Creamy Baked Spinach Gratin for Thanksgiving
Looking for the perfect side dish to make your Thanksgiving dinner even more special? This Creamy Baked Spinach Gratin is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Wash the spinach thoroughly and remove any tough stems.
- In a large skillet, sauté the garlic in a little bit of olive oil until fragrant.
- Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
- Drain any excess liquid from the spinach.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the heavy cream, Gruyere cheese, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked spinach to the cream mixture and stir well to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle with some extra Gruyere cheese on top.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Popular questions:
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
- Can I use different types of cheese?
- Can I make this dish in advance?
- Can I add other ingredients like mushrooms or onions?
- How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach for fresh. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences.
You can prepare the dish up to the baking step and keep it in the refrigerator. Just bake before serving.
Yes, you can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables or ingredients to enhance the flavor.
Simply omit the garlic and use a vegetarian-friendly version of Parmesan cheese to make this dish vegetarian.
Helpful tips:
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream mixture.
- Top the gratin with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for added crunch.
- Try mixing in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tasty variation.
- Add a splash of white wine to the cream mixture for a more complex flavor profile.
Expert Secrets:
- Ensure to thoroughly drain the cooked spinach to avoid a watery gratin.
- Let the gratin rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and flavor in the gratin.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to tailor the dish to your taste preferences.