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Creamy Spinach Casserole Recipe Easy Cheesy Golden Crust Bake

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A comforting creamy spinach casserole with a cheesy golden crust, perfect for family dinners or potlucks. This easy recipe combines fresh spinach with a rich cream cheese and sour cream sauce topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour)
  • 1 cup whole milk (240 ml), warmed (use dairy-free milk for lighter option)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (120 ml)
  • 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (100 g)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (100 g)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg, freshly grated if possible
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (50 g, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter your 8×8-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking.
  2. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet in batches, stirring until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Transfer the spinach mixture to a colander and press gently to remove excess moisture.
  4. Return the skillet to medium heat and melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
  5. Gradually add warm milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Stir in softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add sour cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Fold the cooked spinach mixture gently into the creamy sauce until evenly incorporated.
  8. Pour the creamy spinach mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  9. Mix grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese in a bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole. Optionally, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
  11. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving to help it set.

Notes

Press cooked spinach well to remove excess moisture to avoid a watery casserole. Use softened cream cheese for a smooth sauce and warm the milk before adding to avoid lumps. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking. Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking. Variations include vegan substitutions, adding protein like bacon or chicken, or swapping spinach with kale or chard.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach casserole, creamy spinach, cheesy casserole, comfort food, easy casserole, family dinner, potluck dish

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/creamy-spinach-casserole-recipe-easy-cheesy-golden-crust-bake/