Spinach And Jalapeno Cheese Casserole
A creamy, spicy spinach casserole with melted Jalapeno cheese, perfect for cheese lovers and those who enjoy flavorful, comforting vegetarian dishes with a hint of heat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the frozen chopped spinach, then drain well and reserve the spinach liquor.
- Melt butter in a saucepan, add flour and chopped onion, cooking until onions are translucent.
- Gradually stir in milk and reserved spinach liquor, then add black pepper, celery salt, garlic salt, and Jalapeno cheese.
- Stir the mixture until smooth and the cheese is melted, forming a sauce.
- Spread the cooked spinach in the bottom of a buttered casserole dish.
- Pour the sauce over the spinach, then top with buttered cracker crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of cream or substituting half of the milk with sour cream. If Jalapeno cheese is unavailable, a combination of pepper jack and cream cheese works well. To enhance flavor, sauté the onions in a bit of garlic before adding them to the sauce. This dish is perfect for gatherings and pairs wonderfully with American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole hot as a main or side dish. It pairs nicely with a fresh salad or crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish. This dish also complements vegetarian recipes, making it a versatile addition to any table.
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 until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will keep the casserole's texture better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach And Jalapeno Cheese Casserole contains roughly 528 calories, with 5g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. It also contributes 6g 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?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! You'll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach to equal 2 packages of frozen. Sauté the fresh spinach in a bit of butter until wilted before draining and using it in the recipe.
What can I substitute for Jalapeno cheese?
If Jalapeno cheese isn't available, a mix of pepper jack cheese and cream cheese can be a good substitute. This will give you a similar creamy texture with a nice kick of spice. You can also adjust the spice level by adding diced jalapeños.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
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).