The Ultimate Cheesy Potato & Spinach Bake Recipe for Cozy Nights

Potato lovers crave this cheesy potato & spinach bake that brings comfort directly to your kitchen.

Melted cheese creates a golden blanket over tender vegetables and crisp edges.

Unexpected herbs dance through each creamy bite, surprising even seasoned home cooks.

Nutritious spinach adds vibrant green color and hidden healthy benefits to this classic dish.

Simple ingredients combine into something magical with minimal kitchen effort.

Layers of flavor promise a meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this irresistible casserole.

Why Cheesy Potato & Spinach Bake Is Comforting

• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt this potato bake with different vegetables or proteins to match your family's taste preferences.
• Create a Wholesome Meal: Packed with nutritious spinach, potatoes, and protein from ham and cheese, this dish delivers balanced nutrition in every bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings where you want a satisfying main course that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Simple Preparation Steps: Minimal kitchen skills required with straightforward techniques like boiling, sautéing, and layering, making this recipe approachable for home cooks of all levels.

What Goes In Cheesy Potato & Spinach Bake

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that create the base of this creamy and comforting bake.
• Spinach: Nutritious green vegetable that adds color and earthy flavor to the dish.
• Ham: Protein-rich meat that provides a savory depth to the potato mixture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Soft, melty cheese that creates a gooey and rich texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that adds a delightful crispy topping.

• Onion, Sweet Red Pepper, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a flavorful foundation for the bake.

• Egg, Breadcrumbs: Essential components that help bind the potato mixture and create a crispy exterior.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and preventing sticking.

How To Put Together Cheesy Potato & Spinach Bake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 356 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) and get ready for some delicious magic.

Step 2: Transform Potatoes Into Creamy Goodness

Boil those potatoes until they’re super soft, then mash them into a smooth, dreamy texture.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

• Onion
• Garlic
• Sweet red pepper

Step 4: Wilt The Greens

Toss spinach into the pan and cook until it becomes tender and wilted. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to wake up the flavors.

Step 5: Mix Potato Magic

• Sautéed vegetables
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs

Stir everything together until well blended.

Step 6: Layer The Casserole

Spread half the potato mixture into a baking dish.

• Ham slices
• Mozzarella cheese

Cover with the remaining potato mixture.

Step 7: Add The Crowning Glory

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Extra breadcrumbs

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 30 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Best Tips For Cheesy Potato & Spinach Bake

• Swap ham with roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for a vegetarian version that's equally delicious and nutritious.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting meal.
• Enhance flavor by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the potato mixture, creating a more aromatic and complex taste profile.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations such as cheddar or gouda to personalize the bake and discover your favorite flavor blend.
• Prep ingredients in advance and store in the refrigerator to save time during busy weeknights, making meal preparation quick and convenient.

Fun Twists On Cheesy Potato & Spinach Bake

• Mediterranean Veggie Blast: Replace ham with sun-dried tomatoes, add feta cheese, and sprinkle oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Mexican Fusion: Incorporate jalapeños, swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese, and mix in corn kernels for a zesty southwestern version.
• Protein Power Pack: Include cooked chicken or ground turkey instead of ham, add cottage cheese for extra protein, and mix in diced bell peppers.
• Vegan Green Goodness: Use tofu instead of egg, substitute cheese with nutritional yeast, and add roasted chickpeas for a plant-based alternative that maintains creamy texture.

Perfect Pairings For Cheesy Potato & Spinach Bake

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc to complement the cheesy, creamy potato bake. Its zesty acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese and balances the dish's hearty flavors.
• Serve Fresh Green Salad: Create a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and contrast to the warm, cheesy potato bake. The peppery greens and tangy dressing will refresh the palate between bites.
• Match Bold Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Pinot Noir that enhances the ham and cheese flavors. Its subtle fruitiness and smooth tannins will harmonize with the dish's savory elements without overwhelming the delicate potato and spinach notes.

How To Store Cheesy Potato & Spinach Bake Easily

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the dish cools completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Reheating Oven: Preheat oven to 180°C. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
• Microwave Option: Place portion on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of milk to maintain moisture.

FAQs About Cheesy Potato & Spinach Bake

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw and drain frozen spinach completely before adding to the recipe. Squeeze out excess moisture to prevent a watery dish.

• Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

No, the recipe contains ham. To make it vegetarian, simply omit the ham or replace it with vegetarian protein like tofu or additional vegetables.

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal. They mash smoothly and provide a creamy texture to the bake.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bake earlier and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Cheesy Potato & Spinach Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this cheesy potato & spinach bake, where rustic ingredients dance with creamy sophistication. Mediterranean-inspired flavors blend seamlessly, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor down to the last golden, crispy bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.2 kilograms (2.6 pounds) potatoes
• 300 grams (10.5 ounces) spinach
• 150 grams (5.3 ounces) ham, sliced
• 30 grams (1.1 ounces) hard Parmesan cheese, plus some for topping
• 80 grams (2.8 ounces) hard mozzarella cheese, sliced

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1 onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 raw sweet red pepper
• 1 chicken egg
• 20 grams (0.7 ounces) breadcrumbs

Seasonings and Cooking Ingredients:

• Some vegetable oil for sautéing
• Salt to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly wash and scrub potatoes, preparing them for boiling at medium-high heat until fork-tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain potatoes and transform them into smooth, creamy mashed consistency, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium flame, introducing finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced sweet red pepper.
4. Sauté the aromatic vegetables until translucent and softened, releasing their natural flavors.
5. Incorporate fresh spinach leaves into the skillet, allowing them to wilt and reduce in volume while seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
6. Combine the mashed potatoes with the sautéed vegetable medley, whisking in a beaten egg and breadcrumbs to create a cohesive mixture.
7. Grease a baking dish and spread half of the potato mixture as the foundational layer.
8. Arrange thin ham slices and mozzarella cheese strategically across the initial potato layer.
9. Carefully cover the ham and cheese with the remaining potato mixture, creating a uniform surface.
10. Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and additional breadcrumbs over the top for a crispy golden finish.
11. Position the baking dish in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius and bake for 30 minutes until the surface turns a rich, appetizing golden brown.
12. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and dish to firm up.

Notes

• Swap ham with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version of this comforting dish.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like cheddar or gouda for unique flavor profiles.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to the potato mixture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 70mg