Spinach and Potato Casserole

Of course! A Spinach and Potato Casserole is the epitome of comfort food—creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying. It’s a versatile dish that can be a spectacular side or a hearty vegetarian main course.

Here is a rich and flavorful recipe that layers creamy potatoes with spinach and cheese.

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Creamy Spinach and Potato Casserole

This recipe is like a cross between scalloped potatoes and creamed spinach, baked into one glorious dish.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yields: 6-8 servings

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Ingredients

For the Potato Layers:

· 2 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (1/8-inch thick)
· 1 tablespoon olive oil
· Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Spinach and Sauce:

· 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed or 5 cups fresh spinach
· 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
· 1 medium onion, finely chopped
· 3 cloves garlic, minced
· 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
· 2 cups whole milk, warmed
· ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
· 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
· ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (highly recommended)
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Cheese Topping:

· 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (a mix like mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyère works well)
· ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
· Paprika, for sprinkling (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Components

1. Potatoes: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Thinly slice the potatoes (a mandoline is helpful for even slices). Toss them in a bowl with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Spinach: If using frozen spinach, squeeze out ALL excess water using a clean kitchen towel. This is crucial to prevent a watery casserole. If using fresh spinach, wilt it in a pan, then chop and squeeze out water.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and whisk to form a paste (a roux). Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Gradually pour in the warm milk and broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat. Stir in the sour cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Finally, fold in the prepared spinach until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Spoon and spread the entire spinach and sauce mixture over the first layer of potatoes.
3. Top with the remaining sliced potatoes, arranging them neatly.
4. Cover the dish tightly with foil.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake, covered, for 40 minutes.
2. Remove the foil. Sprinkle the shredded cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Sprinkle with a little paprika for color.
3. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a knife.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives if desired.

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Tips for a Perfect Casserole

· Avoid Watery Casserole: The single most important step is thoroughly squeezing the water out of the spinach. Don’t rush this!
· Even Cooking: Try to slice the potatoes as evenly as possible so they cook at the same rate.
· Make it a Main Dish: Add a protein layer! Mix 1 lb of cooked, crumbled Italian sausage or diced ham into the spinach sauce before assembling.
· Lighter Version: Use 2% milk and low-fat sour cream. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still delicious.
· From-Scratch Shortcut: For a quicker version, you can substitute the homemade sauce with two (10.5 oz) cans of condensed cream of mushroom or celery soup mixed with the sour cream and broth. Skip the butter, flour, and milk steps.

This casserole is the definition of cozy. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any family dinner or potluck. Enjoy