Sierra Spinach
Sierra Spinach features a savory blend of spinach, garlic, Parmesan, and Tabasco, topped with tomatoes—perfect for a flavorful appetizer or side dish that appeals to all.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spinach until wilted, then drain well.
- Chop spinach coarsely.
- Combine chopped spinach with softened butter, bread crumbs, minced garlic, pepper, salt, beaten eggs, thyme, Tabasco sauce, and grated Parmesan cheese; blend well.
- Place the spinach mixture in a baking dish and bake for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, arrange tomato slices on a baking sheet.
- Bake the tomatoes for 10 minutes longer after the spinach has baked.
- Spoon a rounded spoonful or scoop of the spinach mixture onto each tomato slice before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or a bit of cream cheese to the spinach mixture. Fresh spinach can be substituted with additional frozen spinach if needed. If you prefer a bit of heat, you can increase the Tabasco sauce slightly. This dish also works well as a base for other toppings, so feel free to experiment with flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Sierra Spinach is a delightful appetizer or side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or fish. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad, such as Tim'S 5 Minute Salad, or as part of a vegetarian meal. It can also be served on toasted bread for a delicious bruschetta-style appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Sierra Spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sierra Spinach contains roughly 132 calories, with 5g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (116% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1548mg per serving (67% 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 all fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use all fresh spinach! Just be sure to cook and drain it thoroughly before mixing it with the other ingredients. Fresh spinach will give a vibrant flavor and texture to the dish.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the fine dry bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. This will keep the texture and flavor similar while making it suitable for gluten-free diets.
How can I enhance the flavor of the spinach mixture?
You can enhance the flavor by adding some sautéed onions or mushrooms to the mixture. A sprinkle of nutmeg also complements spinach nicely. For a little more zest, consider incorporating lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice.
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).