Spinach Elegante
A creamy spinach dish topped with crispy bacon, mushrooms, and melted cheese, perfect as a side or comfort food for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the frozen chopped spinach according to package directions and drain well.
- Spread the cooked spinach on the bottom of a 10 x 6 x 1/2-inch baking dish.
- Arrange crumbled bacon and drained mushroom pieces over the spinach.
- Sprinkle with a dash of pepper and crushed marjoram.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and spread sour cream evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle shredded American cheese over the sour cream.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey bacon instead of traditional bacon. You can also substitute fresh spinach for frozen—just sauté until wilted. If you want more flavor, add minced garlic or onion to the spinach before layering. For a twist, try adding a layer of artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra dimension. This dish is perfect alongside a fresh Spinach Salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Spinach Elegante as a hearty side dish with grilled chicken or pork recipes for a comforting meal. It also pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread. For a festive touch, consider serving it at brunch alongside Cheese And Ham Strata, making it an excellent addition to any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick snack, but be careful not to overcook the cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Elegante contains roughly 151 calories, with 10g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (94% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (52% of the Daily Value), and calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. It also contributes 8g 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 replace frozen chopped spinach with fresh spinach. You'll need about 12-16 ounces of fresh spinach. Simply sauté it until wilted, then drain any excess moisture before layering it in the dish.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
To make Spinach Elegante vegetarian, you can omit the bacon and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor. Additionally, make sure to use a vegetarian-friendly cheese for the topping.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, remove from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
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).