Ina Garten Spinach Gratin Recipe is creamy, cheesy and perfect for any meal. This dish makes spinach rich and flavorful. It is easy to make at home with simple ingredients.
I love how the cheese melts perfectly over tender spinach. It is a favorite side dish for family dinners and holiday meals.
In this blog, I will show how to make Ina Garten Spinach Gratin, step by step and share tips for the best results.
My Experience With This Recipe
I tried Ina Garten Spinach Gratin on a weekend dinner. I wanted a creamy, cheesy side dish. The spinach cooked perfectly.
The cheese sauce was smooth and rich. Baking it made a golden, bubbly top. Everyone at the table loved it. It paired wonderfully with roasted chicken.
I also tried it with salmon. It worked great. Now I make this dish often. It is always comforting and delicious.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Spinach Gratin
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 220 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large skillet
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon or spatula
- Oven mitts
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Spinach Gratin
- Fresh spinach – 2 pounds
- Butter – 3 tablespoons
- Onion – 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- All purpose flour – 3 tablespoons
- Whole milk – 1½ cups
- Heavy cream – ½ cup
- Nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
- Gruyère cheese – 1 cup, shredded
- Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly butter the baking dish. This ensures the gratin does not stick during baking.
2. Cook the Spinach
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add spinach in batches. Cook until wilted. Drain excess water using a colander or paper towels.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce
Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic. Stir for one minute. Slowly add milk and cream. Whisk until smooth. Cook until thickened.
5. Season the Sauce
Add salt, black pepper and nutmeg. Stir well. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This gives the gratin its rich flavor.
6. Combine Spinach and Sauce
Add cooked spinach to the cheese sauce. Mix until fully coated. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top evenly.
7. Add Cheese Topping
Sprinkle Gruyère and Parmesan cheese evenly over the spinach. The cheese creates a golden, bubbly crust while baking.
8. Bake the Gratin
Place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes. Top should be golden and bubbling. Let it cool for five minutes before serving.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Spinach Gratin
- Use fresh spinach for best flavor
- Squeeze out all excess water from cooked spinach
- Shred cheese yourself for better melting
- Do not overcook the spinach before baking
- Let the gratin rest before serving
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using frozen spinach with excess water
- Skipping nutmeg in the sauce
- Not thickening the sauce properly
- Overbaking and drying out the gratin
- Adding cheese too early before baking
Serving Suggestions
Ina Garten Spinach Gratin pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken, beef or salmon. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal.
It also works as a holiday side dish. The creamy, cheesy flavor makes it a crowd favorite. Serve warm straight from the oven for the best experience.
Variations You Can Try
- Add cooked bacon bits for smoky flavor
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms for extra depth
- Use Swiss cheese instead of Gruyère
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch
- Add a pinch of cayenne for slight heat
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through
- Cover with foil to prevent the top from burning
- Microwave single servings for 1–2 minutes for quick reheating
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Health Benefits
Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C and K. It provides iron and antioxidants. Using fresh spinach keeps nutrients intact.
The gratin also offers calcium from cheese and protein from milk. Moderation ensures a healthy, tasty side dish. It is a comforting way to enjoy vegetables.
Ina Garten Spinach Gratin Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon or spatula
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- Fresh spinach – 2 pounds
- Butter – 3 tablespoons
- Onion – 1 small finely chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves minced
- All purpose flour – 3 tablespoons
- Whole milk – 1½ cups
- Heavy cream – ½ cup
- Nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
- Gruyère cheese – 1 cup shredded
- Parmesan cheese – ½ cup grated
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly butter the baking dish. This ensures the gratin does not stick during baking.
Cook the Spinach
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add spinach in batches. Cook until wilted. Drain excess water using a colander or paper towels.
Sauté Onion and Garlic
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
Make the Cheese Sauce
- Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic. Stir for one minute. Slowly add milk and cream. Whisk until smooth. Cook until thickened.
Season the Sauce
- Add salt, black pepper and nutmeg. Stir well. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This gives the gratin its rich flavor.
Combine Spinach and Sauce
- Add cooked spinach to the cheese sauce. Mix until fully coated. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top evenly.
Add Cheese Topping
- Sprinkle Gruyère and Parmesan cheese evenly over the spinach. The cheese creates a golden, bubbly crust while baking.
Bake the Gratin
- Place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes. Top should be golden and bubbling. Let it cool for five minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for best flavor
- Squeeze out all excess water from cooked spinach
- Shred cheese yourself for better melting
- Do not overcook the spinach before baking
- Let the gratin rest before serving
FAQs about Ina Garten Spinach Gratin
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw and drain completely. Remove all water to avoid watery gratin and soggy texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the gratin a few hours earlier. Cover and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.
Can I substitute Gruyère cheese?
Yes, Swiss or mozzarella works. Flavor will slightly change, but it will still be creamy and delicious.
How do I prevent the gratin from being watery?
Cook spinach fully and drain excess moisture. Do not add extra liquid to the sauce.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, mushrooms, zucchini or artichokes can be added. Sauté them first before mixing with spinach and sauce.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten Spinach Gratin Recipe is creamy, cheesy and comforting. It is simple to make with fresh ingredients.
Perfect as a side for family dinners or holiday meals. Follow these steps and tips for the best results. This gratin combines healthy spinach with rich, melted cheese.
It will become a favorite dish for your table. Easy to prepare and always delicious, it is a must-try recipe for spinach lovers.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!