The Perfect Spinach White Bean Gratin With Bacon Recipe For Dinner

Spinach and white bean gratin represents a hearty culinary masterpiece that converts simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Rustic comfort meets elegant dining in this soul-warming creation that balances nutrition with incredible flavor.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques merge with classic cooking methods to elevate humble vegetables and legumes.

Rich, creamy textures intermingle with crisp, golden edges that promise a satisfying sensory experience.

Each carefully crafted bite delivers remarkable depth through carefully selected ingredients and thoughtful preparation.

Layers of complex flavors develop during slow baking, creating a harmonious blend that feels simultaneously familiar and surprising.

You’ll find this dish offers both nourishment and pure gastronomic pleasure.

Pro Tips for a Delicious Spinach and White Bean Gratin

• Boost Bean Creaminess: Mash some beans to create a thicker, more luxurious sauce that coats every bite perfectly.
• Maximize Flavor Depth: Sauté onions and peppers slowly to develop rich, sweet undertones that elevate the entire dish.
• Crisp Bacon Technique: Cook bacon until it's extra crispy to provide a delightful crunch and intense smoky flavor contrast.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Grate Parmesan fresh for superior melting and a more robust taste compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Prevent Dryness: Cover the gratin with foil for the first 10 minutes of baking to retain moisture and ensure a creamy texture.

How to Store and Reheat Gratin Without Losing Flavor

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled gratin to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and keep flavors intact.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place gratin in a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and crispiness.
• Microwave Option: For quick reheating, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.

What to Eat with Spinach and White Bean Gratin with Bacon

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio cuts through the creamy, rich gratin and complements the spinach's earthy flavor perfectly.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: A warm, rustic sourdough or French baguette helps soak up the delicious sauce and adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy beans and spinach.
• Match with Fresh Salad: A light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides a tangy, peppery counterpoint to the hearty gratin, balancing the dish's richness.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Simple roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts bring additional green freshness and a caramelized note that echoes the bacon's smoky undertones.

Flavorful Variations on Spinach and White Bean Gratin with Bacon

• Vegetarian Comfort: Skip bacon and add smoked paprika for depth. Sauté mushrooms for extra umami and protein replacement.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and cilantro. Top with pepper jack cheese instead of Parmesan for a zesty southwestern transformation.
• Lean Protein Power: Substitute chicken broth with low-sodium vegetable broth. Add grilled chicken breast strips or plant-based protein crumbles for extra nutrition.

Why You’ll Crave Spinach and White Bean Gratin with Bacon

• Boost Comfort with Creamy Texture: This gratin delivers a luxurious, velvety mouthfeel from mashed white beans and melted Parmesan, creating a comforting dish that wraps you in warmth.
• Elevate Nutrition with Vibrant Ingredients: Packed with protein-rich beans, leafy spinach, and protein-packed bacon, this recipe offers a balanced meal that nourishes your body while tantalizing your taste buds.
• Speed Through Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-skillet wonder simplifies cooking with minimal steps and easy-to-find ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or quick lunch solutions.
• Customize with Flavor Flexibility: The recipe allows simple tweaks like swapping bacon for vegetarian alternatives or adjusting cheese quantities, giving home cooks the freedom to personalize their dining experience.

Ingredients for Creamy Spinach and White Bean Gratin with Bacon

• Onion: Sweet and mild base for the dish, adds depth of flavor and texture.
• Red Pepper: Provides bright color and subtle sweetness to the gratin.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall savory profile.
• Spinach: Tender green vegetable that adds nutrition and earthy flavor.

• White Beans: Creamy protein source that provides hearty texture and thickness.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that adds richness and helps cook ingredients.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that creates a golden crispy topping.
• Bacon: Crispy protein that adds smoky, salty flavor as a final garnish.

• Olive Oil: Healthy fat for sautéing vegetables and adding smooth texture.
• Basil: Fresh herb that brings bright, aromatic notes to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance and balance flavors.

How to Prepare Spinach and White Bean Gratin with Bacon

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Dish

Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease an 8×8 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

• Chopped onion
• Diced red pepper
• Minced garlic

Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until onion becomes soft and translucent.

Step 3: Create Bean And Spinach Base

• Chicken broth
• White beans (reserve separately)
• Fresh spinach

Simmer for 5 minutes until spinach wilts completely. Mash the reserved of beans with a fork and mix into the skillet.

Step 4: Add Cheese And Herbs

• Fresh chopped basil
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 5: Bake The Gratin

Transfer mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese on top. Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Finish And Serve

Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the gratin. Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.

Spinach White Bean Gratin With Bacon Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired spinach and white bean gratin combines rustic charm with rich bacon notes. Crispy breadcrumbs crown this hearty French-style casserole, promising comfort in each savory, cheesy bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups baby spinach (stems removed)
• 2 cans (14 ounces / 397 grams each) cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided, plus more for serving)
• 3 slices bacon (cooked crispy and crumbled)

Aromatics and Vegetables:

• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ⅓ cup jarred roasted red peppers (diced)

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil or rosemary
• Coarse salt and fresh black pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 400°F (204°C) and thoroughly coat an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-low heat. Gently sauté the diced onion, chopped red bell pepper, and minced garlic, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until the vegetables become soft and translucent.
3. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, then add most of the white beans, leaving approximately ½ cup aside. Carefully fold in the fresh spinach leaves and allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, ensuring the spinach wilts and becomes tender.
4. Crush the reserved white beans using a fork until they form a slightly chunky paste, then incorporate this into the skillet, creating a thicker, more cohesive texture.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in freshly chopped basil and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
6. Carefully transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top to create a golden, crispy crust.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
8. Once removed from the oven, garnish the gratin with crumbled crispy bacon pieces. Serve immediately, offering additional grated Parmesan cheese on the side for those who desire extra flavor.

Notes

• Discover a cozy, comforting dish that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious meal bursting with flavor and nutrition.
• Mashing some beans creates a creamy texture that binds the gratin together, adding unexpected richness to every bite.
• Fresh basil introduces a bright, aromatic element that cuts through the hearty beans and salty bacon perfectly.
• Parmesan cheese melts into golden, crispy edges, providing a delightful crunch and deep umami undertone to the entire dish.
• Cooking onions and peppers slowly develops a sweet, caramelized base that elevates the entire gratin’s complexity and depth.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking, Sautéing, Broiling
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 30mg