Florentine potato bake

Florentine potato bake is a creamy dish featuring layers of potatoes, sautéed spinach, and garlic, all topped with Parmesan cheese. It's baked to perfection for a comforting side or main dish.

28 Nov 2025
Cook time 70 min
Prep time 20 min

Ingredients:

6 cups spinach
6 potatoes
1 onion
2 garlic cloves
1 tbsp fresh thyme
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Florentine potato bake is a delightful and creamy dish that combines the richness of heavy whipping cream with the earthy flavors of spinach, potatoes, and garlic. This recipe is topped with a generous amount of grated parmesan cheese, making it an irresistible side or main dish for any meal.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Spinach:
- Rinse and dry the spinach.
- Sauté the spinach in a pan over medium heat until wilted. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Once wilted, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess moisture.

3. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly (about 1/8 inch thick). A mandoline slicer can be helpful for this task.

4. Prepare the Onion and Garlic:
- Peel and thinly slice the onion.
- Mince the garlic cloves.

5. Layer the Ingredients:
- In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, start by layering one-third of the potato slices in an even layer.
- Next, add half of the sautéed spinach, followed by half of the sliced onions and some minced garlic.
- Sprinkle with a little bit of fresh thyme and a portion of the grated parmesan cheese.
- Repeat this layering process: another one-third of the potatoes, remaining spinach, remaining onions, garlic, thyme, and some more grated parmesan cheese.
- Finish with the final one-third layer of potato slices on top.

6. Add the Cream:
- Pour the heavy whipping cream evenly over the entire dish.
- Press down lightly to ensure the cream seeps through all the layers.

7. Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer of potatoes.

8. Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

9. Rest and Serve:
- Allow the Florentine potato bake to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help the dish set and make it easier to cut into portions.

With its rich flavors and creamy texture, Florentine potato bake is sure to become a favorite in your household. This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a satisfying and comforting experience that pairs well with a variety of main courses.

Florentine potato bake FAQ:

What is the baking time for Florentine potato bake?

Bake the Florentine potato bake at 375°F (190°C) for a total of 65-70 minutes. Cover with foil and bake for the first 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.

How do I know when the potatoes are done?

The potatoes are done when they are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Additionally, the top should be golden brown, indicating that it has baked properly.

Can I make substitutions for heavy whipping cream?

You can substitute heavy whipping cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and a thickener like cornstarch. However, this may alter the creaminess and richness of the dish.

How should I store leftovers of Florentine potato bake?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in portions.

What pan size is best for this recipe?

A 9x13-inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe, providing enough space for the layers of potatoes, spinach, and other ingredients.

Cooking Tips:

- For best results, use fresh spinach and potatoes to ensure maximum freshness and flavor. Wash and dry them thoroughly before use.

- To save time, you can slice the potatoes thinly using a mandoline slicer. This will ensure even cooking and create a more uniform bake.

- Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cream mixture for an extra layer of flavor. Nutmeg pairs wonderfully with the cream and spinach.

- If you prefer a bit of crunch, you can add some breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter on top of the dish before baking.

- Allow the Florentine potato bake to sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This will help the dish set and make it easier to serve.

- Feel free to experiment with additional herbs such as rosemary or oregano to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

Nutrition Facts

8 Servings
Calories 370kcal
Protein 9g
Carbohydrates 33g
Fiber 4.17g
Sugar 4.18g
Fat 24g

Florentine potato bake