Creamy Dreamy Baked Spinach Casserole
Recipe Introduction: look into into Deliciousness!
Fancy a bit of comfort food ? Ever wondered how to get your greens in a way that tastes absolutely amazing? Honestly, who doesn't love a creamy, cheesy bake? Then get ready for my seriously good Baked Spinach Casserole ! It's got that classic flavor profile that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
This Cheesy Spinach Bake is like a hug in a dish. Think of it as a Cream Spinach Casserole , but with a personal twist.
It's rooted in classic American cooking. It elevates the humble spinach to superstar status. It's a super Easy Spinach Casserole , perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck with your mates.
Origin and All That Jazz
The original spinach casserole probably came about as a way to sneak veggies into picky eaters, bless their cotton socks! It's proper comfort food casserole recipes , bringing back memories of family dinners.
I reckon it's been around since the 50s. It’s evolved over time but always remains a crowd pleaser. This recipe takes about 50 minutes total, but most of that is just baking time, easy peasy! It'll feed about 6-8 people.
Why You'll Love This Spinach Casserole Recipe Easy
This delicious healthy side dish is packed with nutrients. Spinach is a great source of iron and vitamins. Plus, it's absolutely lush! Serve it at your next Sunday roast.
It's perfect for Thanksgiving. Or frankly, just because you fancy some proper comfort food . It makes a fab make-ahead Spinach Casserole .
It is super easy to assemble the day before and bake it fresh when you need it. This version is special because of the touch of nutmeg and that crispy breadcrumb topping.
Healthy Side Dishes For Dinner: It's all about the Spinach and Cheese Gratin
One of the big pluses of spinach is all that iron. Honestly , it's good for your energy levels. This casserole is also a good source of calcium from the cheese.
It makes it a surprisingly healthy side dish for dinner . And let's be real, anything that makes eating your greens this enjoyable is a win.
Ready to get cooking? Let's move on to the ingredients. I'll make it super clear, even if you're a complete beginner. Trust me, you'll nail this Best Spinach Casserole Recipe !
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Alright, fancy whipping up a Creamy Dreamy Baked Spinach Casserole ? It's easier than you think! We're going to make some delicious healthy side dishes , and this is definitely one of the best.
Honestly, it's proper comfort food casserole recipe stuff!
Main Ingredients: The Green Goodness
Here's what you'll need. I’ve tried to keep it simple, innit?
- 1.3 kg (48 ounces) Fresh Spinach, chopped or two 300g (10.5-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach. I swear by fresh, but frozen works in a pinch, especially when you want easy spinach casserole .
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Olive Oil. Get a decent one, it makes a difference.
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, chopped (about 1 cup ).
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced. Fresh is best, always.
- Salt and Pepper. To taste, obvs!
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg. This adds a warm flavour don't skip it!
Seasoning Notes: Flavour City!
- Nutmeg, salt, and pepper are your base. Don't be shy. Season it like you're in Salt Bae's kitchen.
- A dash of cayenne pepper can add a kick if you're feeling adventurous.
- If you don’t have nutmeg, mace is a good sub.
Cheesy Goodness & Creamy Sauce
- 60g (1/4 cup) Unsalted Butter. Go for proper butter, not spread.
- 60g (1/4 cup) All-Purpose Flour. Don’t use self raising by mistake!
- 500 ml (2 cups) Whole Milk. Semi skimmed will do if you must, but whole is best for that creamy best spinach casserole recipe .
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- 225g (8 ounces) Cream Cheese, softened. Philadelphia is the way forward, you know?
- 115g (1 cup) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded. The sharper, the better!
- 50g (1/2 cup) Parmesan Cheese, grated.
- 60g (2.12 cups) Breadcrumbs.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need fancy gadgets for this cheesy spinach bake . Just the essentials:
- Large skillet or pot. Nothing too flash.
- 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Mixing bowls. Because, well, you need somewhere to mix things.
- Whisk. For that smooth sauce.
- Grater. For the cheese, duh!
That’s it! With these bits and bobs, you're all set to create some delicious healthy side dishes . This make-ahead spinach casserole is ace, so get your apron on, and let's get cracking.
I think this spinach and cheese gratin is pretty delish ! Enjoy your health side dishes for dinner and comfort food casserole recipes !
Creamy Dreamy Baked Spinach Casserole: Your New Favourite!
Honestly, who doesn't love a good casserole? They're the ultimate comfort food, right? This Baked Spinach Casserole is next level though.
It's cheesy, creamy and secretly packed with spinach. This is one of those comfort food casserole recipes that's so good, even the kids will ask for seconds! I'm telling you.
It's an easy recipe. The best spinach casserole recipe for everyone.
Prep Like a Pro
First things first, let's get organised. This is the secret for Easy Spinach Casserole . Chop your 1 medium yellow onion, mince 2 cloves garlic, and get your cheeses ready: 225g cream cheese, 115g shredded cheddar, and 50g grated Parmesan.
If you're using frozen spinach, make sure you squeeze out ALL the water. Seriously, I mean it! Excess water will make the casserole watery.
Nobody wants a watery casserole. Trust me, I've been there. Safety tip: Watch those fingers when you're grating cheese!
From Hob to Heaven: The Baking Process
- Preheat your oven to 175° C ( 350° F) . Grease that 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sauté the onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Cook until fragrant!
- Add your 1.3 kg spinach to the pan and wilt it down. Season with salt, pepper and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg.
- Make the sauce: melt 60g butter, whisk in 60g flour, then gradually add 500ml milk. Stir until thick. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheeses! The cream cheese ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
- Combine the cheesy sauce with the spinach. Make sure its combined thoroughly.
- Mix your topping: combine 60g breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter, salt and pepper.
- Pour spinach into the baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and bake for 25- 30 minutes until golden brown.
Secret Tips for a Perfect Bake
Want to take your Cheesy Spinach Bake to the next level? I'll tell you. First, don't skimp on the cheese! More cheese equals more happiness.
Pro Tip : If you're short on time, you can assemble this make-ahead Spinach Casserole the day before and bake it right before dinner.
Avoid using too much salt. Salt brings out moisture. It's one of the common mistakes to avoid . This Spinach and Cheese Gratin is also super adaptable.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses or spices. Get creative. If you like different cheeses, go with it!
This Baked Spinach Casserole is one of those delicious healthy side dishes that can easily become a main course. Serve it with a simple salad for a balanced meal, or alongside your favorite Sunday roast.
It's a fantastic way to sneak some extra greens into your diet. Trust me, you'll love it! Now, you may be able to say that you have a healthy side dishes for dinner that's spinach casserole recipe easy .
Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Baked Spinach Casserole
Right then, let's talk shop about this Baked Spinach Casserole , shall we? Honestly, it's one of those comfort food casserole recipes that's simpler than it sounds.
I've made it about a million times, and I've got a few tricks up my sleeve. It's also one of the most delicious healthy side dishes you can imagine.
Serving Suggestions: Let's Get Fancy!
Presentation wise, think rustic charm. Spoon your Creamy Spinach Casserole into a lovely dish. A sprig of parsley always adds a pop of colour.
Side wise, it pairs brilliantly with roast chicken or grilled salmon. Honestly, even a simple salad makes it a full meal.
Don't forget a glass of crisp white wine!
Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh!
If you're lucky enough to have leftovers (unlikely, I know!), fridge is your friend. Pop it in an airtight container, and it'll be good for 3-4 days .
Freezing? You can , but the texture might change a bit, especially the sauce. Reheat gently in the oven to avoid a soggy mess.
My advice? Make it ahead of time and bake it right before serving.
Variations: Mix It Up!
Feeling adventurous? Add some cooked bacon bits. Game changer. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour for the sauce and breadcrumbs.
Want a healthier version? Use low-fat cream cheese. Just bear in mind, it will affect the taste a tad. Seasonal ingredient swaps are also easy for Easy Spinach Casserole , so use what's fresh.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
OK, let's face it, it's not exactly a salad. But this Cheesy Spinach Bake does pack in some vitamins and minerals from the spinach.
Think of it as one of your health side dishes for dinner . But its also considered Spinach and Cheese Gratin because of the cheesy, comforting side dish.
Each serving has around 350-400 calories , with a decent amount of protein and fiber.
Trust me, you've got this! Once you nail this Spinach Casserole Recipe Easy , you'll be making it for every potluck. It's a winner every single time . Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Baked Spinach Casserole ahead of time? I'm a bit like Monica from Friends, always planning!
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day or two in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Then, just pop it in the oven about 30 minutes before you're ready to eat. This is a great way to streamline your cooking if you're having guests over for Sunday lunch!
I'm trying to be a bit healthier, are there any ways to lighten up this Baked Spinach Casserole recipe?
You bet! You can use low-fat cream cheese and skim milk to reduce the fat content. Also, go easy on the cheese topping or use a reduced fat version. Just remember that these swaps might slightly alter the flavour and texture, but it'll still be a delicious and guilt free indulgence.
Help! My Baked Spinach Casserole is watery. What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it next time?
The most common culprit for a watery casserole is excess moisture in the spinach. Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the spinach, especially if you're using frozen. A little tip: Use cheesecloth for optimal squeezing.
Next time, you can also try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the sauce to help thicken it.
Can I add anything else to this Baked Spinach Casserole to give it a bit of a kick?
Definitely! For a meaty twist, consider adding some cooked and crumbled bacon or diced ham. You could also stir in some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavour or some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tanginess. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a little warmth to the dish.
What's the best way to store leftover Baked Spinach Casserole, and how long will it last?
Let the casserole cool completely before storing. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave just add a splash of milk if it seems a bit dry.
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Baked Spinach Casserole? I'm not a huge fan of cheddar.
Absolutely! While cheddar adds a classic flavour, you can easily substitute it with other cheeses. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of mozzarella would work beautifully. Experiment and find your favourite combination - cheese is like music, it sets the tone!
Creamy Dreamy Baked Spinach Casserole
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-30g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |
