Spinach Imperial
A creamy, cheesy spinach casserole with pimentos and green onion dip, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the frozen chopped spinach according to the package directions.
- Drain the cooked spinach thoroughly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach with margarine, cream of mushroom soup, seasoned bread crumbs, chopped pimentos, green onion dip mix, and grated Cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the mixture into a buttered casserole dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the mixture. If you don't have seasoned bread crumbs, you can use plain bread crumbs mixed with Italian herbs. To save time, use fresh spinach instead of frozen; just sauté it until wilted. This dish can be enhanced with a sprinkle of nutmeg for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Spinach Imperial as a delightful side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or crusty bread. For a vegetarian option, consider serving it alongside other dishes like Classy Carrot Casserole or a hearty grain salad for a complete spread.
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 warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for 2-3 minutes on high, stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Imperial contains roughly 304 calories, with 9g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value), iron (17% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g 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! Just sauté about 10-12 ounces of fresh spinach until wilted, then drain and chop it before mixing with the other ingredients. Fresh spinach will give a vibrant flavor and texture to the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the spinach mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, simply transfer it to a buttered casserole dish and bake as directed. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a different flavor or are avoiding canned soups, you can make a homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, and vegetable broth or milk. Whisk them together until thickened, and season to taste. This will provide a similar creamy texture without the canned ingredient.
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).