Spinach & Cheese Casserole
Spinach & Cheese Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender spinach with a blend of gooey cheeses, baked to a golden perfection. Quick to prepare and family-friendly, this versatile casserole works well as a main or side dish, bringing warmth and cheesy indulgence to your table with minimal fuss.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- Prepare Your Spinach: If using fresh spinach, wash thoroughly, remove tough stems, and sauté briefly until wilted to remove excess water. For frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze dry well to prevent sogginess.
- Mix the Cheese and Cream: In a large bowl, combine shredded mozzarella, cheddar, cream cheese, and milk. Stir until smooth and creamy, forming the base of the casserole.
- Add Eggs and Seasonings: Whisk in the eggs, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture. This binds the ingredients and adds depth of flavor.
- Combine Spinach with Cheese Mixture: Gently fold the prepared spinach into the creamy cheese base until evenly distributed.
- Transfer and Top: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish, smooth the top, and sprinkle breadcrumbs or panko if using, to create a crispy crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes until bubbling around the edges and golden brown on top. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Drain Well: Ensure spinach is squeezed dry to avoid watery casserole.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded types.
- Let it Rest: Cool casserole for 10-15 minutes after baking for easier slicing.
- Season Generously: Taste mixture before baking and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Customize Wisely: Experiment with cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan for unique flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: spinach casserole, cheese casserole, creamy spinach bake, vegetarian casserole, easy family dinner, baked spinach dish