Cheese Creamed Spinach
A creamy, cheesy spinach dish with savory onion flavor, perfect as a side for family dinners or holiday gatherings, offering comfort and vibrant taste in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook frozen spinach as directed; drain well.
- Combine onion soup mix and sour cream in a bowl.
- Add cooked spinach to the sour cream mixture and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with grated Cheddar cheese.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 25 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or sautéed garlic to the spinach mixture. If you're short on sour cream, plain Greek yogurt can make a great substitute. For a twist, try mixing in some cream cheese for extra creaminess or add a dash of hot sauce for heat. This dish is versatile and can be customized with various cheeses.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheese Creamed Spinach makes a delightful side dish, perfect alongside roasted meats or as part of a holiday spread. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Green Bean-Almondine for a balanced plate. For a complete meal, serve it with a fresh salad and crusty bread to soak up the creamy goodness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Be sure to cover with foil to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Creamed Spinach contains roughly 293 calories, with 15g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (35% of the Daily Value), protein (31% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 809mg per serving (35% 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 to 2 pounds of fresh spinach, which should be cooked down until wilted. Just make sure to drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Absolutely! You can reduce the calories by using low-fat sour cream and cheese. Additionally, incorporating more vegetables, like chopped artichokes or mushrooms, can add flavor and nutrition without compromising taste.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese creamed spinach a day ahead. Simply assemble the dish and cover it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
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).