Weight Watchers Spinach Gratin – Creamy, Low-Point Comfort Side Dish

🥬 Introduction

When I first started my Weight Watchers journey, I thought creamy comfort dishes like gratin were officially off-limits. The word alone used to make me imagine heavy cream, butter, and cheese — all the things that can quickly skyrocket your points. But then I discovered the magic of low-fat dairy, fresh spinach, and clever WW swaps — and suddenly, my creamy cravings had a delicious, guilt-free outlet.

This Weight Watchers Spinach Gratin is a warm, silky, low-point side dish that feels indulgent without actually being indulgent. It’s rich, flavorful, and comforting — yet light enough to fit perfectly into your daily WW plan. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled chicken or enjoying it as a stand-alone vegetarian dish, it’s one of those recipes that makes you forget you’re even counting points.

The best part? You can make it in under 30 minutes, and it’s loaded with protein, calcium, and fiber, making it as nourishing as it is delicious.

If you’re craving something creamy, savory, and satisfying — this Weight Watchers Spinach Gratin might just become your new favorite low-point comfort dish.

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💚 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🧀 Creamy without the guilt – uses light cream cheese and reduced-fat mozzarella.
• 🥬 Packed with nutrition – full of iron, vitamins, and fiber.
• ⏱️ Quick & easy – ready in just about 30 minutes.
• 🍽️ Low SmartPoints – only 3 points per serving!
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly – everyone loves the cheesy, comforting texture.
• 🧊 Meal prep win – stores and reheats beautifully for the week.

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⚖️ WW SmartPoints Info

• SmartPoints per serving: 3 (Estimated)
• SmartPoints for entire recipe: 12 (Estimated)
• Calculation note: Points estimated using WW SmartPoints principles (fat-free dairy, no butter, and light cheese).

How SmartPoints were calculated: Estimated using standard WW formulas based on ingredient macros (protein, carbs, fat, fiber).

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👩‍🍳 My Personal Experience

The first time I made this recipe, I was trying to recreate my mom’s old-fashioned spinach casserole — the one that used to be rich with butter, cream, and full-fat cheese. I remember pulling it out of the oven, golden on top and bubbling at the edges, thinking, there’s no way this version could taste as good.

But it did — and honestly, even better. The secret is using fresh spinach sautéed just until wilted, combined with a silky mix of fat-free Greek yogurt and light cream cheese. It gives that same luxurious mouthfeel without the heavy calories or SmartPoints.

Now, it’s my go-to side dish for everything from roasted chicken to holiday dinners. Even my family — who aren’t doing Weight Watchers — always ask for seconds.

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🧂 Required Equipment

🥄 Mixing Bowls

You’ll need two medium bowls — one for whisking the creamy mixture, and one for holding the cooked spinach. Stainless steel works best, but any heat-safe bowl will do.

🍳 Nonstick Skillet

A must for sautéing the spinach without using extra oil. Nonstick means less fat and fewer points.

🥘 Baking Dish

A small 8×8-inch casserole dish is perfect for this recipe. It allows the gratin to bake evenly and get that golden crust.

🧀 Whisk or Silicone Spatula

Use a whisk for the sauce, then a spatula to gently fold in the spinach. This helps maintain a smooth, even texture.

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🥣 Ingredients & Substitutions

Serves 4 | 3 WW SmartPoints per serving (Estimated)

• 4 cups fresh spinach (zero points) – packed with fiber and iron; fresh gives a brighter flavor.
• 1/2 cup fat-free Greek yogurt (0 points) – adds creaminess and protein without fat.
• 1/4 cup light cream cheese (2 points) – gives the gratin its silky, rich texture.
• 1/2 cup reduced-fat mozzarella cheese (2 points) – melts beautifully without adding too many points.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (1 point) – adds depth and umami flavor.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (0 points) – essential for aroma and savory flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (0 points) – enhances spinach’s earthy notes.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste (0 points)
• Olive oil spray (0 points) – just a light mist for cooking spinach.

Optional Substitutions:

• Swap light cream cheese for Neufchâtel cheese to reduce about 1 SmartPoint.
• Use low-fat cottage cheese (blended smooth) instead of cream cheese for a protein boost.
• For dairy-free eaters, swap all cheeses for a WW-approved vegan version (points may vary slightly).

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🔪 How to Make Weight Watchers Spinach Gratin

Step 1: Prep the Spinach

Spray your skillet lightly with olive oil and heat over medium. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant — about 30 seconds. Then, add the fresh spinach in batches. Stir until just wilted (about 2–3 minutes).

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overcook! Spinach continues to release water after it’s off the heat. Gently squeeze out excess moisture with paper towels before mixing.

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Step 2: Make the Creamy Base

In a medium bowl, whisk together fat-free Greek yogurt, light cream cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth. The key is whisking until the mixture looks velvety and uniform.

💡 Tip: If your cream cheese isn’t soft enough, microwave it for 10 seconds before mixing.

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Step 3: Combine Spinach and Sauce

Add the wilted spinach into your creamy base, then fold gently until every leaf is coated in that delicious sauce. Stir in half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan cheese.

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Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Transfer the spinach mixture to a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

💡 Variation: You can also make this in an air fryer-safe dish at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.

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Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let it cool slightly before serving — it thickens as it sets. Each spoonful is creamy, garlicky, and perfectly cheesy without being heavy.

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🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the spinach: It’ll release too much water and make the gratin watery.
2. Skipping the draining step: Always squeeze excess moisture.
3. Too much cheese: Even light cheese adds points fast — measure carefully.
4. Forgetting seasoning: Spinach loves salt, garlic, and nutmeg — don’t skip them!

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🌟 Pro Tips for Best Results

• Use fat-free Greek yogurt for a creamy base that doesn’t separate.
• Always drain your spinach well — this ensures a silky, not soupy, texture.
• Add a tiny sprinkle of breadcrumbs (optional) for a crisp top — adds about +1 point.
• Bake until the top turns slightly golden — that’s where all the flavor lives.

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🥗 WW-Specific Nutrition & Strategy

Spinach is one of those magical zero-point foods that can bulk up a dish beautifully. Pair it with light cheese and fat-free dairy, and you’ve got a meal that feels indulgent while keeping your points under control.

This dish fits easily into any low-point day. You can enjoy a generous portion alongside:

• Grilled chicken breast (0–2 points)
• Air fryer salmon (2–3 points)
• Roasted veggies (0 points)

💡 Tip: If you plan your day around this dish, you’ll have enough room for a small dessert — like a WW-friendly yogurt parfait or protein bite.

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🧂 Variations You Can Try

• Add cooked chicken – +1–2 points for a more filling meal.
• Swap spinach for kale – slightly higher in points but extra fiber.
• Add turkey bacon bits – +1 point, adds smoky flavor.
• Use ricotta instead of yogurt – creamier but +1 extra point.

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🍴 Tips for This Recipe

• Serve warm for best texture.
• If meal prepping, divide into four containers and refrigerate — reheats beautifully.
• Don’t skip the nutmeg — it’s small but makes a huge flavor difference!

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🧀 Optional Additions

• Cherry tomatoes for color (+0 points)
• Crushed red pepper flakes for heat (0 points)
• A dash of lemon zest for brightness (0 points)

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🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Serve as a side dish with roasted chicken or grilled fish.
• Use as a layer inside a veggie lasagna for extra greens.
• Or simply spoon it over a slice of whole-grain toast for a quick WW lunch.

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🧊 Storage Recommendations

• Fridge: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Microwave 45 seconds or bake at 350°F for 8 minutes.

💡 Note: Freezing may slightly alter texture but doesn’t affect points.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Use 10 oz frozen spinach (thawed and drained well). It saves time and keeps points the same.

2. How can I make this dairy-free?
Use fat-free unsweetened almond yogurt and vegan cheese. Points may vary slightly depending on brand.

3. Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Assemble it in the morning, refrigerate, and bake before dinner.

4. Can I air fry it?
Yes — 350°F for 10–12 minutes in an oven-safe dish. It gives a slightly crispier top.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a 9×13-inch dish and increase baking time to 25–30 minutes.

6. How can I reduce SmartPoints further?
Use only 1/4 cup cheese or skip Parmesan entirely — saves 1–2 points per serving.

7. What does it taste like?
Creamy, garlicky, slightly nutty, and comforting — like a lighter version of spinach dip baked into a casserole.

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🧮 Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 135
• Protein: 13g
• Fat: 6g
• Total Carbs: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Net Carbs: 4g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 310mg
• Estimated SmartPoints: 3

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📋 Recipe Snapshot

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Course: Side Dish
• Cuisine: American
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 135
• SmartPoints: 3