Creamy Spinach Pesto Potato Delight

Certainly! Here’s a detailed recipe for Spinach “Pesto” Potato Casserole that will surely impress your guests with its stunning presentation and delicious flavor:

Spinach “Pesto” Potato Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh spinach, washed thoroughly
• 1 1/2 cups fresh parsley
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Peel of 1 lemon
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 8 cups mashed potatoes
• 1/3 cup pine nuts

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Grease a shallow 3-quart casserole dish.

2. Prepare the Spinach Mixture:

   • In a food processor or blender, combine the washed spinach, parsley, garlic cloves, olive oil, and lemon peel.
   • Puree the mixture until smooth, creating a vibrant green “pesto” sauce.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:

   • In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
   • Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add the mashed potatoes to the cream cheese mixture and mix until well combined.

5. Assemble the Casserole:

   • Spread the potato mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish, creating a smooth layer.

6. Create Impressions:

   • Using the tip of a knife, impress shallow stripes into the potato mixture. Aim for nice straight lines about 3/8 inch deep to create an attractive pattern.

7. Add Spinach Mixture:

   • Carefully spoon the prepared spinach “pesto” mixture into the depressions created in the potato layer. This will create a beautiful contrast of colors and flavors.

8. Bake:

   • Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to seal in the flavors.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through.

9. Final Touch:

   • Remove the foil and sprinkle the pine nuts evenly over the top of the casserole.
   • Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the pine nuts to toast lightly and add a delicious crunch to the dish.

10. Serve and Enjoy:

    • Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
    • Serve this delightful Spinach “Pesto” Potato Casserole as a side dish at your next gathering or as a comforting meal for your family.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 316.8
• Fat: 18.4g
• Saturated Fat: 6.7g
• Cholesterol: 70.6mg
• Sodium: 598.6mg
• Carbohydrates: 31.7g
• Fiber: 3.1g
• Sugar: 2.9g
• Protein: 7.3g

Recipe Yield: Approximately 10 servings

This Spinach “Pesto” Potato Casserole is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive holiday gathering, a casual weeknight dinner, or a special celebration. The combination of creamy mashed potatoes, vibrant spinach “pesto,” and crunchy pine nuts creates a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that will leave everyone craving for more. Enjoy! 🥔🌿🧀