Spinach Au Gratin
Creamy spinach combined with crispy bacon and melted cheddar, topped with golden breadcrumbs, makes a comforting side dish perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the spinach thoroughly and chop coarsely.
- Cook the spinach with water clinging to the leaves in a covered saucepan until just tender.
- Cook the bacon until crisp, then reserve 1/4 cup of bacon drippings.
- Return 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings to the skillet and blend in the flour, stirring until smooth.
- Gradually add the milk, cooking and stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
- Combine the cooked spinach with the cheese sauce.
- Spoon the mixture into a greased 1-quart casserole dish.
- Crumble the cooked bacon over the top.
- Mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining 2 tablespoons of reserved bacon drippings and sprinkle over the bacon.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, try adding a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce. If you want to lighten the dish, you can substitute turkey bacon for the regular bacon. Fresh spinach works best, but you can use frozen spinach if you ensure it’s well-drained. To add a bit of spice, consider mixing in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions
This Spinach Au Gratin pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal, and it also makes a fantastic side dish for holiday gatherings. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread to balance the flavors. For a touch of elegance, serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be aware that the texture may change slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Au Gratin contains roughly 592 calories, with 21g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (61% of the Daily Value), iron (50% of the Daily Value), and protein (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 657mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
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 Spinach Au Gratin ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Assemble the casserole without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake it straight from the refrigerator, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Mixing cheeses can also add depth to the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make Spinach Au Gratin vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable oil or butter instead of bacon drippings. You can also enhance the flavor with sautéed onions or mushrooms.
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).