Marion'S Spinach Casserole
A creamy spinach casserole layered with cheese, bread crumbs, eggs, and crispy bacon, perfect for family dinners or special gatherings with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Thaw the frozen spinach and make the cream sauce by melting butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Blend in flour, cayenne pepper (if using), and cook for 3 to 4 minutes while stirring.
- Slowly stir in milk, increase heat to medium, and cook until the sauce thickens and is smooth, using a wire whisk.
- Drain the thawed spinach well.
- In a buttered 2-quart casserole dish, layer half of the bread crumbs, spinach, chopped hard-cooked eggs, grated Cheddar cheese, and sauce.
- Repeat the layering with the remaining ingredients.
- Cut bacon into small pieces and sprinkle on top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or mushrooms to the layers. If you don't have fresh bread crumbs, you can use store-bought or pulse dried bread in a food processor for a similar texture. For a twist, substitute the Cheddar cheese with Gruyère or Monterey Jack. This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Marion's Spinach Casserole is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish. This casserole is also a great option for brunch, and can be complemented with fresh fruit or pastries, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, covered, for 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marion'S Spinach Casserole contains roughly 1104 calories, with 23g protein, 139g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (62% of the Daily Value), iron (61% of the Daily Value), and protein (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 879mg per serving (38% 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 1 pound of fresh spinach, which should be cooked and drained before layering. Sauté the fresh spinach in a bit of butter until wilted, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian bacon substitute. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
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).