Calhoun’s Knoxville Tennessee Spinach Maria is a legendary dish that has delighted locals and visitors alike with its irresistible flavors. This delectable creation, akin to a cheesy spinach dip, has captured the hearts and taste buds of many, earning it a well-deserved reputation as a must-try dish. Whether served as a side dish, appetizer, or party food, Spinach Maria promises a culinary experience that is nothing short of wonderful.
With a prep time of just 30 minutes and a total cook time of 45 minutes, this recipe offers a relatively quick and easy way to recreate the magic of Calhoun’s Spinach Maria in the comfort of your own kitchen. The ingredients list includes frozen chopped spinach, milk, dry mustard, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, yellow onion, butter, flour, Velveeta cheese, cheddar cheese, and Monterey jack cheese, all of which come together to form a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.
To begin, you’ll want to thaw the spinach and then squeeze out as much excess water as possible to ensure a creamy consistency for your dish. Next, heat the milk and spices in a saucepan on medium heat until it’s just below a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer. While the milk is simmering, sautรฉ the chopped onion in butter until it’s soft and translucent, then add it to the saucepan with the milk and spices.
In a separate small saucepan, combine melted butter with flour, mixing until completely blended, then cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes. Add this mixture to the milk in the saucepan, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Now comes the cheesy goodness โ cut the Velveeta, cheddar, and Monterey jack cheeses into small cubes and add them to the saucepan, stirring until they’re fully melted and blended into the sauce. It’s important to be cautious and avoid burning the sauce while the cheese is melting.
Once the cheese sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool for 15 minutes. Then, add the drained spinach to the cheese sauce and mix until everything is thoroughly blended. Spoon the mixture into a 11x9x2 or larger casserole dish and top it with grated Monterey jack cheese for an extra cheesy finish. Bake the dish at 350ยฐF for 12-15 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly.
The result? A heavenly concoction of creamy cheese sauce infused with the earthy goodness of spinach, perfectly complemented by the subtle heat of garlic and red pepper flakes. Whether enjoyed as a side dish alongside your favorite main course or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer with crispy tortilla chips, Calhoun’s Knoxville Tennessee Spinach Maria is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
With its harmonious blend of flavors and simple preparation, this recipe allows you to bring a taste of Knoxville’s culinary scene into your own home, sharing the joy and deliciousness of Spinach Maria with family and friends. So why wait? Whip up a batch of this sensational dish today and savor the magic of Calhoun’s right in your own kitchen!
