Cheezy Spinach
Cheezy Spinach combines tender spinach with mushrooms and a creamy cheese-yogurt topping, offering a comforting vegetarian side perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook frozen chopped spinach according to package instructions; drain well.
- Spread the cooked spinach in the bottom of a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Place drained sliced mushrooms over the spinach and sprinkle with black pepper and crushed marjoram.
- Bake at 325°F for 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and spread plain yogurt over the top.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the yogurt and microwave until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or sour cream to the yogurt before spreading it over the top. If you don't have farmer cheese, mozzarella or ricotta can be good substitutes. You can add minced garlic or onion for extra flavor. To enhance the dish, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle heat that complements the cheese beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheezy Spinach makes a delightful side dish for grilled meats or can be served as a main course alongside a fresh salad. It pairs beautifully with Pecan Pie(Use With Cream Cheese Crust) for a well-rounded meal. For a vegetarian-friendly option, serve it with crusty bread or alongside a hearty grain like quinoa or brown rice.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cheezy Spinach can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheezy Spinach contains roughly 497 calories, with 23g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (245% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 69g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 pound of fresh spinach to replace the frozen variety. Sauté it in a pan with a bit of olive oil until wilted, then drain excess moisture before layering it in the casserole dish.
What can I use instead of yogurt?
If you prefer not to use yogurt, sour cream or a creamy cheese spread can serve as a great alternative. You can also try using a dairy-free yogurt if you're following a plant-based diet, ensuring it complements the flavors of the dish.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of adding the yogurt and cheese, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed, then microwave the cheese until melted for a fresh 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).