Description
Creamy Spinach Casserole delivers comfort and elegance in one irresistible dish. Layers of tender spinach, rich cheese, and golden breadcrumbs create a classic side that welcomes you to savor each delightful, hearty bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Cream Components:
- ½ cup sour cream
Seasonings and Toppings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick of heat)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Warm the kitchen oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously coat a ceramic baking vessel with cooking lubricant to prevent sticking.
- Activate a large cast-iron skillet over moderate flame, drizzling olive oil to create a fragrant foundation. Tumble diced onions and crushed garlic into the pan, gently caramelizing until translucent and aromatic.
- Introduce thawed spinach into the skillet, thoroughly incorporating with the softened aromatics and allowing excess moisture to evaporate completely.
- Within a spacious mixing vessel, whip together cream cheese, tangy sour cream, aged Parmesan, melty mozzarella, seasoning salts, cracked pepper, and fiery red pepper flakes until achieving a uniform, silky consistency.
- Fold the herb-infused spinach mixture into the creamy cheese blend, ensuring each verdant leaf is luxuriously coated.
- Transfer the velvety concoction into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with a culinary spatula. Optionally dust the top with golden breadcrumbs for textural contrast.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 25-30 minutes until the edges bubble enthusiastically and the surface develops a burnished, amber complexion.
- Extract from oven and permit brief resting moments. Crown with delicate parsley fronds, offering a vibrant herbaceous finale before serving.
Notes
- Freezing this creamy spinach delight saves time for future busy weeknight dinners, storing perfectly in airtight containers for up to three months.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like goat cheese or sharp cheddar to customize the casserole’s flavor profile and surprise your taste buds.
- Fresh spinach can replace frozen varieties, requiring thorough washing and chopping before sautéing to achieve the same delicious texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg