Quick and Easy Spinach Gratin Recipe
Introduction
This quick and easy spinach gratin is a comforting side dish bursting with creamy mushroom flavor and crispy fried onions. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing addition to your holiday table.
Ingredients
- 2 packages frozen spinach
- 1 block cream cheese
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fried onions
- 3 cloves garlic
- Nonstick cooking spray, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Spray a 1½-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, thaw and thoroughly squeeze out all excess water from the frozen spinach. Combine the spinach with the cream cheese until smooth.
- Step 3: Add the minced garlic, ground black pepper, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and salt. Mix well to evenly incorporate all ingredients.
- Step 4: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the fried onions on top.
- Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the gratin is heated through and the cream cheese has fully melted. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the spinach to avoid a watery gratin.
- For extra depth, sauté the garlic in a little butter before adding it to the mixture.
- Try substituting cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery for different flavors.
- Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking for a cheesy crust.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through to maintain the crispy topping. Avoid microwaving to keep the fried onions crisp.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, but you will need about 1 to 1½ pounds of fresh spinach. Cook it down until wilted, then squeeze out all the water before combining with the other ingredients.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the gratin up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes if baking from chilled.
Print
Quick and Easy Spinach Gratin Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Quick and Easy Spinach Gratin is a creamy, comforting casserole perfect for a simple side dish or light meal. Made with frozen spinach, cream cheese, and condensed cream of mushroom soup, it combines rich flavors with a crispy fried onion topping for a deliciously satisfying dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Spinach Mixture
- 2 packages Frozen Spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
- 1 block Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened)
- 1 can Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5 oz)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Topping and Preparation
- 2 cups Fried Onions
- Nonstick Cooking Spray (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Lightly spray a 1-1/2 quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Combine Spinach and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly squeeze out all excess water from the thawed frozen spinach to avoid a watery gratin. Add the softened cream cheese and mix well until combined.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Incorporate the minced garlic, ground black pepper, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and salt into the spinach and cream cheese mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure an even mixture.
- Assemble in Casserole Dish: Transfer the spinach mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the top generously with the fried onions to create a crispy topping.
- Bake the Gratin: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the gratin is heated through and the cream cheese has fully melted. Once done, remove from oven and serve warm for best taste.
Notes
- Be sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the thawed spinach to prevent a watery casserole.
- You can substitute fresh spinach, but you will need to cook and squeeze it dry before use.
- Fried onions can be store-bought or homemade depending on availability.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats or as a vegetarian side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: spinach gratin, creamy spinach casserole, easy spinach side dish, baked spinach, comfort food, quick casserole
