Holiday Spinach Rice
A festive spinach rice dish featuring tender rice, green onions, almonds, melted cheddar, and pimentos, perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and cook the chopped green onions, sliced almonds, and rice until onions are tender, stirring constantly.
- Add chicken broth and pepper to the saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the frozen chopped spinach to the saucepan.
- Cover and simmer for 10 minutes more or until the liquid is absorbed, breaking up the spinach with a fork.
- Stir in shredded Cheddar cheese and chopped pimento, and heat until the cheese melts.
- Garnish with sliced almonds before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or substituting the butter with olive oil. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. If you don't have sliced almonds, walnuts or pecans can work as a substitute. To save time, you can use pre-cooked rice to reduce cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Holiday Spinach Rice as a side dish with roasted meats or alongside a salad for a light meal. It pairs beautifully with Off-The-Bone Chicken Wings for a festive gathering. For a complete meal, add a protein such as grilled chicken or baked fish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out, then microwave or heat on the stove until warmed through. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Spinach Rice contains roughly 714 calories, with 12g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 8g 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 10 ounces of fresh spinach. Add it to the saucepan after the rice has cooked for about 15 minutes, allowing it to wilt before stirring in the cheese and pimento.
What can I substitute for Cheddar cheese?
If you're looking for alternatives to Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack or Gruyère can work well, offering a different flavor profile. For a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based cheese substitute that melts well.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking. You can also serve it with a hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
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).