A delightful twist on a classic, this revamped spinach gratin recipe is perfect for anyone looking to spice up their dinner routine. Using simple, yet robust ingredients like nutmeg and gruyere cheese, this dish promises to deliver both on taste and presentation. A creamy, cheesy spinach gratin that's sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
While most ingredients are common, there are a few that you might need to look up when you're at the supermarket. Gruyere, a type of Swiss cheese, is not as commonly used in everyday recipes but it brings a unique, nutty flavor to the dish. Fresh nutmeg is also key in this recipe as it provides an earthy sweetness that perfectly balances out the creaminess of the dish.
Ingredients for the Revamped Spinach Gratin
Whipped butter: This type of butter is lighter and easier to spread. Perfect for sauteing.
Onion: Adds a mild, sweet flavor to the dish.
Flour: Thickens the sauce.
Fresh nutmeg: Provides a sweet, nutty flavor to the dish.
2% milk: Used for the sauce, it gives a creamy texture.
Frozen chopped spinach: The main ingredient of the dish, offering a boost of nutrients.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor.
Kosher salt: A type of coarse salt perfect for seasoning.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a spicy kick to the dish.
Swiss or gruyere cheese: These cheeses offer a nutty flavor and a beautiful, golden-brown top when baked.
One reader, Filberto Aguirre says:
This revamped spinach gratin recipe is a game-changer! The creamy, cheesy goodness combined with the nutmeg-infused spinach is simply divine. It's a hit with the whole family and a great way to sneak in those greens. I highly recommend trying this out for a comforting and delicious meal.
Essential Techniques for Crafting Spinach Gratin
How to sauté onions: Sauté the onions in melted butter over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes until translucent.
How to make a roux: Add the flour and nutmeg to the sautéed onions and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens.
How to make a spinach sauce: Add the milk to the roux and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened, then add the spinach and parmesan cheese, mixing well.
How to bake the gratin: Transfer the spinach mixture to a large baking dish, sprinkle with parmesan and swiss cheese, then bake at 425 degrees F for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
How To Make Makeover Spinach Gratin
A low-carb, vegetarian dish, this spinach gratin is made with sauteed onions, milk, and a hint of onion, topped with Parmesan and Swiss cheese.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3tbspwhipped butter
- 1cuponion,finely chopped
- ¼cupflour,use Gluten free AP flour for GF
- ¼tspfresh nutmeg,grated
- 3cups2% milk
- 3lbsfrozen chopped spinach,(3 16-oz packages), defrosted
- ¾cupparmesan cheese,freshly grated
- 1tbspkosher salt
- ½tspfreshly ground black pepper
- ½;
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
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In a heavy-bottomed saute pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté for about 10 to 12 minutes until translucent.
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Add the flour and nutmeg, then cook for 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add the milk and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until thickened.
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Squeeze as much liquid as possible from the spinach and add the spinach to the sauce.
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Add ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese and mix well. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
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Transfer the spinach to a large baking dish and sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan and the Swiss cheese on top. Bake for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Serve hot.
Nutrition
- Calories: 144.44kcal
- Fat: 8.09g
- Saturated Fat: 4.85g
- Trans Fat: 0.16g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.17g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.46g
- Carbohydrates: 9.86g
- Fiber: 2.61g
- Sugar: 3.91g
- Protein: 9.86g
- Cholesterol: 22.97mg
- Sodium: 448.26mg
- Calcium: 328.66mg
- Potassium: 697.61mg
- Iron: 2.99mg
- Vitamin A: 575.85µg
- Vitamin C: 30.44mg
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Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Spinach Gratin Technique
When squeezing out the liquid from the frozen chopped spinach, you can use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Place the defrosted spinach in the center, gather the edges of the cloth and twist it to wring out the excess moisture. This ensures your spinach gratin doesn't become watery and maintains a creamy, rich consistency.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Revamped Spinach Gratin Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the whipped butter, chopped onions, and grated cheese in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Efficient multitasking: While the onions are sautéing, measure out the flour, nutmeg, and milk to add to the pan without interrupting the cooking flow.
Thaw spinach in advance: Thaw the frozen spinach ahead of time to eliminate the need for last-minute defrosting.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded parmesan and swiss or gruyere cheese to save time on grating.
Bake in smaller dishes: Divide the gratin mixture into smaller baking dishes for quicker and more even cooking.
Invest in quality cookware: Quality cookware can distribute heat more evenly, reducing cooking time and ensuring consistent results.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and tools while the gratin is baking to minimize post-cooking cleanup.
Substitute Ingredients For Makeover Spinach Gratin Recipe
whipped butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to the dish, while also adding a subtle fruity note.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, which can add a more delicate taste to the gratin.
flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent in place of flour and will also make the dish gluten-free.
fresh nutmeg - Substitute with ground cinnamon: Ground cinnamon can provide a warm and aromatic flavor similar to nutmeg, adding a delightful twist to the gratin.
2% milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a creamy texture and a subtle nutty flavor to the gratin.
frozen chopped spinach - Substitute with fresh spinach: Fresh spinach can be blanched and chopped to replace frozen spinach, offering a vibrant and crisp texture to the gratin.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino Romano cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese has a similar sharp and salty flavor to parmesan, making it a suitable substitute for the gratin.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in place of kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the dish.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can offer a milder and more subtle heat compared to black pepper, complementing the flavors of the gratin.
swiss or gruyere cheese - Substitute with fontina cheese: Fontina cheese has a rich and nutty flavor similar to Swiss or Gruyere, making it a delicious alternative for the gratin.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Spinach Gratin
Heavy-bottomed saute pan: A saute pan with a thick, sturdy bottom that helps distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.
Baking dish: A dish used for baking and serving food, typically made of glass, ceramic, or metal.
Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending, mixing, and whipping ingredients together.
Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade, used for lifting, spreading, or flipping food.
Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
Cutting board: A durable board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and chopping ingredients.
Mixing spoon: A long-handled spoon used for mixing and stirring ingredients.
Oven mitts: Protective gloves used to handle hot dishes and cookware.
Storing and Freezing Spinach Gratin: A Comprehensive Guide
Let the spinach gratin cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the dish soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The spinach gratin will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the spinach gratin. Here's how:
- Portion the cooled gratin into individual servings or freeze the entire baking dish.
- Wrap the portions or dish tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer will help prevent freezer burn.
- Label the wrapped gratin with the date and contents, then place it in the freezer.
- The frozen spinach gratin will keep well for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat the refrigerated gratin, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap or foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
For frozen gratin, you can either thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or bake it directly from frozen. If baking from frozen, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), remove the wrapping, and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the gratin is heated through and bubbly. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
The Best Methods for Reheating Spinach Gratin Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover spinach gratin in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
For a quicker method, use the microwave. Transfer the leftover spinach gratin to a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated to your desired temperature.
If you have a bit more time, reheat the spinach gratin in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the pan and heat over medium heat. Add the leftover gratin and stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. This method will help maintain the texture of the dish.
For a crispy top, place the reheated spinach gratin under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after using any of the above methods. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
If the leftover spinach gratin seems dry, add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to help maintain its creamy consistency.
Surprising Facts About Spinach Gratin
The revamped spinach gratin recipe is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy spinach. It's a great source of vitamins and minerals, including iron and calcium. Spinach is also low in calories and high in fiber, making it a healthy addition to any meal. This dish can be a wonderful side for a variety of main courses, adding a pop of color and flavor to the table. Plus, it's a versatile recipe that can be customized with different cheeses or seasonings to suit your taste preferences. So, next time you're looking for a tasty and wholesome side dish, consider making this revamped spinach gratin.
Is Making Spinach Gratin at Home Cost-Effective?
This revamped spinach gratin recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The use of affordable ingredients like frozen chopped spinach, onions, and basic pantry staples makes it budget-friendly. The dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a versatile and satisfying option for a family meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $12-$15, making it an economical choice for a nutritious and delicious meal. Overall Verdict: 8.
Is This Spinach Gratin Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This spinach gratin recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, spinach is a nutrient-dense vegetable, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. The recipe uses a significant amount of spinach (3 lbs), which is a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet. Additionally, the use of 2% milk instead of heavy cream reduces the overall fat content.
However, the recipe also contains a considerable amount of saturated fat from the butter, cheese, and whole milk. The sodium content is also relatively high due to the added salt and the natural sodium in the cheeses. While the flour helps to thicken the sauce, it also adds extra carbohydrates to the dish.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the butter with a healthier alternative, such as olive oil or avocado oil, which contain more beneficial fats
- Reduce the amount of cheese used, or opt for lower-fat varieties like part-skim mozzarella or reduced-fat parmesan
- Use a lower-fat milk option, such as 1% or skim milk, to further decrease the saturated fat content
- Experiment with alternative thickeners, such as arrowroot powder or cornstarch, to reduce the amount of flour used
- Add more vegetables to the dish, such as sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content
- Reduce the amount of added salt, and instead, enhance the flavor with herbs and spices like garlic, thyme, or red pepper flakes
Our Editor's Honest Opinion on This Spinach Gratin Recipe
This revamped spinach gratin recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The creamy sauce, infused with nutmeg, beautifully coats the spinach, while the blend of parmesan and Swiss cheese adds a rich and savory depth. The dish is well-balanced with just the right amount of seasoning, and the baking process creates a golden, bubbly crust that adds a delightful crunch. Overall, this gratin is a comforting and satisfying side dish that would complement a variety of main courses.
Enhance Your Makeover Spinach Gratin Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Revamped Spinach Gratin Recipe
Why trust this Makeover Spinach Gratin Recipe:
This revamped spinach gratin recipe is a comforting and nutritious dish that will surely impress. The combination of whipped butter and nutmeg adds a rich and aromatic flavor, while the use of 2% milk ensures a creamy texture. The inclusion of frozen chopped spinach makes it convenient without compromising on quality. With the addition of parmesan cheese and swiss or gruyere cheese, this dish promises a delightful balance of savory flavors. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe for a satisfying and delicious dining experience.
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