Delicious Baked Spinach-Cheese Casserole Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Recipe Category: Vegetable
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Yield: 1 casserole
Description:
This Delicious Baked Spinach-Cheese Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or as a side to complement any meal. Featuring a rich blend of spinach, mushrooms, garlic, and two kinds of cheese, this casserole is elevated with a touch of nutmeg and cayenne pepper. You can even increase the cheese amounts to suit your taste preferences. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some vegetables while indulging in a comforting, cheesy casserole.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1 medium, finely chopped |
| Fresh Mushrooms | 1/2 cup, sliced |
| Garlic Cloves | 3, minced |
| Frozen Spinach | 2 cups, thawed and drained |
| Parmesan Cheese | 2 tablespoons, grated |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 3/4 teaspoon |
| Nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Fresh Ground Black Pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Gruyere Cheese | 1/4 cup, grated |
| Swiss Cheese | 1/4 cup, grated |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 359.5 kcal |
| Total Fat | 29.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 18.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 91.7 mg |
| Sodium | 662.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 13.5 g |
| Fiber | 3.9 g |
| Sugars | 2.3 g |
| Protein | 13.7 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Prepare a 9-inch square baking dish by greasing it lightly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. -
Cook Vegetables:
In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is fully melted, add the finely chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic. Sauté these ingredients for about 4 minutes, or until they become soft and aromatic. Stir occasionally to ensure the vegetables don’t burn. -
Make the Creamy Base:
To the skillet, add the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, along with the salt, fresh ground black pepper, and nutmeg. Whisk the mixture continuously for about 2 minutes to allow the flour to cook and thicken slightly. Gradually pour in the cream, while whisking to ensure that no lumps form. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens, and the sauce comes to a light boil. Once it reaches this stage, remove the skillet from the heat. -
Add the Cheese:
Stir in 1/4 cup of grated Gruyere cheese (or Swiss cheese) to the creamy mixture. The heat from the sauce will help the cheese melt smoothly. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or nutmeg if desired. -
Layer the Casserole:
In your prepared 9-inch baking dish, start by spreading half of the thawed and drained frozen spinach as the first layer. Top the spinach with 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. Then, pour over half of the creamy mushroom mixture you just made. Repeat this layering process with the remaining spinach, Parmesan cheese, and mushroom sauce. -
Top with Cheese:
Finish by sprinkling the top of the casserole with the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Gruyere or Swiss cheese, ensuring it covers the top evenly. This will create a beautifully melted, golden crust as it bakes. -
Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. You may want to check it towards the end to avoid overbaking. The casserole should be hot all the way through. -
Serve:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The creamy, cheesy layers are sure to delight your taste buds. This casserole pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted meats or can be served as a main dish for a light dinner.
Tips & Variations:
- Add Spices: For extra flavor, feel free to add cayenne pepper to the cream mixture. A pinch will add just the right amount of heat without overpowering the dish.
- Cheese Varieties: If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, increase the amounts of Gruyere and Parmesan or add a dash of cheddar to the mix for a sharp twist.
- Fresh Spinach: If you don’t have frozen spinach, you can use fresh spinach. Just sauté it until wilted, then chop it up before layering it in the casserole.
- Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply cover it tightly with foil and bake when you’re ready to serve.
This Delicious Baked Spinach-Cheese Casserole is the perfect addition to any meal, offering a deliciously creamy texture and an irresistible cheesy topping. It’s an excellent way to add a dose of veggies to your table in the most comforting way possible. Enjoy the cheesy goodness with your family tonight!
