Alex Kalberer'S Aspen Spinach
A savory spinach and mushroom casserole layered with artichokes and topped with Parmesan, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with rich, creamy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a square oven dish with oleo (margarine or butter).
- Drain marinade from artichoke hearts and pour marinade into a frying pan.
- Cut artichoke hearts into halves or thirds and place into the dish.
- Sauté sliced mushrooms slightly in the marinade until tender.
- Add sautéed mushrooms into the dish; season with salt and pepper.
- Layer thawed and drained spinach over the mushroom and artichoke mixture.
- Mix cream cheese and milk until smooth and icing-like in consistency.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the spinach layer.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden and slightly bubbly, approximately 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat cream cheese and adjust the milk to your desired consistency. If you're short on time, fresh spinach can be used in place of frozen; just wilt it down before adding. You can also substitute the mushrooms with any other sautéed vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Aspen Spinach as a hearty side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with Aunt Zulma'S Orange Cake for dessert, making it a great addition to any gathering. For a complete vegetarian meal, consider serving it with a light salad or crusty bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave in short intervals until warm. This dish can also be enjoyed cold as a tasty dip.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Alex Kalberer'S Aspen Spinach contains roughly 261 calories, with 14g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (34% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1190mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Just sauté it until wilted before layering it in the dish. This will provide a fresh taste and texture. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as fresh spinach cooks faster than frozen.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use plant-based milk. You can also skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute to maintain the flavor while keeping it dairy-free.
What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?
You can add a variety of vegetables such as diced bell peppers, chopped kale, or even sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor. Just ensure that any added vegetables are sautéed beforehand to enhance their taste and ensure even cooking in the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).