Savory Butternut Squash and Spinach Bake
This delightful Savory Butternut Squash and Spinach Bake combines the earthy sweetness of fresh butternut squash with the vibrant flavor of spinach. Inspired by a memorable dish from Captain's Tavern in Miami, this recipe layers tender squash with a rich spinach mixture, creating a comforting casserole that’s perfect for gatherings and holiday meals. With its creamy texture and the option to sprinkle Parmigiano-Reggiano and Gruyère cheeses, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will impress your guests. It's easy to prepare, making it a fantastic option for home cooks looking to elevate their dining experience. Ideal for meal prep, leftovers taste even better the next day! This recipe can serve up to 12 people, making it perfect for larger gatherings or family feasts. For convenience, you can also make this dish in individual portions. Enjoy a slice of this cheesy, vegetable-packed goodness with your favorite protein or on its own!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh spinach
3 - 3 1/2 lbs (Stems discarded; if using frozen, thaw and drain.)
Unsalted butter
3 - 5 tablespoons (Plus additional for greasing the pan.)
Onion
3/4 cup (Finely chopped (about 1 small onion).)
Garlic
3 cloves (Minced.)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (To taste.)
Black pepper
3/4 teaspoon (Freshly ground or lemon pepper for flavor.)
Freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon (To taste.)
Heavy cream
1 cup (Can substitute with half-and-half or evaporated milk.)
Butternut squash
4 lbs (Peeled, quartered, and seeded (typically 2 large squashes).)
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/3 - 3/4 cup (Finely grated.)
Gruyère cheese
1/2 cup (Optional, finely grated.)
Instructions
1
If using fresh spinach, bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a large pot. Add spinach in batches, cooking until wilted (about 3-5 minutes). Drain well, rinse with cold water, and thoroughly squeeze out excess moisture. Coarsely chop the spinach and transfer it to a mixing bowl.
2
In a skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (3-5 minutes). Mix this onion-garlic blend into the spinach along with the salt, pepper, nutmeg, and heavy cream, stirring everything until well combined.
3
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the oven rack in the upper third. Grease a 13x9 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
4
Prepare the butternut squash by separating the bulb from the neck. Cut the squash into 1/8-inch-thick slices lengthwise. To make slicing easier, consider microwaving the whole squash for 3-5 minutes beforehand.
5
Begin layering the dish: start with a layer of squash followed by a layer of the spinach mixture. Repeat this process, using about one fifth of the squash and one fourth of the spinach mixture for each layer, ensuring you end with squash on top.
6
Sprinkle each layer of squash with the grated cheeses and dot with remaining butter pieces. Cover the dish tightly with parchment paper or a lid.
7
Bake in the preheated oven until the squash is tender and the filling is bubbling, approximately 35-45 minutes. For individual portions, cooking time may be reduced to around 20-30 minutes.
8
After baking, remove the covering and return to the oven to broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy. Serve hot and enjoy every bite!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Butternut Squash and Spinach Bake?
It is a comforting casserole that layers tender butternut squash slices with a rich spinach mixture, often topped with Parmigiano-Reggiano and Gruyere cheeses.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve up to 12 people, making it ideal for large gatherings or family feasts.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach; simply ensure it is thawed and thoroughly drained of excess moisture before using.
What was the inspiration for this dish?
The recipe was inspired by a memorable dish served at Captain's Tavern in Miami.
How should I prepare fresh spinach for this recipe?
Boil fresh spinach in an inch of water for 3-5 minutes until wilted, drain, rinse with cold water, squeeze out moisture, and coarsely chop.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking the dish.
How thin should the butternut squash be sliced?
The butternut squash should be cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices lengthwise.
Is there a trick to make slicing the squash easier?
Yes, you can microwave the whole squash for 3-5 minutes to soften it slightly before slicing.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 13x9 inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
What cheeses are used in the Savory Butternut Squash and Spinach Bake?
The recipe uses finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and optional Gruyere cheese.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is classified as vegetarian.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
How long does the dish take to bake?
It typically takes 35-45 minutes in a preheated oven until the squash is tender and the filling is bubbling.
Can I make this recipe in individual portions?
Yes, for individual portions, the cooking time should be reduced to approximately 20-30 minutes.
How do I get a crispy top on the bake?
After the initial baking, remove the cover and broil the dish for 2-3 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as leftovers often taste even better the next day.
What seasonings are added to the spinach mixture?
The spinach is seasoned with salt, black pepper (or lemon pepper), and freshly grated nutmeg.
How many layers should I create?
The recipe suggests about five layers of squash and four layers of the spinach mixture, ending with squash on top.
Do I need to peel the butternut squash?
Yes, the squash should be peeled, quartered, and seeded before slicing.
Where should the oven rack be positioned?
The oven rack should be positioned in the upper third of the oven.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, you should grease the dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
What aromatics are used in the recipe?
Finely chopped onion and minced garlic are sautéed in butter and mixed into the spinach.
Is Gruyere cheese mandatory for this recipe?
No, the Gruyere cheese is listed as an optional ingredient.
What type of pepper is recommended?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended, or lemon pepper for extra flavor.
How much spinach is needed?
You will need 3 to 3.5 lbs of fresh spinach with stems discarded.
How much squash is required?
The recipe calls for 4 lbs of butternut squash, which is typically two large squashes.
Should I cover the dish while baking?
Yes, cover the dish tightly with parchment paper or a lid during the initial baking phase.
Is this dish considered a holiday recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a holiday dish and is perfect for festive gatherings.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter, but you can use salted butter if you adjust the added salt accordingly.
What is the final texture of the dish?
The dish has a creamy texture with tender vegetables and a cheesy, golden top.