If you’re looking for a dish that’s both rich in flavor and a total crowd-pleaser, look no further than creamed spinach casserole! This creamy delight has been a staple at family gatherings for as long as I can remember. The way the cheeses meld with the fresh spinach creates a sumptuous experience that makes my taste buds dance with joy. I can still picture my grandmother serving it up alongside roasted chicken and buttery mashed potatoes—pure comfort food heaven! Trust me, once you make this casserole, it’ll become a go-to side dish that everyone will be asking for at your next get-together.
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
How to Prepare Creamed Spinach Casserole
Alright, let’s dive into the magic of making this creamed spinach casserole! The process is straightforward, and I promise the results will make your kitchen smell absolutely divine. First, we’ll tackle the spinach.
Prepping the Spinach
Start by washing your fresh spinach thoroughly to remove any grit. Once it’s clean, chop it up a bit—this helps it cook down nicely. In a large pot, toss the spinach in and cook it over medium heat until it’s wilted. This should take just a few minutes. After that, make sure to drain any excess water; we don’t want a soggy casserole!
Mixing the Ingredients
In a separate mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan, and shredded cheddar. You want to really blend these together until the mixture is smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! Add in the milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Give it a good stir until everything’s well incorporated; this is where all that flavor comes together!
Combining and Baking
Now, it’s time to marry the spinach and the creamy mixture. Gently fold the cooked spinach into your cheese blend until it’s evenly distributed. Next, transfer everything into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Oh, the smell will be irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, this creamed spinach casserole is not just delicious, it’s also a total winner for so many reasons! You’ll find that it checks all the boxes for a side dish that satisfies everyone at the table. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for this recipe:
- Creamy Texture: The combination of cream cheese and sour cream creates a luscious, velvety base that coats each piece of spinach beautifully.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip this up in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
- Nutritional Value: Packed with fresh spinach, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens while still being indulgent.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Trust me, everyone loves it! This casserole is always a hit, making it a fantastic addition to any meal.
- Versatile: It pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes, from meats to vegetarian options, making it a flexible side.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it in advance and bake it right before serving, saving you time and stress.
Tips for Success
To really nail this creamed spinach casserole, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, if you’re short on time, frozen spinach can work in a pinch—just be sure to thaw it and squeeze out the excess moisture. For an extra crispy topping, consider sprinkling some breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking; it adds a lovely crunch! And don’t skip the nutmeg; it might seem like a small amount, but it really enhances the flavor profile. When it comes to storage, you can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently in the oven to keep that creamy texture intact. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every last bite!
Nutritional Information
As with any recipe, the nutritional values for this creamed spinach casserole can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The following values are estimates to give you a general idea:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Remember, these values are approximate, so feel free to adjust based on your ingredient choices. Enjoy your delicious, creamy casserole without worry!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely, you can use frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available! Just make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the mix. This helps keep your creamed spinach casserole from getting soggy. It’s a great time-saver too!
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your creamed spinach casserole fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay good for about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just pop it in the oven at a low temperature to reheat, so it retains that creamy goodness!
Can I make this ahead of time?
You bet! This casserole is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just cover it well to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed. It’s a great way to save time and stress on busy days!
Serving Suggestions
If you’re wondering what to pair with your delicious creamed spinach casserole, I’ve got you covered! This dish is so versatile and complements a variety of main courses beautifully. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:
- Grilled Chicken: The smoky, charred flavors of grilled chicken are a perfect match for the creamy richness of the casserole.
- Roasted Pork Tenderloin: A savory pork tenderloin adds a nice contrast to the creaminess, making for a satisfying meal.
- Steak: Whether it’s a juicy ribeye or a leaner cut, steak pairs wonderfully with the cheesy spinach, creating a hearty dinner.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside some stuffed bell peppers filled with rice and beans for a colorful plate.
- Grilled Fish: Lightly seasoned grilled fish brings a fresh note that balances out the richness of the casserole.
- Other Vegetables: Consider serving it with a side of roasted carrots or sautéed green beans for extra color and nutrition.
Trust me, no matter what you choose, your creamed spinach casserole will shine as a delightful side dish that everyone will love!
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Creamed Spinach Casserole: 5 Reasons You’ll Adore It
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamed spinach casserole is a creamy, rich dish made with fresh spinach and a blend of cheeses.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh spinach
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wash and chop the spinach.
- In a large pot, cook the spinach until wilted, then drain excess water.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, cheddar, milk, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Add the cooked spinach to the mixture and stir well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor.
- You can substitute with frozen spinach if needed.
- For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: creamed spinach casserole, spinach recipe, casserole dish
