Heavenly Spinach
Heavenly Spinach combines creamy sour cream, Parmesan, mushrooms, and fresh tomatoes for a flavorful side dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the frozen spinach and drain thoroughly.
- Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter until tender.
- Combine low-fat sour cream, mayonnaise, and grated Parmesan cheese in a bowl.
- Stir in the cooked spinach and sautéed mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Slice tomatoes 1/2 inch thick and arrange on top of the spinach mixture.
- Sauté bread crumbs in butter until golden brown and sprinkle over the tomatoes.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 20 minutes until bubbling and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, thoroughly drain the spinach to avoid a watery dish. You can substitute the low-fat mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. If you prefer a stronger flavor, try adding garlic or onion powder to the spinach mixture. To make it a complete meal, consider pairing it with a protein like grilled chicken or serve alongside Zesty Green Beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Heavenly Spinach as a delightful side dish at your next gathering or holiday meal. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats or as a complement to a vegetarian main course. For a complete spread, consider serving it alongside Granny Anderson'S Doughnuts for a sweet finish to the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the oven method keeps the topping crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Heavenly Spinach contains roughly 148 calories, with 5g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein.
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! If using fresh, you’ll need about 1 pound of spinach. Sauté it until wilted before draining and following the rest of the recipe. This will provide a fresher taste and vibrant color.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply replace the regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. This ensures that you maintain the crunchy topping without compromising on flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the spinach mixture and pour it into the baking dish a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the tomato slices and breadcrumb topping before cooking as directed.
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).