Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my favorite *creamed spinach casserole*! It’s this rich and creamy side dish that just wraps around your taste buds like a warm hug. I mean, who doesn’t love a dish that combines fresh spinach with a cheesy sauce? When I whip this up, the aroma fills my kitchen, making it feel like a cozy home cooked meal. Plus, it’s super versatile! I love serving it alongside roasted chicken or a juicy steak, but honestly, it’s fantastic on its own too. The way the cheese gets all bubbly and golden on top—wow! Trust me, once you try this creamed spinach casserole, it might just become your go-to side for every dinner. It’s comfort food at its finest!
Ingredients for Creamed Spinach Casserole
Alright, let’s get down to the delicious details! Here’s what you’ll need to make this scrumptious creamed spinach casserole. I promise, these ingredients come together to create a truly heavenly side dish:
- 2 pounds fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
And that’s it! Simple, right? Just make sure to grab fresh spinach if you can; it really elevates the dish. You can always use frozen spinach if you’re in a pinch—just remember to thaw and drain it well! Now, let’s get ready to whip this up!
How to Prepare Creamed Spinach Casserole
Now, let’s dive into the magic of making this creamed spinach casserole! Trust me, it’s easier than you might think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a creamy, cheesy delight ready to wow your family or guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your casserole is ready to go in!
- In a large pot, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re nice and soft, which should take about 5 minutes—oh, the aroma is heavenly!
- Next, add your 2 pounds of fresh spinach to the pot. Cook it down until it wilts, which usually takes another 3-4 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess water afterward—no one wants a soggy casserole!
- In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of cream cheese, and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Now, stir that luscious cheese sauce into your spinach mixture until everything is well combined. It’s looking good, isn’t it?
- Transfer this delightful mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle the top with 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs for that lovely crunch.
- Finally, bake it in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is beautifully golden brown and bubbling. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!
And there you have it! Your creamed spinach casserole is ready to be served. Just imagine the creamy goodness on your plate! Enjoy!
Nutritional Information for Creamed Spinach Casserole
Let’s take a quick peek at the nutritional profile of this delicious creamed spinach casserole. It’s nice to know what you’re putting on your plate, right? Here’s the breakdown per serving, which is about 1 generous scoop:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Cholesterol: 50mg
This casserole is a great way to enjoy some greens while indulging in that creamy goodness! Plus, with the protein from the cheese, it packs a satisfying punch. Enjoy it as a side dish without any guilt! Yum!
Tips for Success with Creamed Spinach Casserole
Alright, let’s make sure your creamed spinach casserole turns out absolutely perfect! I’ve got some pro tips that I swear by, and they’ll help you avoid any common pitfalls along the way.
- Drain Your Spinach Well: This is super important! Whether you’re using fresh or frozen spinach, make sure to squeeze out any excess water. Trust me, soggy casserole is a no-go!
- Don’t Skip the Sauté: Sautéing the onion and garlic until they’re soft really adds depth to the flavor. It’s a step you won’t want to rush—let those aromas fill your kitchen!
- Mix It Up: When combining the cheese sauce with the spinach, make sure everything is blended well. You want that creamy goodness to coat every leaf of spinach for maximum flavor!
- Breadcrumbs for Crunch: For that perfect golden topping, don’t forget to evenly sprinkle the breadcrumbs! You can even mix in a little melted butter with them for extra crispiness.
- Keep an Eye on the Oven: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your casserole as it bakes. You’re aiming for that golden brown color on top—if it’s browning too quickly, just cover it with foil.
- Let It Rest: Once it’s out of the oven, let your casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set a bit and makes serving easier!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make a creamed spinach casserole that will impress everyone at the dinner table. Happy cooking!
Variations of Creamed Spinach Casserole
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to jazz up your creamed spinach casserole! Here are a few variations that I absolutely love:
- Cheesy Delight: Try mixing in different cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère for a unique flavor twist! The more cheese, the better, right?
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to give your casserole a little heat. It’s a delicious surprise!
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like thyme or dill can elevate the dish. Just sprinkle some in when you’re mixing everything together for that fresh taste.
- Nutty Crunch: Toss in some toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts on top of the breadcrumbs before baking for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Add in some sautéed mushrooms or chopped artichokes for an added veggie punch. It’s a great way to sneak in more nutrients!
- Make It Mediterranean: Incorporate feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair that’s simply delightful!
With these variations, you can keep your creamed spinach casserole exciting every time you make it! So, don’t be afraid to get creative and let your taste buds lead the way!
Serving Suggestions for Creamed Spinach Casserole
Now that you’ve got this delicious creamed spinach casserole ready, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! Trust me, the right pairings can really elevate your meal and make it a standout experience.
- Roast Chicken: The creamy, cheesy goodness of the casserole pairs perfectly with a succulent roast chicken. The flavors complement each other beautifully!
- Grilled Steak: If you’re in the mood for something hearty, a juicy grilled steak is an excellent choice. The richness of the steak balances the creaminess of the casserole so well.
- Pork Chops: Whether cooked in a savory sauce or simply seasoned, pork chops and creamed spinach casserole are a match made in comfort food heaven.
- Fish Fillets: For a lighter option, try serving this casserole with baked or grilled fish. The freshness of the fish lets the flavors of the casserole shine!
- Quinoa or Rice: If you want to keep it vegetarian, serve your casserole over a bed of fluffy quinoa or rice. It’s a great way to soak up all that creamy sauce!
- Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the casserole. Think mixed greens with a squeeze of lemon for brightness!
With these serving suggestions, you’re set for a delightful meal that brings comfort and flavor to the table. Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Creamed Spinach Casserole
So, you’ve made this amazing creamed spinach casserole and now you’ve got some leftovers? Lucky you! This dish stores really well, so you can enjoy it again without losing that creamy goodness. Here’s how to properly store and reheat it:
First, let your casserole cool completely before storing it. This helps prevent condensation, which can make it soggy. Once it’s cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can also freeze it! Just wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It should stay good for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key to keeping that delightful texture. If you’re reheating from the fridge, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent it from browning too much), and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. If you’re reheating from frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight first, then follow the same baking instructions.
For a quicker option, you can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just pop a serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Make sure it’s heated all the way through before digging in!
With these storage and reheating tips, your creamed spinach casserole will taste just as good the next day! Enjoy every last bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: With just 15 minutes of prep and a simple baking process, this casserole comes together effortlessly!
- Deliciously Rich: The combination of creamy cheeses and fresh spinach creates a dish that’s bursting with flavor—it’s simply irresistible!
- Comforting Texture: Each bite is creamy and satisfying, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish impresses every time!
- Vegetable Boost: It’s an easy way to sneak in some greens, so you can feel good about enjoying this indulgent side!
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe with different cheeses or spices to suit your taste preferences!
- Leftover Friendly: It reheats beautifully, so you can savor those creamy leftovers the next day!
Creamed Spinach Casserole: 7 Irresistible Comfort Tips
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Creamed spinach casserole is a rich and creamy side dish that combines fresh spinach with a cheesy sauce, baked to perfection.
Ingrédients
- 2 pounds fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Add spinach to the pot and cook until wilted. Drain excess water.
- In a bowl, mix heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Add the spinach mixture to the cheese sauce. Stir well.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add nutmeg to the cheese sauce.
- Use frozen spinach if fresh is not available; just thaw and drain it well.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Side Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 500mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 15g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 10g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 50mg
Mots-clés: creamed spinach casserole, spinach, casserole, side dish
