Garlic Spinach
Creamy garlic spinach casserole featuring melted cheese and seasoned bread crumbs, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the frozen chopped spinach and drain well.
- Melt oleo (butter or margarine) in a saucepan.
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the saucepan.
- Simmer the mixture; do not brown the onion and garlic.
- Stir in the cooked spinach.
- Add flour and stir until combined.
- Gradually add milk and continue stirring.
- Add grated cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
- Top with seasoned bread crumbs.
- Bake in the oven until browned and bubbly.
- Best when made a day in advance.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or using half-and-half instead of milk. If you don’t have oleo, unsalted butter or margarine works well as a substitute. You can also mix in different cheeses like mozzarella or feta for a unique flavor. For extra nutrition, try adding sautéed mushrooms or fresh herbs like thyme or dill.
Serving Suggestions
This Garlic Spinach casserole is perfect as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with Cottage Cheese Cranberry Salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the cheesy goodness, or alongside a light salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, adding a splash of milk if the dish seems dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garlic Spinach contains roughly 503 calories, with 14g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value) and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 724mg per serving (31% 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 10-12 cups of fresh spinach, as it wilts down significantly. Sauté it until just wilted before adding it to the dish. Fresh spinach will give a brighter flavor and color to your casserole.
What can I use instead of cheese?
If you're looking for a cheese substitute, consider using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also use a plant-based cheese alternative if you want to keep it vegan. Just ensure it melts well to achieve a creamy consistency.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this Garlic Spinach recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Make sure that the cheese you use is also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy this delicious dish without the gluten.
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).