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Cheesy Spinach Casserole

Cheesy Spinach Casserole
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Cheesy Spinach Casserole is a comforting and nutritious dish combining fresh spinach with creamy cheeses and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Easy to prepare and versatile, it serves well as a vegetarian main or side, delivering warm, savory flavors perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • Fresh spinach – 1 lb (about 450g), rinsed and drained
  • Cream cheese – 8 oz (225g), softened
  • Shredded sharp cheddar cheese – 1 ½ cups (about 150g)
  • Sour cream – ½ cup (120ml)
  • Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
  • Onion – 1 small, finely chopped

Topping

  • Bread crumbs or panko – ½ cup (about 50g)
  • Butter – 2 tablespoons, divided (1 tbsp for sautéing, 1 tbsp for topping)

Seasonings

  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spinach: Rinse the fresh spinach thoroughly. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Drain and squeeze out excess moisture thoroughly to prevent a soggy casserole.
  2. Mix the Creamy Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Once the spinach mixture has cooled slightly, stir it into the cheesy mixture until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish. Transfer the spinach and cheese mixture evenly into the dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Dot the surface with small pieces of the remaining butter to help brown and crisp the topping.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Notes

  • Drain Spinach Well: Excess water can make the casserole soggy, so squeeze out as much as possible after cooking spinach.
  • Use Sharp Cheddar: A sharper cheese adds more character and depth to the flavor profile.
  • Toast Breadcrumbs Ahead: Pre-toasting breadcrumbs in butter enhances crunch and adds a nutty aroma.
  • Mind the Salt: Since cheeses can be salty, taste the mixture before adding extra salt.
  • Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting to keep slices intact.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy spinach casserole, vegetarian casserole, comfort food, baked spinach dish, cheesy side dish

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/cheesy-spinach-casserole/