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Irresistible Spinach Parmesan Bake Your Family Will Love

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Learn how to make delicious Spinach Parmesan Bake. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 pound fresh spinach (or 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter version)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • A pinch of nutmeg (optional but brings warmth)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for a crispy topping)

If you don’t have fresh spinach, frozen works beautifully — just be sure to squeeze out as much water as you can. For cheeses, Parmesan is key for that sharp, savory bite, but you can swap mozzarella for provolone or even a bit of sharp cheddar for a twist. Cream can be subbed with half-and-half if you want something a little lighter, but don’t skimp on the richness; it’s the heart of this dish.

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish with butter.
  2. If using fresh spinach, rinse and roughly chop it. Wilt it in a large pan over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until just softened. If using frozen, make sure it’s well-thawed and squeezed dry.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and onion mixture, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, but don’t let it brown.
  5. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream (or milk), making sure to smooth out any lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 4-5 minutes.
  6. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Fold the wilted spinach and mozzarella cheese into the sauce until well combined.
  8. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. If you like, sprinkle breadcrumbs and a little extra Parmesan on top for a golden crust.
  9. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle.

When I first made this for friends in Portland, I remember the gentle bubbling sounds as it baked — a sound that reminded me of Mama Lu’s Sunday roasts simmering away back home. That quiet anticipation is part of what makes this dish so special.

Find it online: https://claracooking.com/spinach-parmesan-bake/