Spinach Maria
Creamy, cheesy, and utterly indulgent, Spinach Maria is the ultimate comfort food side dish that will elevate any meal. This Southern-inspired recipe combines tender blanched spinach with a luxurious blend of cream cheese, heavy cream, sour cream, and two types of shredded cheese—sharp cheddar and Parmesan—for a velvety base that’s perfectly seasoned with cayenne, smoked paprika, and a dash of garlic. Topped with a golden, bubbly layer of cheddar, this baked spinach casserole is an irresistible crowd-pleaser, ideal for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy dinner at home. Ready in just 40 minutes, this rich and flavorful dish pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, steak, or even as a standalone vegetarian delight. Master this spinach side and watch it become a guaranteed family favorite!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 ounces fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 0.5 cups (finely chopped) yellow onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 4 ounces (softened) cream cheese
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
- 0.25 cups sour cream
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the spinach for 1-2 minutes, or until wilted. Drain the spinach in a colander, pressing out excess liquid with the back of a spoon. Set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened but not browned.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese has melted and is fully incorporated with the onions and garlic.
Gradually add the heavy cream and sour cream, stirring constantly to create a smooth mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the sharp cheddar cheese and all the Parmesan cheese. Cook until the cheese has melted and the mixture is creamy and smooth.
Season the mixture with cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Fold the drained spinach into the cheese mixture until well combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of sharp cheddar cheese over the top.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. If desired, broil for 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden brown top.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy Spinach Maria!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2328 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 197.9 g | 254% | |
| Saturated Fat | 123.4 g | 617% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 609 mg | 203% | |
| Sodium | 4232 mg | 184% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 47.8 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.7 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.1 g | ||
| Protein | 93.7 g | 187% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 2698 mg | 208% | |
| Iron | 16.1 mg | 89% | |
| Potassium | 545 mg | 12% | |
*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.
