Spinach Madaline
A savory spinach casserole infused with melted cheese, seasoned with spices and topped with buttery bread crumbs, perfect as a comforting side dish or vegetarian main.
Ingredients
- 2 packages frozen chopped spinach ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp butter ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp flour ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp chopped onion
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup liquid from cooked spinach ⓘ
- 6 oz jalapeno cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp celery salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- red pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 cup buttered bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the frozen chopped spinach according to package instructions and drain, reserving the liquid.
- In a pan, melt butter and add flour, stirring until completely blended but not browned.
- Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Gradually add evaporated milk and reserved spinach liquid, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Cook until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
- Add the jalapeno cheese and seasonings: black pepper, celery salt, garlic salt, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper to taste.
- Stir until the cheese is melted and well combined.
- Combine the cheese mixture with the cooked spinach and mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
- Top with buttered bread crumbs.
- Bake until heated through and the topping is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of evaporated milk. If jalapeno cheese is unavailable, a mix of cheddar and diced jalapenos can work well. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile. To save time, you can use fresh spinach; just adjust the cooking time. Be cautious with salt, as some cheeses can be quite salty.
Serving Suggestions
This Spinach Madaline pairs beautifully with a fresh A Luscious Salad to balance the richness. It can be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian spread. For a comforting meal, consider adding a bowl of creamy soup. Leftovers make a great filling for wraps or served with toast for a light lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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 20 minutes or until heated through. You can cover it with foil to prevent the bread crumbs from burning. It can also be microwaved for a quicker option, though the texture may vary.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Madaline contains roughly 131 calories, with 4g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. 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! You'll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach to replace the frozen. Cook it down until wilted, then drain and chop it before mixing it into the cheese mixture. This will give your dish a vibrant color and fresh flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat in your Spinach Madaline, you can add more jalapeno cheese or include chopped fresh jalapenos. Additionally, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for an extra kick. Adjust according to your spice tolerance!
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the spinach mixture and place it in the casserole dish a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, add the buttered bread crumbs on top and bake as directed. This makes it a convenient option for gatherings or busy weeknights.
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).