Spinach and Cheese Casserole
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome greens, this Spinach and Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that doubles as a crowd-pleasing side dish or a vegetarian main course. Featuring tender sautéed spinach enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce made with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and savory parmesan, this casserole is elevated by a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping infused with olive oil. Hints of garlic, nutmeg, and black pepper lend a flavorful depth, while a quick prep and bake time make it perfect for busy weeknights or holiday feasts. Serve this luscious spinach casserole warm for a decadent yet nutrient-rich dish that pairs perfectly with roasted meats or a crusty loaf of bread. Your family won't be able to resist its creamy layers and indulgent flavor!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 120 grams, softened cream cheese
- 1 cup, shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup, grated parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) casserole dish and set it aside.
Rinse the spinach thoroughly and pat it dry. Remove any tough stems. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the spinach until wilted, about 5 minutes. Transfer the cooked spinach to a colander and press out excess moisture. Set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce.
Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and incorporated into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated parmesan cheese, reserving a small handful of parmesan for topping. Continue mixing until the cheese is fully melted.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Add the sautéed spinach to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil and reserved parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2085 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 140.6 g | 180% | |
| Saturated Fat | 74.6 g | 373% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 369 mg | 123% | |
| Sodium | 5519 mg | 240% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 123.1 g | 45% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.8 g | 60% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.9 g | ||
| Protein | 81.8 g | 164% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.1 mcg | 21% | |
| Calcium | 2029 mg | 156% | |
| Iron | 19.9 mg | 111% | |
| Potassium | 1262 mg | 27% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
