Let me tell you, there’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy *creamed spinach casserole*. This dish has been a staple in my kitchen for years, and it never fails to impress! I remember the first time I made it for a family dinner; everyone kept asking for seconds! It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, making it the perfect side dish for anything from roasted chicken to grilled steak. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up, which is a total win in my book. Trust me, once you try this casserole, it’s bound to become one of your favorites too!
Ingredients for Creamed Spinach Casserole
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream, for that luscious texture
- 1 cup shredded cheese, I love using a blend of cheddar and mozzarella
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, for that perfect crunchy topping
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, because who doesn’t love a little extra cheese?
- 2 cloves garlic, minced, to give it that aromatic kick
- 1/2 onion, diced, for sweetness and depth of flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste, don’t forget to season!
How to Prepare Creamed Spinach Casserole
Now comes the fun part! Making this *creamed spinach casserole* is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll love how easy it is to whip up. Let’s get started on creating this creamy, cheesy delight!
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add a little drizzle of olive oil or a pat of butter—whatever you have on hand works great! Toss in your diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté them for about 3–4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant.
Next, add those gorgeous, vibrant spinach leaves to the skillet. Cook them for about 2–3 minutes until they’re wilted down. This is where the magic starts to happen! Now, pour in the heavy cream and stir in your shredded cheese until everything is melted and beautifully combined. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper; it really brings out the flavors!
Once everything is mixed and creamy, transfer this luscious mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese on top for that irresistible crunch. Now, pop it in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and bubbly, just calling your name!
Prepping the Ingredients
Before you dive in, take a moment to wash your fresh spinach thoroughly—nobody wants gritty casserole, right? After that, chop it into bite-sized pieces. For the onion, just give it a good dice. Oh, and make sure your garlic is minced finely to ensure its flavor spreads evenly in the dish. With everything prepped, you’re all set for a delicious cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a heads up, the nutritional values for this *creamed spinach casserole* can vary based on the ingredients and brands you use. Typically, one serving is around 300 calories, with 25g of fat and 7g of protein. For the most accurate numbers, be sure to check your specific ingredients!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich and creamy texture that’s simply irresistible.
- Versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with meats, pasta, or even on its own.
- Only a handful of ingredients needed, so it’s budget-friendly!
- Make it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
- Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy goodness!
- Great way to sneak in some greens without anyone noticing!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *creamed spinach casserole* turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, always use fresh spinach for the best flavor—frozen might be convenient, but it just doesn’t have the same zest. When sautéing the onions and garlic, keep an eye on them; you want them soft, not browned. If you find your mixture too thick, feel free to add a splash more cream. And remember, baking times can vary—check for that gorgeous golden top! Lastly, let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking; this helps it set and makes serving easier. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations of Creamed Spinach Casserole
The beauty of this *creamed spinach casserole* lies in its versatility! You can easily mix things up to suit your taste or what you have on hand. For cheese lovers, try swapping in different cheeses like gouda or feta for a tangy twist. Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes for a hint of warmth and spice. You could even toss in some cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for added depth. If you’re looking for a lighter version, substitute half of the cream with Greek yogurt for a creamy yet tangy touch. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this delicious *creamed spinach casserole*, storing it properly is key to keeping that creamy goodness intact! Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out, and reheat for about 15–20 minutes. You can also pop individual servings in the microwave for a quick warm-up—just be sure to cover them for even heating. Enjoy every last bite!
Serving Suggestions
This *creamed spinach casserole* is such a versatile side dish that it pairs beautifully with a wide range of mains! I love serving it alongside juicy roasted chicken or a perfectly grilled steak—trust me, the creamy spinach complements the flavors wonderfully. It also shines next to baked salmon, bringing a delightful richness to the plate. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, try it with a simple herb-crusted white fish or even alongside a hearty pasta dish. It’s equally satisfying on its own as a vegetarian option, making it a perfect addition to any meal!
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Creamed spinach casserole: 7 reasons to love this dish
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and delicious spinach casserole that pairs well with any main dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Mix in heavy cream and cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
- Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for best flavor.
- Experiment with different cheeses.
- Can be made ahead and baked before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: creamed spinach casserole, spinach side dish, baked spinach
