Juanita'S Spinach Casserole
Juanita's Spinach Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish featuring tender spinach, bread crumbs, eggs, and onions, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the frozen chopped spinach in salted water.
- Drain the spinach and let it cool.
- Mix the cooled spinach with beaten eggs, minced onions, and seasoned bread crumbs (saving 1/3 for topping).
- Place the mixture in a large buttered baking pan.
- Spread the reserved bread crumbs over the top of the casserole.
- Pour melted butter over the bread crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60 minutes or until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of ricotta cheese to the spinach mixture. If you have fresh spinach, you can use it instead; just sauté it until wilted before mixing. Adjust the seasoning with garlic powder or nutmeg for added flavor. To save time, use store-bought breadcrumbs or try panko for extra crunch, which pairs beautifully with Okra And Fresh Corn Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This spinach casserole makes a fantastic side dish for holiday gatherings or a hearty vegetarian main course. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. It also pairs well with Jim Dandy Cookies for dessert, creating a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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, covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring they are heated thoroughly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Juanita'S Spinach Casserole contains roughly 2688 calories, with 54g protein, 513g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (119% of the Daily Value), calcium (114% of the Daily Value), and protein (107% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2520mg per serving (110% 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 3-4 pounds. Simply wash and sauté it until wilted, then proceed with the recipe. This will give a fresher taste and texture to the casserole.
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of eggs?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, consider using flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water equals one egg) or silken tofu blended until smooth. These alternatives will help bind the casserole without compromising texture.
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).