Mrs. Lou Holtz'S Spinach Squares
Mrs. Lou Holtz's Spinach Squares are savory, cheesy spinach bites with mushrooms and herbs, perfect as an appetizer or side dish for gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 (10 oz.) packages chopped frozen spinach ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. butter or oleo ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 4 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 1/4 cup fine bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Place the chopped frozen spinach in a strainer and rinse under hot water to thaw. Press out all excess water.
- Melt butter or oleo in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced mushrooms and chopped onion to the skillet.
- Cook until the onions are limp, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine beaten eggs, bread crumbs, cream of mushroom soup, 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, the drained spinach, oregano, basil, and black pepper. Blend well.
- Stir in the cooked onion-mushroom mixture into the egg mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9-inch square pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered in a preheated 325°F oven for 35 minutes or until set.
- Cut into squares and serve hot, or refrigerate and serve cold as hors d'oeuvres.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding some crumbled feta cheese or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture. If you're short on time, you can use fresh spinach instead of frozen; just sauté it until wilted. Adjust the herbs according to your preference, perhaps trying thyme or parsley as alternatives to oregano and basil.
Serving Suggestions
These spinach squares are versatile and can be served warm or cold, making them perfect for gatherings. Pair them with a light salad or serve as part of a spread with other appetizers like Hot Spinach Hors D'Oeuvres. They also make a delicious brunch option alongside fresh fruit and yogurt.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual squares for 1-2 minutes on high, ensuring they're heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mrs. Lou Holtz'S Spinach Squares contains roughly 436 calories, with 16g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (205% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (153% of the Daily Value), and calcium (129% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin D. It also contributes 43g 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! About 1 pound will yield the equivalent of the two packages of frozen spinach. Just wash, chop, and sauté until wilted before adding to your mixture. This will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you want a healthier alternative, you could use a homemade white sauce or a cream of chicken soup instead. For a vegetarian option, consider using a homemade vegetable broth thickened with cornstarch or flour to maintain the creamy texture.
How can I make these squares gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the fine bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that your cream of mushroom soup is also gluten-free, or make a homemade version using gluten-free flour.
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).