Looking for a delicious and budget-friendly meal option? Look no further than frozen spinach au gratin, which clocks in at just 222 calories per serving. This dish is easy to make and packed with vitamins and nutrients, making it a smart choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want to enjoy a home-cooked meal without a lot of hassle

Frozen spinach au gratin is made with simple ingredients, including frozen spinach, milk, cheese, and breadcrumbs. While it may not sound like the most exciting dish in the world, don't let its humble ingredients fool you: this cheesy, creamy, and satisfying dish is sure to become a regular in your weeknight rotation.

In this article, we'll explore how to make frozen spinach au gratin, its nutritional benefits, and some creative tips for making it your own.

An Introduction to Frozen Spinach Au Gratin

Frozen spinach au gratin is a classic French dish that combines frozen spinach with a creamy, cheesy sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping. It may sound fancy, but it's actually incredibly easy to make, and the end result is a comforting and delicious meal that's sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you're looking for a new twist on a classic casserole or an easy way to get more veggies into your diet, frozen spinach au gratin is a great option. One of the best things about this dish is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a side dish with roast chicken or grilled fish, or make it into a main course by adding some cooked pasta or rice. You can also customize it to your taste by using different types of cheese, adding herbs or spices, or incorporating other veggies like mushrooms or onions. Ready to get started? Let's take a closer look at the ingredients you'll need to make this tasty dish.

A Look at the Ingredients

To make frozen spinach au gratin, you'll need a few simple ingredients:

• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and drained
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Gruyere or Swiss cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

You can find all of these ingredients at your local grocery store, and they're often quite affordable. If you're on a budget, look for generic brands or buy ingredients in bulk to save even more money.

The Nutritional Value of Frozen Spinach Au Gratin

While frozen spinach au gratin is certainly tasty, it's also quite healthy. Here are some of the key nutritional benefits of this dish:

• Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and calcium.
• Cheese provides a good source of protein and calcium, as well as essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and phosphorus.
• Breadcrumbs are a great source of fiber and can help regulate digestion.
• Milk provides a good source of calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health.

Of course, like any dish, frozen spinach au gratin should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

The Cooking Process for Frozen Spinach Au Gratin

Now that you know all about the ingredients and nutritional benefits of frozen spinach au gratin, it's time to start cooking! Here's how to make this dish:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk to combine.
3. Add the milk to the saucepan and whisk until smooth. Continue whisking over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the Parmesan and Gruyere cheeses, stirring until they're melted and smooth.
5. Add the defrosted and drained spinach to the saucepan and stir until it's well coated with the cheese sauce.
6. Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish and sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

That's all there is to it! This dish is sure to become a favorite in your household, and it's perfect for cozy winter nights, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want a comforting and delicious meal.

Why Frozen Spinach Au Gratin is a Great Meal Option

There are plenty of reasons to love frozen spinach au gratin. Here are just a few of them:

• It's easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients.
• It's budget-friendly, and can be customized to fit any budget or taste preference.
• It's a great way to get more veggies into your diet, without sacrificing taste or flavor.
• It's filling and satisfying, making it a great option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• It's a crowd-pleaser, and is sure to impress your guests at your next dinner party or potluck.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, frozen spinach au gratin is a meal option that everyone can enjoy.

Tips for Serving Frozen Spinach Au Gratin

While frozen spinach au gratin is delicious on its own, there are a few ways to take it to the next level. Here are some great tips and ideas for serving this dish:

• Add some cooked pasta or rice to the dish to make it heartier and more filling.
• Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
• Try different types of cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, to give the dish a different flavor profile.
• Add some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, to the breadcrumb topping for extra flavor and color.

Get creative and have fun with this dish! There are endless ways to customize it to your taste and make it your own.

How to Store Leftover Frozen Spinach Au Gratin

If you have leftovers of frozen spinach au gratin, don't worry! This dish can be easily stored and reheated for future meals. Here's how to do it:

1. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. To reheat, simply cover the container with foil and bake in a 375-degree oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on high.

With these simple tips, you can make the most of your frozen spinach au gratin and enjoy it for several meals to come.

Customizing Your Frozen Spinach Au Gratin Recipe

While the recipe for frozen spinach au gratin is delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to customize it and make it your own. Here are some great ideas and suggestions for tweaking the recipe to your liking:

• Swap out the breadcrumbs for panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
• Add some chopped onions, garlic, or mushrooms to the cheese sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Try using different types of cheese, like blue cheese or goat cheese, for a unique and delicious twist on the classic recipe.
• Serve the dish with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for added creaminess and tanginess.

Experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create the perfect variation of frozen spinach au gratin for your tastes and preferences.

Using Frozen Spinach Au Gratin as a Side Dish

Frozen spinach au gratin is a great side dish to serve alongside your favorite main courses. Here are some great ideas for pairing this dish with other foods:

• Serve it with grilled chicken or fish for a healthy and satisfying meal.
• Pair it with a hearty steak or pork chop for a delicious and filling dinner.
• Use it as a side dish for Thanksgiving or other holiday dinners, as it pairs perfectly with turkey, ham, or roast beef.

No matter how you decide to serve it, frozen spinach au gratin is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Alternatives to Frozen Spinach Au Gratin

While frozen spinach au gratin is a delicious and satisfying meal option, there are plenty of other dishes you can try if you're looking for something different. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Roasted veggies, like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or potatoes, make a great side dish or main course and are packed with flavor and nutrients.
• Casseroles, like beef and broccoli and chicken enchiladas, are great one-dish meals that are easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd.
• Pasta dishes, like spaghetti carbonara or fettuccine Alfredo, are classic Italian dishes that are sure to please everyone.
• Curries, like chicken tikka masala or vegetable curry, are flavorful and satisfying dishes that are perfect for warming up on cold winter nights.

No matter what type of meal you're looking for, there's sure to be a dish out there that fits your taste and budget requirements.