Little Mushroom Spinach Imperial
A creamy, cheesy spinach and mushroom casserole infused with green onions and pimentos, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the frozen chopped spinach according to package directions, then drain well.
- Combine all other ingredients: cooked spinach, butter, cream of mushroom soup, seasoned bread crumbs, chopped pimentos, green onion dip mix, and grated Cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a buttered casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, or until bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding minced garlic or sautéed onions to the mixture. If you don't have pimentos, roasted red peppers work well as a substitute. You can also swap the Cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different taste. Make sure to squeeze out as much water from the spinach as possible to avoid a watery dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Little Mushroom Spinach Imperial as a hearty side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Mama's Cobbler for dessert. For a complete meal, consider adding a simple green salad or crusty bread on the side to complement the creamy flavors of the casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warm. This dish can also be frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Little Mushroom Spinach Imperial contains roughly 451 calories, with 16g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (42% of the Daily Value), calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 550mg per serving (24% 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 substitute fresh spinach for frozen. You'll need about 10-12 ounces of fresh spinach, which should be cooked down until wilted. Make sure to drain any excess moisture before adding it to the mixture to maintain the casserole's texture.
Is there a gluten-free option for the bread crumbs?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as a substitute for seasoned bread crumbs. This will allow you to enjoy the dish without gluten while still achieving that crunchy topping.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but to enhance the flavors, consider adding some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers. These additions will complement the existing ingredients beautifully and add more depth to the dish.
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).