Creamy Boursin Spinach Bake with Herb Crust
Indulge in this rich and creamy Boursin Spinach Bake, where tender baby spinach leaves are enveloped in a velvety sauce of aromatic onion, creamy dairy, and herbed Boursin cheese. Topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb crust, this dish beautifully balances flavors while remaining simple to prepare. The history of Boursin cheese enriches this recipe, originating from Monsier Boursin in 1957, known for its creamy texture and robust flavor infused with garlic and herbs. Perfect for gatherings or as a comforting family meal, this bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad or crusty bread, making it a delightful addition to any table.
6
Servings
125
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yellow onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
Unsalted butter
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
All-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (none)
Whole milk
1 cup (none)
Heavy cream
1/2 cup (none)
Boursin cheese
5 ounces (none)
Baby spinach leaves
10 ounces (chopped)
Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (grated)
Lemon zest
2 teaspoons (finely minced)
Salt
to taste (none)
White pepper
to taste (none)
Cayenne pepper
to taste (none)
Freshly grated nutmeg
1 pinch (none)
Fresh breadcrumbs
2/3 cup (none)
Melted butter
1 tablespoon (for topping)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (for topping)
Black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and butter a shallow baking dish; set aside.
2
In a medium-sized skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
3
Sprinkle the flour into the pan and stir well to coat the onions. Cook for an additional minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4
Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to ensure there are no lumps. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
5
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the Boursin cheese a little at a time, mixing until fully melted and smooth.
6
Add the chopped spinach, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and all seasonings, stirring until thoroughly combined. Transfer the spinach mixture into the prepared baking dish.
7
In a separate bowl, combine the fresh breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon of melted butter, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the crumbs.
8
Spread the breadcrumb topping over the spinach mixture, pressing it gently with your hands to create an even layer.
9
Place the baking dish on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
10
For meal prep: You can prepare the casserole up to this point, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for later baking.
Nutrition Information
9.3g
Fat
7g
Carbs
4.7
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Boursin Spinach Bake with Herb Crust?
It is a rich and creamy dish where baby spinach is enveloped in a velvety sauce of onion, dairy, and herbed Boursin cheese, then topped with a golden breadcrumb crust.
What are the primary flavors in this spinach bake?
The dish features aromatic onion, creamy dairy, robust garlic and herbs from the Boursin cheese, and a bright hint of lemon zest.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 125 calories.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
What type of Boursin cheese is used?
The recipe uses 5 ounces of Boursin cheese, which is known for its creamy texture and garlic and herb infusion.
How do I prepare the spinach for this bake?
You should use 10 ounces of baby spinach leaves and chop them before adding them to the cheese mixture.
What is the history of Boursin cheese?
Boursin cheese originated from Monsieur Boursin in 1957 and is famous for its creamy texture and herb-infused profile.
How do I make the herb crust topping?
Combine 2/3 cup fresh breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Can this recipe be used for meal prep?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for later baking.
What kind of onion is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped yellow onion.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is tagged as a vegetarian comfort food side dish.
How long do I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onions in butter for about 4-5 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
What is the purpose of adding flour to the onions?
Adding flour creates a roux that thickens the milk and cream into a smooth sauce.
How do I ensure the sauce has no lumps?
Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
What other cheeses are included besides Boursin?
The recipe also includes 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with salt, white pepper, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg.
How long does the bake need to stay in the oven?
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
What type of milk and cream should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of whole milk and 1/2 cup of heavy cream.
How much lemon zest is needed?
You will need 2 teaspoons of finely minced lemon zest.
What should I serve with this spinach bake?
It pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad or crusty bread.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 9.3 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 7 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 4.7 grams of protein per serving.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, you should butter a shallow baking dish before adding the spinach mixture.
When do I add the Boursin cheese to the skillet?
Remove the skillet from the heat first, then stir in the Boursin cheese a little at a time until melted.
How do I apply the breadcrumb topping?
Spread the mixture over the spinach and press it gently with your hands to create an even layer.
Why is a baking sheet used under the baking dish?
Placing the dish on a baking sheet makes it easier to handle and catches any potential drips if the sauce bubbles over.
Is this a side dish or a main course?
While rich enough for a light meal, it is primarily categorized as a side dish or casserole.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 17 ingredients in total for this recipe.