Spinach Fandango
Elevate your side dishes with the irresistible "Spinach Fandango," a creamy, cheesy spinach bake that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. This recipe combines fresh spinach and a luscious, velvety sauce made with cream cheese, Parmesan, and a hint of nutmeg for a subtle, aromatic warmth. Topped with gooey melted mozzarella and a golden layer of crispy panko breadcrumbs, Spinach Fandango offers the perfect balance of rich textures and vibrant flavors. Ideal as a hearty side dish or a standalone vegetarian delight, this baked spinach casserole is easy to prepare and sure to impress at any dinner table. Perfect for cozy nights or festive gatherings, this recipe checks all the boxes for anyone seeking comfort food with a touch of elegance.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 2 pieces garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 120 grams cream cheese
- 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
- 100 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 teaspoons nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Wash the spinach thoroughly and remove the tough stems. Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 1 minute, then drain and transfer to a bowl of ice water to cool. Squeeze out the excess water and roughly chop. Set aside.
Peel and finely dice the onion. Mince the garlic cloves.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes, until it thickens into a smooth sauce.
Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese until completely melted and combined. Add the chopped spinach, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the spinach evenly in the sauce.
Transfer the spinach mixture to a greased 9x9-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the spinach mixture, followed by the breadcrumb topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Spinach Fandango as a side dish or a standalone meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
468 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.2 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.1 g | 86% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 85 mg | 28% | |
| Sodium | 955 mg | 42% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 26.8 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.5 g | ||
| Protein | 20.6 g | 41% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 554 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 5.0 mg | 28% | |
| Potassium | 186 mg | 4% | |
*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.
