Cheesy Spinach Dream Boat Casserole

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a spinach and cheese casserole that’s proper lush? Have you ever craved something creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting? This recipe is your answer.

It's a cheese and spinach bake and packs a savoury punch.

Brief Overview

This spinach casserole is inspired by classic American comfort food casserole recipes , but with a slight chefy twist. Originating from a desire for easy yet satisfying vegetable side dish, it's a doddle to make and takes about 55 minutes from start to finish.

This recipe yields 6-8 servings, perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering.

Main Benefits

Packed with vitamins and minerals, this creamy spinach casserole recipe sneaks in some greens without sacrificing flavor. It's the perfect vegetarian casserole recipe for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Honestly, what makes this recipe special is the combination of the rich cheese sauce with the earthy spinach.

Right then, let's crack on with this "Cheesy Spinach Dream Boat Casserole," shall we? It's a posh spinach bake , perfect for a Sunday lunch or a cheeky mid-week dinner.

You know, my nan used to make a similar version, but it was always a bit watery. This recipe avoids that completely!

The Star Ingredients for Your Cheesy Spinach Dream Boat

So, before we get our aprons on, let's gather the troops. For the spinach casserole , you'll need:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (30ml)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30g)
• 2 cups whole milk (475ml)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 300g (10.5 oz) frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (ensure as much water is removed as possible)

For the cheese sauce:

• 1 cup grated mature cheddar cheese (115g)
• 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese (57g)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (28g)

And finally, for the casserole:

• 1 cup sour cream (240ml)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (120ml)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (30g)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (30ml)

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Cheesy Spinach Dream Boat Casserole

Right, let’s talk about what you'll need for this wicked spinach and cheese casserole . It's easier than you think, promise! It all starts with getting your bits and bobs in order.

Main Ingredients: The Spinach Squad

Okay, for the star of the show, the spinach part, you'll need:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (30ml) . Don't go cheap here, proper butter makes a difference.
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped. About 1 cup , give or take.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. Go on, be generous!
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30g) . Plain ol' flour will do.
• 2 cups whole milk (475ml) . Full fat is best for that creamy texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Adds a little something special.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt. Season to taste, obvs.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Freshly ground, if you're feeling fancy.
• 300g (10.5 oz) frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed DRY . Honestly, you need to squeeze the life out of it, or you’ll get a watery mess. Been there, done that! Think of it as giving it a good old wringing.

For the spinach casserole recipes , quality spinach is key. Look for frozen spinach that's a vibrant green, not all icy and sad-looking.

Squeeze out all the water after thawing. Seriously! Nobody wants a watery casserole. This spinach side dish is better with the extra effort.

Cheese Sauce & Seasoning Sensations

Now for the cheese heaven! And the little extras that make all the difference.

• 1 cup grated mature cheddar cheese (115g) . Something strong, like a good West Country cheddar.
• 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese (57g) . Adds a nutty sophistication.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (28g) . For that cheesy zing!
• 1 cup sour cream (240ml) . Full fat is your friend here.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (120ml) . Don't skimp on the fat!

For topping:

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (30g) . Adds the perfect crunch.
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (30ml) .

Nutmeg is essential. It is the secret ingredient for a proper creamy spinach casserole recipe . Don't skip it! You could try a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of kick.

Equipment: Keep It Simple

You don't need anything too fancy for this easy spinach and cheese casserole .

• A big skillet or pan.
• A whisk.
• A 9x13 inch baking dish. Or something similar.
• Mixing bowls.
• A cheese grater.

If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do in a pinch. And if you don’t have a grater then a sharp knife will work to chop up the cheese.

This vegetable casserole recipe is all about what you have to hand! What is more, this spinach bake does not need much, does it?

This comfort food casserole recipes is really easy! Now, let's get cooking this baked spinach side dish !

Right then, let's crack on with this spinach and cheese casserole , shall we? Think of it as a posh cheese and spinach bake , perfect for a Sunday lunch or a cheeky mid-week dinner.

This delicious recipe is inspired by classic American comfort food casserole recipes but with a slight chefy twist.

Cheesy Spinach Dream Boat Casserole

This creamy spinach casserole recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It's inspired by those classic American vegetable casserole recipes . This dish is packed with flavour and easy to prepare.

Consider it Popeye's favourite food gone gourmet! If you are after some new Spinach Casserole Recipes , this is it!

Prep Like a Pro

• Essential mise en place: Finely chop 1 medium yellow onion, mince 2 cloves garlic, and grate 1 cup mature cheddar, 1/2 cup Gruyere and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Thaw and squeeze 300g frozen spinach really dry.
• Time saving organization tips: Measure out all your spices before you start. Honestly, it's a game changer!
• Safety reminders: Don't burn the garlic! Low and slow is the name of the game.

step-by-step: From Ingredients to Delicious

1. Sauté onion in 2 tablespoons butter until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Stir in 1/4 cup flour and cook for 1 minute . Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk until smooth.
3. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat. Cook until thickened, stirring constantly. Season with 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir in spinach.
4. Stir in the cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. This is where the magic happens!
5. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup sour cream and 1/2 cup mayonnaise until combined.
6. Combine 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons melted butter in a small bowl.
7. Pour spinach mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with panko topping.
8. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 30- 35 minutes , or until golden brown and bubbly. Let stand for 5- 10 minutes before serving.

Chef's Secrets: Get the Best Casserole

• Pro Tip: Squeeze that spinach like your life depends on it! Soggy spinach bake is no fun for anyone.
• Mistake Alert: Don't overbake it. A dry casserole is a sad casserole.
• make-ahead Magic: Assemble the vegetarian casserole recipe a day ahead and bake it when you're ready. The flavours meld beautifully overnight. This easy spinach and cheese casserole is a winner. If you don't have spinach you can replace it with kale, but add to the casserole earlier so it becomes tender. If you need Spinach Side Dish ideas or even Spinach Casserole this Baked spinach side dish is a perfect choice.

Right, that's your Spinach and Cheese Casserole sorted! It's a proper comfort food casserole recipes treat. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for the Best Spinach and Cheese Casserole

Right, so you're about to make this unreal spinach and cheese casserole . Before you start, let's go over a few bits to make sure it turns out perfect.

This isn't just any spinach casserole recipe you’ve found online. It’s the recipe! Honestly, you'll be showing off to your friends in no time.

Serving Suggestions: Get Your Plating Sorted

Okay, presentation matters. Dollop a generous spoonful onto a plate. Garnish with a sprig of parsley. For a bit of poshness, try a balsamic glaze drizzle.

Side wise, this creamy spinach bake goes amazingly with roast chicken. Or perhaps a nice pork loin. A crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc doesn’t hurt either.

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh

If you've got leftovers. And let's face it, you might. Pop them in an airtight container. Into the fridge they go.

They’ll be good for about 3 days. Wanna freeze it? Absolutely! Just let it cool completely first. Reheating? Oven is best.

At 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. Microwave works in a pinch, just watch it doesn’t get rubbery.

Variations: Tweak It Your Way

Fancy a change? Add some crispy bacon bits to the spinach side dish . Or, some fried mushrooms. For a low-carb version, try almond flour instead of all-purpose.

Use low-carb breadcrumbs. Making this simple vegetarian casserole recipe gluten-free is a doddle with easy substitutions! If you want more vegetable casserole recipes , just roast peppers or broccoli along with the spinach

Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body

This spinach and cheese casserole packs a good punch of vitamins and minerals. Especially from the spinach. The cheeses add calcium and protein.

It’s comfort food with a healthy twist. Each serving has around 350-450 calories. Protein is about 15-20g, fat 25-35g, and carbs 10-15g.

Remember, these are rough guesses.

Seriously though, get stuck in! This easy spinach and cheese casserole is proper lush. Whether you need comfort food casserole recipes or a tasty baked spinach side dish , you’ve got the winning recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the spinach and cheese casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with cling film (or a reusable alternative!), and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through properly.

Just think of it as giving the flavours time to have a right old natter and get to know each other!

How do I stop my spinach and cheese casserole from being watery?

The key is getting all that excess moisture out of the spinach, darling! Thaw your frozen spinach completely, then squeeze it like you're trying to win a weightlifting competition. Use a clean tea towel or your bare hands to wring out every last drop before adding it to the casserole mix.

It's like giving it a good, firm handshake to show who's boss!

What's the best way to store leftover spinach and cheese casserole?

Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It'll happily keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

If you’re reheating in the oven, add a splash of milk or cream to keep it from drying out, like giving it a little spa treatment!

Can I freeze my leftover spinach and cheese casserole?

Good news, you can indeed freeze your spinach and cheese casserole! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in cling film or foil before placing it in a freezer safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

It might lose a little bit of its original texture, but it'll still taste delicious a bit like a comforting hug on a cold day!

I'm trying to be healthier. Are there any ways to make this spinach and cheese casserole lighter?

Of course, there are a few cheeky tweaks you can make! Try using low-fat sour cream and mayonnaise, and reducing the amount of cheese. You can also bulk up the spinach content for extra goodness, or swap out half of the cheese for pureed cauliflower to keep the creamy texture with a smaller calorie count.

Every little helps, as they say!

What other cheeses work well in this spinach and cheese casserole besides cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan?

Get creative with your cheeses, why not! A good mozzarella will give you that lovely stringy texture, or you could try some creamy fontina or provolone for a slightly milder flavour. If you want a bit of a kick, a sprinkle of Pepper Jack cheese would add a lovely bit of zing! Just make sure they melt well.

It's all about finding your perfect cheese symphony!