This cheesy potato and spinach casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of tender potatoes, wilted spinach, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Here’s how to make it:
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#### **Preparation Time**: 30 minutes
#### **Cook Time**: 45-50 minutes
#### **Total Time**: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes
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### **Ingredients**:
– 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 500g (1 lb) fresh spinach, washed
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 50g (1/4 cup) butter
– 50g (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour
– 500ml (2 cups) milk
– 200g (7 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
– 100g (3.5 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt, to taste
– Black pepper, to taste
– Nutmeg, a pinch
– Olive oil, for sautéing
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### **Instructions**:
1. **Preheat the Oven**:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. **Prepare the Potatoes**:
Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Set aside.
3. **Cook the Spinach**:
In a large pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the spinach and sauté until wilted. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. **Sauté the Onion and Garlic**:
In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. **Make the Cheese Sauce**:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. **Assemble the Casserole**:
In a large baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes. Spread the wilted spinach and sautéed onion-garlic mixture evenly over the potatoes. Top with the remaining potato slices.
Pour the cheese sauce over the top, ensuring it covers the potatoes evenly. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
7. **Bake**:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
8. **Serve**:
Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy this warm, cheesy, and comforting dish!
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### **Tips**:
– For a crispier top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
– Add cooked bacon or ham for a meaty twist.
– Substitute kale or Swiss chard for spinach if desired.
This casserole is perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as leftovers the next day. Bon appétit!