Creamy Dreamy Spinach Casserole
Recipe Introduction: Get Ready for Creamy Dreamy Spinach Casserole !
Fancy a bit of comfort food casserole that's proper easy to whip up? Honestly, who doesn't love a cheesy, warm dish that feels like a big hug? Well, get ready to meet my Creamy Dreamy Spinach Casserole !
Quick Hook: Spinach Casserole Love
Ever wonder how to make greens taste amazing ? This easy spinach casserole recipe will change your mind about spinach forever! Seriously, it's the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness.
Brief Overview: From Humble Beginnings
Spinach casserole is a classic dish, right? I think is a staple in American comfort food culture. It's perfect as one of those side dish recipes , easy to make and requires minimal effort.
Total time? Under an hour. One batch will feed about 6-8 hungry souls.
Main Benefits: Health & Happiness
Spinach is packed with vitamins! This vegetarian spinach casserole is a great way to sneak some extra goodness into your diet.
I'm talking iron, vitamins A and C...the works! It's perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving or any special occasion. What makes this classic spinach casserole so special? It's the ridiculously tasty cheesy, buttery topping, you know?
Honestly, I first tried a version of this spinach casserole with Ritz crackers when I was a kid at a church potluck.
My nan made it, and everyone raved about it! From then on, spinach casserole became a must have at every family gathering.
There are so many different ideas that you can use, I know so many variations for spinach casserole recipe .
My favorite part? It's super versatile. You can prep it ahead of time. This make-ahead spinach casserole is amazing if you are busy and you can just pop it in the oven when you're ready.
Let's get started, shall we?
Okay, let's dive into what you need to nail this creamy spinach casserole ! It's easier than you think, honestly.
I swear, even if you think you can’t cook, you can make this easy spinach casserole . We're talking comfort food casserole at its finest.
I usually make this around the holidays and everyone loves it, so let's get prepped!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted!
Right then, before we start making this incredible spinach casserole recipe , let’s gather everything together. I hate it when I'm halfway through a recipe and realize I'm missing something! It has happened to all of us.
So lets make sure this doesn't happen and let's assemble the team. This is all you need to cook the best spinach casserole !
Main Ingredients
Frozen Chopped Spinach: You'll need two 10-ounce packages (560g) . Make sure to squeeze all the water out once it's thawed.
Seriously, get that moisture out! Nobody wants a soggy vegetarian spinach casserole
Onion & Garlic: One medium yellow onion (about 1 cup/150g), finely chopped. Plus, two cloves of minced garlic. Because everything's better with garlic, right?
Butter: 2 tablespoons (28g) for the skillet and another 2 tablespoons (28g) melted for the topping. Unsalted is best.
Cream Cheese: 8 ounces (225g) , softened. This is key for a smooth, lump free creamy spinach casserole . Honestly, leave it out for an hour.
Sour Cream & Milk: 1/2 cup (120ml) of sour cream and 1/4 cup (60ml) of milk.
Seasoning: 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (trust me on this one, it makes all the difference!).
Cheese: One cup (115g) of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup (50g) of grated parmesan cheese.
Ritz Crackers: 1/2 cup (30g) of crushed Ritz crackers. This classic spinach casserole loves a buttery crumb!
Seasoning Notes
Don't skip the nutmeg! It adds a warmth that seriously elevates the spinach casserole with Ritz crackers . If you're feeling fancy, a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders too.
If you don't have Ritz crackers, any buttery cracker or even breadcrumbs mixed with a little extra melted butter will do the trick.
And if you really like garlic, add an extra clove I won't tell!
Equipment Needed
Okay, keep it simple, mate. You don't need fancy gear for this.
- A large skillet
- A 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Something to mix it all together.
Honestly, that's it! Now, get the oven preheated to 350° F ( 175° C) , grease that baking dish, and let's get cooking! This will be one of your go to side dish recipes ! And the best part? You can make-ahead spinach casserole and bake it later.
Let's Talk Cooking Method: Creamy Dreamy Spinach Casserole
Honestly, who doesn't love a good casserole? And this spinach casserole is seriously the business. This is a classic spinach casserole that I've been tweaking for years, and it's finally perfect.
Let’s dive into how to get this comfort food casserole done right, and without any drama, shall we?
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First, mise en place, darling! Essential mise en place here. Thaw your 2 (10-ounce) packages of frozen spinach and squeeze it dry.
Seriously dry. This is key to avoiding a soggy creamy spinach casserole . Chop 1 medium yellow onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic.
Get your 8 ounces cream cheese softened and measure out the other ingredients. Organization is your friend. Make sure you have your 9x13 inch baking dish ready to go.
step-by-step Process: From Skillet to Satisfaction
This easy spinach casserole is a breeze.
- Preheat that oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . This is non-negotiable . Grease your baking dish, you don’t want this baby to stick.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet. Sauté your chopped onion for about 5 minutes , then add your minced garlic for 1 minute . Smelling good, isn’t it?
- Stir in the squeezed dry spinach, 8 ounces softened cream cheese, ½ cup sour cream, ¼ cup milk, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (trust me on this one!). Mix until it's all combined and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan, ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers, and 2 tablespoons melted butter.
- Pour the spinach mixture into your prepared dish.
- Sprinkle the cheese and cracker topping evenly on top.
- Bake for 25- 30 minutes . You want it golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Casserole Game
Want to really impress? Try using brown butter for the Ritz cracker topping. It adds a nutty depth that's just chef's kiss .
A common mistake? Not squeezing enough water out of the spinach. Trust me, you don't want that watery mess. The spinach casserole recipe is also a great make-ahead spinach casserole .
You can assemble it the day before, cover it, and pop it in the oven when you're ready. It's a lifesaver during the holiday spinach casserole season! For a vegetarian spinach casserole just make sure to use vegetarian hard cheeses.
This side dish recipe is a total winner.
Recipe Notes for Your Dreamy Spinach Casserole
Right then, let's chat about making this spinach casserole recipe absolutely perfect ! I mean, who doesn't love a good comfort food casserole , especially when it's as easy as this one? Honestly, this isn't just any classic spinach casserole ; it's the one that'll have everyone asking for the recipe.
Serving It Up: Plating and Presentation
Okay, so the creamy spinach casserole is ready. How do we make it look as good as it tastes? First off, don't be shy with a garnish.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a few extra Ritz crackers on top can elevate the dish. For a cozy meal, pair it with roasted chicken or a glazed ham.
Feeling fancy? Serve it alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. A crisp glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the richness beautifully.
Storage Secrets
So you've got leftovers of this amazing holiday spinach casserole lucky you! To keep it fresh, pop it in the fridge in an airtight container.
It'll happily sit there for up to 3 days. If you're thinking long term, you can freeze it, but the texture might change slightly.
Wrap it well in cling film and then foil. When you're ready to reheat, bake it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.
Oh, and for the best flavour, let it thaw overnight in the fridge first. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead spinach casserole .
Tweaks and Twists: Variations on a Theme
Fancy a bit of a change? Let's talk variations!
- Vegetarian spinach casserole all the way? Great. But what about a dietary adaptation? For a lighter version, swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt. You know, keeps the creaminess without all the guilt.
- Want to use what's in season? If it's autumn, throw in some roasted butternut squash or some sautéed mushrooms along with the spinach for an earthier flavor. Makes it feel all kinds of festive! Did you know that adding sauteed mushrooms can boost the nutritional value and provide a rich, earthy flavour that complements the easy spinach casserole ?
Nutrition Nuggets
Alright, let's talk health benefits! Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, making this casserole a sneaky way to get your greens.
While it's not exactly a health food, the creaminess is balanced by the goodness of spinach. It contains about 280 calories per serving, 12g of protein, 20g of fat, and 12g of carbs.
Just remember to enjoy it in moderation, alongside other nutritious side dish recipes .
So there you have it! Making this spinach casserole with Ritz crackers is easier than you think. And with these notes, you're well on your way to creating a dish that's not only delicious but also uniquely yours.
Happy cooking, you amazing human!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my spinach casserole from being watery? No one likes a soggy bottom!
The key to a perfect, non-watery spinach casserole is to remove as much moisture as possible from the spinach after thawing. Squeeze it really well using your hands, a tea towel, or even a potato ricer channel your inner Hercules!
This step is crucial to prevent a soggy casserole and ensure the flavors are concentrated.
Can I make this spinach casserole ahead of time? I'm planning a dinner party, you see.
Absolutely! You can assemble the spinach casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with cling film and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
This is great for taking the pressure off on the day, leaving you time for a G&T!
What are some good substitutions for the ingredients in this spinach casserole recipe? My fridge looks like it's been ransacked by squirrels!
Don't worry, we've all been there! If you don't have Ritz crackers, use crushed saltines or even panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter. For a healthier twist, swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt. As for cheese, Monterey Jack or mozzarella are great alternatives to cheddar.
You can swap the onion for shallots for a milder flavor.
How long does spinach casserole last in the fridge, and is it suitable for freezing?
Leftover spinach casserole will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Is there a way to make this spinach casserole healthier? I'm trying to be good, honest!
Of course! To make a healthier spinach casserole, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream to reduce fat and increase protein. Reduce the amount of cheese used or opt for a lower fat variety. You can also use whole wheat crackers for the topping to add some extra fiber.
Consider adding some extra vegetables, like sautéed mushrooms, to boost the nutritional value.
I'm thinking of adding mushrooms, is there such a thing as mushroom spinach casserole?
Absolutely! A mushroom spinach casserole is a very common and tasty variation. Simply sauté sliced mushrooms with the onion at the beginning of the recipe to release their flavor. Consider also adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an umami kick.
You can really play around with herbs too; thyme and rosemary are excellent pairings with mushrooms and spinach.
Creamy Dreamy Spinach Casserole
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 280 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 12g |
