Spinach Madeleine In Chafing Dish
A creamy, cheesy spinach dip with a hint of jalapeno and spices, perfect for entertaining or as a flavorful side dish for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen chopped spinach ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 c. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/3 c. evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) roll process cheese with jalapeno peppers ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. celery salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- red pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the frozen chopped spinach according to package directions; drain well, reserving 1/2 cup of liquid.
- Set the cooked spinach aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add the evaporated milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add the cubed process cheese with jalapenos, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook, stirring, until the cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the cooked spinach and red pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to a chafing dish or serving bowl to keep warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more evaporated milk or using half-and-half instead. If you like a spicier kick, try using pepper jack cheese instead of the process cheese with jalapeno. This dish can also be made ahead of time; simply prepare it up to the point of transferring to the chafing dish and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Serving Suggestions
This Spinach Madeleine pairs beautifully with Delicious Green Beans for a well-rounded meal. Serve it as a side dish for grilled meats or alongside a fresh salad. For a complete vegetarian meal, consider serving it with a side of quinoa or brown rice, allowing the flavors to complement each other.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the mixture in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Madeleine In Chafing Dish contains roughly 128 calories, with 5g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber.
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 will need about 1 pound of fresh spinach. Cook it down in a large skillet until wilted, then proceed with the recipe as directed. Fresh spinach will give a slightly different texture but will still be delicious.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of transferring it to the chafing dish and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, just reheat it in the chafing dish or a baking dish in the oven until heated through.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Spinach Madeleine is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat products. However, be sure to check that the cheese you use is rennet-free if you are following a strict vegetarian diet.
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).