Baked Spinach
Baked Spinach offers a creamy, savory side dish featuring tender spinach blended with a flavorful onion soup mix and sour cream. Its warm, comforting taste pairs well with family dinners and gatherings, providing a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal. Perfect for spinach lovers and those seeking easy comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the frozen chopped spinach according to the package directions and drain well.
- In a bowl, blend the dehydrated onion soup mix, sour cream, and salt until smooth.
- Add the mixture to the drained spinach and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 20 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream, or add garlic powder and pepper to the mixture. If you prefer fresh spinach, use about 1.5 pounds, sauté it first, and ensure it’s well-drained. This dish also works well with other vegetables, so feel free to experiment with Baked Chopped Broccoli for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Spinach makes a delightful side dish, pairing perfectly with grilled chicken or fish. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread. It also complements other vegetarian recipes well, making it versatile for various dining occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Baked Spinach can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power until warmed through, or bake in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Spinach contains roughly 66 calories, with 5g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (71% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1929mg per serving (84% 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 1.5 pounds. Sauté it until wilted and ensure it's well-drained before mixing it with the other ingredients. This adds a fresh flavor to the dish.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Baked Spinach gluten-free, check that your dehydrated onion soup mix is gluten-free. Alternatively, you can make your own mix using dried onions, herbs, and spices to avoid gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking it straight from the refrigerator.
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).