Spinach casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and nutritious dish that’s perfect as a side or even a main course. Whether you’re looking to add more greens to your meals or want a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, this recipe is simple to make and packed with flavor. Let’s dive into how you can make a spinach casserole that’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crispy golden crust.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of common ingredients you’ll find in most spinach casserole recipes:
– Fresh or frozen spinach (about 2 bags or 20 ounces)
– Butter (around 3 tablespoons)
– Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
– Flour (3 tablespoons)
– Whole milk (1.5 cups)
– Cream cheese (2 ounces)
– Shredded cheese (Gruyère, cheddar, or a mix, about 1.5 cups)
– Parmesan cheese (about 1/3 cup, grated)
– Fried onions or breadcrumbs (for a crunchy topping)
– Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sour cream, eggs, feta cheese, lemon zest
You can customize the cheeses and toppings based on your preference, but a mix of creamy and sharp cheeses works beautifully to create a rich flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Oven and Toppings
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, mix half of your fried onions or breadcrumbs with a little olive oil or melted butter. This will be your topping to add a crispy, golden finish to the casserole.
2. Cook the Spinach
If you’re using fresh spinach, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the spinach in batches. Cook until wilted, about 5 minutes. For frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess water thoroughly to avoid a watery casserole.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for a couple of minutes to make a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, salt, and pepper, cooking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Lower the heat and stir in cream cheese until smooth. Add shredded cheeses a little at a time, stirring until melted and combined. Finish by stirring in Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
4. Combine Spinach and Sauce
Add the cooked spinach with its juices to the cheese sauce. Stir well to combine everything evenly. You can also add sour cream or beaten eggs at this stage if you want a creamier texture or a firmer casserole.
5. Assemble and Bake
Transfer the spinach and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish (about 8×8 or 9×9 inches). Sprinkle the breadcrumb and fried onion mixture evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes after baking to set. For a fresh touch, sprinkle some lemon zest on top before serving. This adds a bright flavor that balances the richness of the cheese.
Tips for the Best Spinach Casserole
– Drain spinach thoroughly: Spinach holds a lot of water, so squeezing out excess moisture is key to preventing a soggy casserole.
– Mix cheeses: Combining mild and sharp cheeses like Gruyère, cheddar, and Parmesan creates a deeper flavor.
– Add crunch: Fried onions or panko breadcrumbs on top add a delightful texture contrast.
– Customize: Try adding feta cheese, nutmeg, or even diced onions for extra flavor layers.
– Make ahead: You can prepare the casserole a day before and bake it fresh when ready to serve.
Variations to Try
– Creamed spinach casserole: Use condensed cream of mushroom soup and sour cream for a creamy, comforting version.
– Spinach and feta casserole: Incorporate cottage cheese, eggs, and feta for a lighter, tangy twist.
– Cheesy spinach bake: Add cheddar and feta with fresh onions for a hearty, cheesy casserole.
Spinach casserole is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of mains, from roasted chicken to meatloaf or grilled fish.
Making a spinach casserole is straightforward and rewarding. With just a few simple steps, you can create a creamy, cheesy dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the rich flavors and the ease of this classic comfort food!