Baked Spinach Casserole
A creamy, savory baked spinach casserole combining tender spinach, crunchy bread crumbs, and cheese crackers, with a flavorful mix of celery, onion, and sour cream. Perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or holiday gatherings, offering a delightful blend of textures and mild, cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the frozen chopped spinach.
- Cook diced celery and small onion in a little margarine until tender.
- Mix the cooked celery and onion with the drained spinach, bread crumbs, salt, beaten eggs, and sour cream.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with cheese cracker crumbs.
- Bake at 275°F (135°C) until it smells good and is heated through, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or ricotta to the mixture. If you don't have cheese cracker crumbs, crushed regular crackers or even panko can work as a substitute. To enhance the flavor, add some garlic or nutmeg. If using fresh spinach, you'll need about 6 cups, cooked down to match the volume of frozen spinach.
Serving Suggestions
This baked spinach casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. You can serve it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. For a heartier option, complement it with quinoa or rice. This dish is also great for potlucks or gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be careful not to overheat to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Spinach Casserole contains roughly 333 calories, with 9g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1586mg per serving (69% 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! You'll need about 6 cups of fresh spinach, which should be cooked down to yield the equivalent of the 2 packages of frozen spinach. Be sure to drain it well to remove excess moisture before mixing with the other ingredients.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to bake it for a bit longer if it's coming straight from the fridge. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I add to make it more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding sautéed garlic, a pinch of nutmeg, or even some grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can also elevate the dish. Experimenting with different seasonings can tailor the casserole to your taste.
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).