Creamy Spinach White Bean Gratin with Bacon Recipe: Pure Joy

Bubbling with rustic charm, this hearty spinach white bean gratin with bacon delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Crispy bacon bits dance through creamy white beans and tender spinach, creating a deliciously satisfying dish.

Layers of rich, melted cheese blend seamlessly with earthy greens and smoky pork.

Each forkful promises a symphony of textures and flavors that warm you from the inside out.

The combination of simple ingredients makes this gratin a standout meal for any occasion.

Weeknight dinners or casual gatherings will never be the same once you serve this irresistible crowd-pleaser.

How to Make Spinach and White Bean Gratin with Bacon

• Oven Preparation Kitchen warm-up transforms your cooking space into a cozy haven. Set the oven to a toasty 400°F and lovingly coat your baking dish with a light cooking spray or butter.
• Vegetable Symphony sizzling dance begins in a spacious skillet. Gently sauté chopped onions, vibrant red peppers, and fragrant garlic until they soften and release their delightful aromas, creating a flavor foundation.
• Bean and Spinach Fusion bubbling with excitement, pour in chicken broth and most of the white beans. Nestle fresh spinach leaves into the mixture, allowing them to gently wilt and mingle with the other ingredients. Mash a small portion of reserved beans to add creamy texture.
• Herbal Whispers lift the skillet from heat and sprinkle in fresh basil and a generous handful of Parmesan cheese, stirring to create a harmonious blend of flavors.
• Baking Magic transfer the mixture to your prepared dish, crown it with remaining Parmesan, and slide into the waiting oven. Let it bake until golden and bubbling, about 20 magical minutes.
• Crispy Finale crumble smoky bacon over the top, adding a delightful crunch and extra flavor. Serve immediately with additional Parmesan for those who want an extra cheesy touch.

Tips for Spinach and White Bean Gratin with Bacon

• Crumble bacon extra crispy for a delightful crunch that elevates the entire dish's texture and flavor profile.
• Experiment with different white bean varieties like cannellini, great northern, or navy beans to discover your preferred taste and consistency.
• Swap Parmesan with pecorino romano or aged gouda for a more robust and complex cheese experience that transforms the gratin's richness.
• Replace bacon with smoked paprika or roasted mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the deep, smoky undertones of the original recipe.
• Swap basil for fresh thyme or rosemary to introduce an alternative aromatic dimension that complements the white beans and spinach beautifully.

Ways to Present Spinach and White Bean Gratin with Bacon

• Comforting Meal Companion: Serve this hearty gratin alongside crusty sourdough bread to soak up the delicious vegetable broth and catch every flavorful bite.
• Protein Power Plate: Pair with grilled chicken breast or roasted salmon to create a balanced and satisfying meal that offers additional protein and variety.
• Fresh Greens Boost: Add a crisp mixed green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette to complement the rich and creamy texture of the gratin, providing a refreshing contrast.
• Wine Weekend Treat: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the dish's subtle flavors and create a delightful dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Spinach and White Bean Gratin with Bacon

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth, rich foundation for sautéing vegetables with deep golden undertones.
• Yellow Onion: Adds sweet, aromatic base that builds complex background flavor profile.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Introduces smoky, slightly tangy notes with vibrant color and soft texture.
• Garlic: Delivers robust, pungent essence that elevates overall taste experience.

• Cannellini Beans: Creamy, tender white beans packed with protein and earthy undertones.
• Chicken Broth: Creates silky liquid base that enhances moisture and deepens savory characteristics.

• Baby Spinach: Fresh, tender green that wilts beautifully and adds nutritional brightness.
• Fresh Basil or Rosemary: Introduces bright, aromatic herb notes with delicate freshness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, salty punch with irresistible melting quality.
• Bacon: Provides crispy, smoky crunch that adds rich, indulgent layer.

• Coarse Salt and Fresh Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and amplifying all ingredient flavors.

Equipment List for Spinach and White Bean Gratin

• Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing onions, red pepper, and garlic with perfect heat control.
• 8×8 Casserole Dish: Ideal for baking and presenting the gratin with a beautiful golden top.
• Fork: Perfect for mashing beans and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure beans, broth, and Parmesan cheese.
• Chef's Knife: Needed for chopping onions, red pepper, and preparing ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in the skillet.

Storing Leftover Spinach and White Bean Gratin

• Smart Meal Prep: Divide the gratin into individual portions before refrigerating, making quick weekday lunches or dinners super easy to grab and reheat.
• Fridge Fresh Storage: Seal the leftover gratin in an airtight container and enjoy within 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and taste even more delicious.
• Freezer-Friendly Trick: Wrap the cooled gratin tightly in freezer-safe wrap or container. Stays delectable for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat Like a Pro: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or restore crispy top edges by baking in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and cheese bubbles slightly.

Creamy Spinach White Bean Gratin With Bacon

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty spinach white bean gratin with bacon brings together creamy legumes and crisp pork in a comforting Mediterranean-inspired dish. Savory layers of ingredients create a rich, satisfying experience you’ll want to savor at your next family gathering.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided, plus more for serving)
• 2 cups baby spinach (stems removed)
• 2 cans (14 oz / 397 g each) cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 3 slices bacon (cooked crispy and crumbled)
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ⅓ cup jarred roasted red peppers (diced)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp fresh chopped basil or rosemary
• Coarse salt
• Fresh black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prep Workspace: Preheat oven to 400°F and generously grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to ensure effortless serving.
2. Vegetable Foundation: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, sauté diced onion, chopped red bell pepper, and minced garlic with salt and black pepper until vegetables soften and become translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Bean and Spinach Integration: Add chicken broth, most white beans, and fresh spinach leaves to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing spinach to wilt. Mash reserved white beans into a rustic paste and fold into the mixture to enhance texture and thickness.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Remove skillet from heat, incorporating freshly chopped basil and half the Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
5. Baking Preparation: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading uniformly. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese on top to create a golden, crispy crust.
6. Final Cooking and Presentation: Bake for 20 minutes until cheese melts and turns slightly brown. After removing from oven, garnish with crispy crumbled bacon. Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese on the side for those desiring extra richness.

Notes

• Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop vegetables and measure ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.
• Bean Texture Trick: Mashing reserved beans creates natural thickener, enhancing overall dish consistency without extra flour or cornstarch.
• Cheese Selection Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor; pre-shredded varieties lack depth and melt differently.
• Bacon Customization: Swap bacon with pancetta or vegetarian bacon bits to accommodate dietary preferences without compromising dish’s savory profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg