Spinach Casserole Recipe
Spinach Casserole Recipe
Table of Contents
Spinach Casserole Recipe
This spinach casserole recipe is a creamy, cheesy, and nutritious dish perfect for any occasion. With tender spinach, creamy cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, it makes for an ideal side dish or even a standalone vegetarian main course. Easy to prepare and loaded with vitamins, this comforting casserole will become a family favorite, especially for those looking to add more greens to their diet in a delicious way.
Description:
If you’re looking for a satisfying, easy to make dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrition, this spinach casserole recipe is your answer. Spinach casserole recipe is a great way to incorporate this nutrient dense leafy green into your meal rotation while delivering a cheesy, comforting dish that the whole family will love. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a holiday meal or a quick weekday dinner, this casserole checks all the boxes for taste, simplicity, and versatility.
Spinach, known for being a superfood, is loaded with iron, calcium, and essential vitamins. In this spinach casserole recipe , the tender leaves are combined with a creamy, cheesy mixture made from cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan, offering rich and indulgent flavor. A crunchy topping of breadcrumbs and melted cheese gives the dish an added texture that perfectly complements the creamy interior.
One of the best things about this spinach casserole recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the dish by adding more vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, or onions. You can also swap out the cheeses for your favorites or make it healthier by reducing the cream or using a lower fat cheese option. This dish is also perfect for meal prep—it holds up well in the fridge and can be reheated without losing its flavor or texture.
With only a handful of ingredients, minimal prep, and a quick bake in the oven, this spinach casserole recipe is an excellent addition to your repertoire, whether you’re trying to sneak more vegetables into your family’s diet or you’re a seasoned spinach lover. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy comfort food that’s nutritious and delicious in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh spinach (or 20 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the dish)
- Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with olive oil or non stick spray and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Spinach
- If using fresh spinach, steam or sauté the spinach in a large skillet over medium heat until wilted (about 3-5 minutes). Once cooked, transfer the spinach to a strainer, allow it to cool slightly, and squeeze out any excess water using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- If using frozen spinach, thaw the spinach completely, then squeeze out any excess moisture.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the prepared spinach, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the spinach mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the spinach mixture.
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a little olive oil (about 1 tablespoon) to moisten them. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Bake the spinach casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling around the edges.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Notes:
- Fresh vs. Frozen Spinach: Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach for convenience. If using frozen, ensure all excess water is removed to avoid a watery casserole.
- Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole like sautéed mushrooms, onions, or artichokes for added texture and flavor.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Simply add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Spinach Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh spinach or 20 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs Panko or regular
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil for greasing the dish
- Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with olive oil or non stick spray and set it aside.
- If using fresh spinach, steam or sauté the spinach in a large skillet over medium heat until wilted (about 3-5 minutes). Once cooked, transfer the spinach to a strainer, allow it to cool slightly, and squeeze out any excess water using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- If using frozen spinach, thaw the spinach completely, then squeeze out any excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the prepared spinach, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
- Spread the spinach mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the spinach mixture.
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a little olive oil (about 1 tablespoon) to moisten them. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake the spinach casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling around the edges.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Notes
- Fresh vs. Frozen Spinach: Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach for convenience. If using frozen, ensure all excess water is removed to avoid a watery casserole.
- Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole like sautéed mushrooms, onions, or artichokes for added texture and flavor.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Simply add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
