Spectacular Spinach
A creamy, cheesy spinach dish packed with bold flavors of garlic, mustard, and red pepper, perfect as a side or dip for gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 5 10 oz. packages frozen spinach ⓘ
- 4 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter ⓘ
- 5 tablespoons melted butter ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 8 oz. Velveeta cheese ⓘ
- 8 oz. cheddar cheese
- 4 oz. Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove as much water as possible from the frozen spinach and set aside.
- Gradually heat the milk in a saucepan and add the dry mustard, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper.
- Saute the chopped onion in 1 tablespoon of butter until tender and clear.
- Add the cooked onion and milk mixture to the saucepan.
- Make a light brown roux by melting 5 tablespoons of butter and stirring in the flour over medium heat until golden.
- Stir the roux constantly to prevent burning.
- Cut the Velveeta, cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses into cubes and add to the roux.
- Stir until the cheese is melted and smooth.
- Add the milk mixture to the cheese roux and stir until well combined.
- Allow the mixture to cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Add the drained spinach and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
- Top with 1 1/2 cups of grated Monterey Jack cheese.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until bubbling and cheese is melted, about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or fresh herbs like thyme or basil. If you're out of Velveeta, try using cream cheese for a similar creamy texture. For a lighter version, substitute half of the milk with low-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative. Ensure to squeeze out excess moisture from the spinach for a better consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This Spectacular Spinach pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad, such as Cherry-Lious Salad, for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish for a hearty dinner. It also makes a great side dish for holiday gatherings, complementing a variety of main courses.
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 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help maintain the dish's creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spectacular Spinach contains roughly 745 calories, with 45g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (90% of the Daily Value), protein (89% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (32% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2253mg per serving (98% 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 1.5 pounds of fresh spinach to replace the frozen. Cook it down to remove excess moisture before adding it to the recipe. This will yield similar results, giving you a vibrant color and fresh flavor.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this Spectacular Spinach gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Be sure to check the labels on your cheese and other ingredients to ensure they're gluten-free. The dish will still be creamy and delicious!
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture up to the baking step ahead of time. Just cover the casserole dish tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, 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).