Crock Pot Cheesy Spinach: A Simple, Flavorful Meatless Meal
If you’ve been on the hunt for a delicious, easy-to-make, and nutritious way to incorporate spinach into your family meals, look no further than this Crock Pot Cheesy Spinach recipe. The rich, creamy combination of cottage cheese, sharp cheddar, and spinach makes this dish a crowd-pleaser, even for those who might not usually enjoy greens. Not only is it a fantastic side dish, but it also serves beautifully as a light lunch or dinner when you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying meatless option.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 8 minutes
- Category: Spinach
- Servings: 8
- Calories: 305.8 per serving
This Crock Pot Cheesy Spinach recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a low-maintenance meal. Simply prep, set it, and let the slow cooker work its magic. The result is a rich, creamy dish that’s packed with flavor. Here’s how to make it.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Frozen chopped spinach | 2 cups |
| Cottage cheese | 2 cups |
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Sharp cheddar cheese (grated) | 6 oz |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Flour | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 305.8 kcal |
| Total Fat | 23.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 140 mg |
| Sodium | 796 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g |
| Sugars | 1.1 g |
| Protein | 17.5 g |
Instructions
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Begin by greasing the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray or a little butter to ensure the spinach doesn’t stick during cooking. |
| 2 | In a large mixing bowl, combine all of your ingredients—frozen chopped spinach, cottage cheese, butter, sharp cheddar cheese, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix everything thoroughly until the spinach and cheeses are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. |
| 3 | Once mixed, pour the entire mixture into your prepared crock pot. Spread it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking. |
| 4 | Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on the high setting for one hour to get the mixture nice and hot. |
| 5 | After the initial hour, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for another 4 to 5 hours. The dish is done when the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. |
| 6 | Once finished, serve hot and enjoy this creamy, cheesy spinach dish as a standalone meal or as a tasty side to your favorite main course. |
Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Cheesy Spinach
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Make it ahead: This recipe is great for meal prep. You can mix the ingredients in advance, refrigerate the mixture, and then cook it the next day. Just pop it into the crock pot and follow the instructions as usual.
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Vary the cheese: While sharp cheddar gives the dish a bold flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack for a different twist.
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Make it lighter: If you’re looking to lighten up this dish a bit, you can use low-fat cottage cheese or substitute the butter for a healthier fat like olive oil or avocado.
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Add-ins: If you want to make this dish more filling, feel free to add cooked chicken, sausage, or even crispy bacon to the mix. You can also add a handful of your favorite herbs or spices to adjust the flavor to your liking.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Cheesy Spinach
This recipe is not only easy and hassle-free, but it’s also a nutritious way to get your family to enjoy spinach. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and blend, creating a rich, cheesy dish that’s irresistible. Whether you serve it for a light supper, a side dish, or a meatless lunch, Crock Pot Cheesy Spinach is sure to become a favorite in your weekly meal rotation.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a warm, cheesy dish, and this Crock Pot Cheesy Spinach delivers just that—while being simple to prepare and full of flavor. It’s a perfect dish for busy days, providing a satisfying meal with minimal effort. Try it today, and enjoy the hearty goodness it brings to your table.
