A twist on a classic side dish is taking potluck dinners by storm. The Creamy Spinach Casserole, a rich and savory blend of fresh spinach, cream cheese, and Parmesan, has quickly become a crowd-pleaser at gatherings across the country.
With its irresistible combination of flavors and easy preparation, it’s no wonder this casserole is being hailed as the ultimate comfort food. Home cooks and food enthusiasts alike are raving about the dish’s ability to convert even the most stubborn spinach skeptics into enthusiastic fans.
Frozen vs. Fresh: Choosing for Perfect Spinach Casserole
When making a spinach casserole, frozen spinach is often the best choice due to its affordability, convenience, and ability to make the recipe quick and easy to prepare. Bagged frozen spinach is recommended over the boxed variety, as it remains loose rather than in a solid icy block.
Whether one opts for frozen chopped spinach for a finer texture or frozen whole-leaf spinach for a leafier feel, the crucial step is to thoroughly drain the excess water before adding it to the recipe.
Fresh spinach is also an option for those who prefer it, but a significant amount is needed – 3 pounds of fresh baby spinach leaves to equal one 10-ounce box of frozen spinach. If fresh spinach is used, it should be steamed, then shocked in ice water to halt the cooking process, drained well, and roughly chopped before adding it to the casserole.
Canned spinach is not recommended for this recipe, as its texture and flavor may not yield the desired results. For the best outcome in a creamy, cheesy spinach casserole, frozen or fresh spinach are the ideal choices.
Side Dish Pairings for Your Creamy Spinach Casserole
- Bread and Rolls: Easy dinner rolls are a must-have to soak up all that delicious creamy sauce.
- Salads: A classic steakhouse-style salad or Caesar salad pairs perfectly with the rich spinach bake.
- Soups: Lobster bisque, crab bisque, or even apple soup can be wonderful starters before the main course.
- Sauces and Relishes: For the holidays, an orange cranberry relish is a fantastic choice to balance out the flavors.
- Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, roasted mushrooms, and onions, maple-glazed Brussels sprouts, grilled asparagus, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, or a medley of seasonal roasted vegetables all make excellent vegetable sides.
- Potatoes: You can’t go wrong with a classic baked potato, au gratin potatoes, French fries, scalloped potatoes, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a twist, try mashed sweet potatoes or mashed butternut squash.
- Pastas: Cheesy options like a healthy mac and cheese, lobster mac and cheese, or a sausage cream pasta dish complement the creamed spinach nicely.
- Casseroles: Green bean casserole is another comforting casserole that pairs well, especially for holiday dinners. Stuffing, like croissant sausage stuffing or chestnut stuffing, is also a great choice when serving creamed spinach casserole for festive occasions.
A Versatile Side Dish for Any Occasion
One reason for the casserole’s growing popularity is its versatility. It pairs perfectly with a wide range of main courses, from roasted meats to vegetarian entrees, making it a go-to choice for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting side dish to serve alongside a holiday ham or a savory accompaniment to a weeknight chicken dinner, the Creamy Spinach Casserole fits the bill. Its adaptability has made it a staple in many home cooks’ repertoires.
Creamy Spinach Casserole
Equipment
- 1 Medium Sauce Pan
- 1 Small mixing bowl
- 1 9-inch Baking Dish
Ingredients
Creamed Spinach
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 medium shallots – peeled & finely diced about ½ cup
- 2 cloves garlic – peeled & finely diced
- 1 ¾ cups heavy cream – at room temperature
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp cayenne
- 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
- ½ cup plus 2 tbsp grated parmesan
- 3 (10 ounces) bags of frozen spinach – thawed & squeezed dry
- 1/3 cup Crème Fraiche
- kosher salt and ground black pepper
Crispy Casserole Topping
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grease a 9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, two tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt and pepper, and melted butter to create a crispy topping. Set aside.
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sauté shallots until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, nutmeg, and cayenne, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the cream, season with salt and pepper, and simmer gently for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and whisk in the Gruyère cheese until fully incorporated. Add the remaining Parmesan and whisk until smooth. Gently stir in the spinach and cook for 1 minute to heat through. Remove from heat and stir in the Crème Fraîche. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Transfer the spinach mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the crispy topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake the casserole UNCOVERED for 18-22 minutes, until bubbling around the edges and lightly golden brown on top. For an extra crispy top, broil the casserole for the last 2-4 minutes of baking.
- Before serving, garnish the top of the Creamed Spinach Casserole with a light dusting of Parmesan cheese. Serve the casserole immediately while it's still warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Read Next:
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.