Florentine Squash Bake
A creamy spinach and squash casserole with Gruyère and prosciutto, perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests with its rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place flour and red pepper in a bowl.
- Gradually add milk, blending with a wire whisk until smooth.
- Set aside.
- Coat a large saucepan with cooking spray and place over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté for 1 minute.
- Add milk mixture and cook for 6 minutes or until thickened, stirring constantly.
- Add cheese and spinach; stir well.
- Remove from heat; stir in squash and prosciutto.
- Spoon mixture into a 13 x 9-inch casserole coated with cooking spray.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella if Gruyère isn't available. To enhance flavors, consider adding herbs like thyme or basil. If you want extra greens, you can incorporate chopped kale or Swiss chard into the mix.
Serving Suggestions
This Florentine Squash Bake pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a light meal. It also goes well with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a heartier option, serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish. Consider a glass of white wine to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but for best texture, the oven is recommended.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Florentine Squash Bake contains roughly 453 calories, with 16g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value) and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and assemble it in the casserole dish, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the prosciutto?
If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, omit the prosciutto or replace it with sautéed mushrooms for a savory flavor. Alternatively, you can use cooked bacon or smoked turkey for a different taste.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, consider increasing the amount of ground red pepper or adding a diced jalapeño or crushed red pepper flakes to the onion and garlic during sautéing. Adjust the heat to your preference!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).