 278.8 mg
- Carbohydrates: 13.6 grams
- Fiber: 4.1 grams
- Sugar: 2.4 grams
- Protein: 15.4 grams
This Spinach Au Gratin is a delectable way to enjoy greens with a twist. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a wonderful addition to any meal, and it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Happy cooking from Love With Recipes!
