Southwestern Spinach
Southwestern Spinach is a delicious and creamy dish that combines the earthy flavors of spinach with the richness of cheese and a hint of spice from green chilies. Perfect as a side or a hearty vegetarian main, it's a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen, chopped spinach ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery, chopped fine
- 1 c. liquid (spinach cooking water plus enough water or milk to make 1 c.) ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 10 oz. grated sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can mild green chilies, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Cook spinach according to package directions; drain, reserving liquid.
- Add enough water or milk to the reserved liquid to make 1 cup; set aside.
- Saute onion and celery in butter or margarine until soft.
- Blend in flour and cook for at least 1 minute, stirring.
- Add liquid slowly, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Pour this mixture onto the drained spinach.
- Add remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly.
- Pour into greased baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes in the oven or place in the microwave for 8 to 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the mixture. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a good substitute. You can also mix in some cooked sausage or chicken for added protein. If you're short on time, using fresh spinach instead of frozen will work, but be sure to sauté it until wilted before adding it to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Southwestern Spinach pairs beautifully with Mexican recipes like Chili Rellenos or as a side to grilled meats. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or with tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast. For a complete meal, consider adding some rice or quinoa to the plate. It also makes a great filling for wraps or quesadillas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the microwave for a few minutes until warmed through, or reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of water or milk to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwestern Spinach contains roughly 387 calories, with 15g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value), calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 782mg per serving (34% 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 to equal the 20 oz. of frozen spinach. Sauté it until wilted before incorporating it into the dish.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! You can add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the mixture for a spicy kick. Additionally, using hot green chilies instead of mild ones can enhance the heat.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Simply assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
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).