Spinach Casserole

Name: Spinach Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 600 g spinach (fresh, washed, roughly chopped); 2 tbsp butter; 1 pcs onion (medium, finely chopped); 3 pcs garlic (cloves, minced); 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1.5 cup milk (whole milk); 1 pinch nutmeg; 1 pinch black pepper; 0.25 tsp salt; 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded); 0.25 cup breadcrumbs (plain, unseasoned); 2 tbsp parmesan cheese (grated)

RATING

4.4/5(85)

TASTE SCORE

7/10

A creamy, cheesy baked spinach dish with a golden breadcrumb topping. This comforting casserole combines tender spinach with a rich bechamel-style sauce and melty cheese, perfect as a hearty side or a light main course.

PREP

15m

COOK

25m

SERVES

1 CUP

356 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 7 STEPS

prep · ~5 min
Preheat oven and prepare spinach.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add spinach and blanch for 1 minute until wilted. Drain in a colander, rinse with cold water, and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Roughly chop the squeezed spinach.
TIPSqueeze the spinach really dry — trapped water makes the casserole watery.
saute · ~6 min
Sauté the aromatics.
1.Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2.Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent (4-5 min).
3.Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (30 sec).
mix · ~7 min
Make the cream sauce.
1.Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook the raw flour taste out.
2.Gradually whisk in milk, pouring in a thin stream while whisking to avoid lumps.
3.Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened (2-3 min), whisking often.
4.Remove from heat and stir in salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
TIPWhisk the milk in slowly — dumping it all at once creates lumps.
mix · ~2 min
Combine spinach and sauce.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained, chopped spinach with the cream sauce and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until evenly incorporated.
assemble · ~2 min
Assemble the casserole.
1.Transfer the spinach mixture into a greased 8-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
2.Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top.
3.Mix breadcrumbs with grated parmesan in a small bowl, then scatter evenly over the cheese layer.
bake · ~25 min
Bake until golden and bubbly.
Place the dish on the middle rack and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
TIPIf the top isn't as golden as you'd like, switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes — watch it closely so it doesn't burn.
serve
Serve warm.
Scoop generous portions onto plates. Serve as a side dish alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish, or enjoy as a vegetarian main with crusty bread.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Squeeze the blanched spinach in a clean kitchen towel to remove every drop of moisture — a wet casserole turns soupy.
2
Toast the breadcrumbs with a teaspoon of melted butter before sprinkling on top for extra crunch and color.
3
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking so it sets and slices cleanly instead of pooling on the plate.
4
Shred the cheddar from a block yourself — pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
5
Season the cream sauce generously with salt before adding the spinach, since the spinach will absorb some of the seasoning.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

lower fat

Lower-fat

Replace whole milk with 2% milk, reduce cheddar to 1/2 cup, and skip the parmesan breadcrumb topping for a lighter version that still has creamy flavor.

gluten free

Gluten-free

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend (with xanthan gum) and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the casserole celiac-friendly.

high protein