Creamy Garlic Spinach Bake Recipe
Introduction
This creamy garlic spinach bake is a quick and comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of mains. Packed with cheesy, garlicky flavors and a hint of nutmeg, it’s a lighter way to enjoy greens with a rich, satisfying texture.
Ingredients
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- ½ cup cream cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the thawed and drained spinach, cream cheese, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and evenly blended.
- Step 3: Spread the mixture evenly into a baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Step 4: Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is bubbling and lightly golden.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
- Use fresh spinach by sautéing it first, then draining thoroughly before mixing.
- Swap Parmesan for Gruyère for a nuttier taste.
- Make this dish ahead by assembling and refrigerating it for up to a day before baking.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to keep the creamy texture intact. Avoid microwaving to prevent separation.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, but be sure to sauté the fresh spinach first and drain it well to remove excess moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
This spinach bake can be frozen before baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
PrintCreamy Garlic Spinach Bake Recipe
This creamy garlic spinach bake is a quick and comforting side dish that combines tender spinach with a luscious blend of cream cheese, Parmesan, and aromatic garlic. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbly, it serves as a lighter green accompaniment to hearty main courses. You can prep it ahead of time, chill, and bake right before serving to save time and elevate any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- ½ cup cream cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when your spinach mixture is prepared.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the thawed and well-drained frozen spinach, cream cheese, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, nutmeg, and salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spread the spinach mixture evenly into a baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking and a nice presentation.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and lightly golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot as a creamy, flavorful green side dish.
Notes
- You can assemble this dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake, making meal prep simple.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven to maintain the creamy consistency rather than using a microwave.
- Ensure spinach is thoroughly drained to avoid excess moisture in the bake.
- For a stronger cheese flavor, consider adding an extra tablespoon of Parmesan.
Keywords: creamy garlic spinach bake, spinach side dish, cheesy spinach bake, easy baked spinach, garlic spinach casserole
