Spinach Madeleina
A savory spinach and artichoke casserole featuring melted cheese, seasoned breadcrumbs, and a creamy spinach mixture, perfect for entertaining or comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen chopped spinach ⓘ
- 1 (8 1/2 oz.) can artichokes ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup spinach liquid ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. celery salt
- 3/4 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 6 oz. jalapeno cheese
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- dash of red pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup buttered bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the frozen chopped spinach according to package instructions, drain, and reserve the liquid.
- Melt butter over low heat in a skillet.
- Add flour to the melted butter, stirring until blended and smooth, but not browned.
- Add chopped onion and cook until soft.
- Gradually add spinach liquid and evaporated milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, and cook until thickened and smooth.
- Add pepper, salt, celery salt, and garlic salt to the spinach mixture.
- Cut jalapeno cheese into small pieces and stir into the spinach mixture until melted.
- Combine the spinach mixture with the cooked spinach and mix well.
- Drain artichoke hearts and cut into quarters.
- Scatter artichoke hearts over the bottom of an 8x8-inch buttered pan.
- Pour the spinach mixture over the artichokes.
- Sprinkle buttered bread crumbs evenly over the top.
- Refrigerate overnight before baking or serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of evaporated milk. If you want to reduce calories, swap out jalapeno cheese for a low-fat cheese option. To save time, use fresh spinach and artichokes, but be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile of this dish, giving it a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Spinach Madeleina as a warm appetizer or side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Baked Coconut Custard for dessert, offering a delightful end to your dinner. For a vegetarian option, serve it with a fresh garden salad and crusty bread.
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 20-25 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Madeleina contains roughly 49 calories, with 2g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 960mg per serving (42% 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 substitute fresh spinach for frozen. You'll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach to equal the 20 ounces of frozen chopped spinach. Cook it until wilted, then chop and drain before using it in the recipe.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, you can increase the amount of jalapeno cheese or add diced fresh jalapeños to the spinach mixture. You could also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, Spinach Madeleina can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until hot.
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).