Spinach Madeleine
Spinach Madeleine is a creamy, cheesy side dish featuring tender spinach blended with a flavorful cheese sauce. Its rich, savory taste makes it a perfect accompaniment for family dinners or special occasions, appealing to those who love hearty greens with a cheesy twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook spinach and drain, reserving the spinach liquor.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Add flour to the melted butter, stirring until smooth but not browned.
- Gradually add evaporated milk and spinach liquor, stirring constantly.
- Cook until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
- Add black pepper, celery salt, garlic salt, and chopped onion; stir well.
- Add jalapeno cheese and Worcestershire sauce; stir until all ingredients are melted and combined.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked spinach.
- Serve immediately or freeze for later use, reheating slowly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream along with the evaporated milk. If jalapeno cheese isn't available, a combination of cheddar and a bit of diced jalapeno can provide a similar flavor. You can also sauté the onion before adding it to enhance its sweetness. This dish can be made ahead of time and is a great addition to any vegetarian recipes collection.
Serving Suggestions
Spinach Madeleine makes a delightful side dish that pairs beautifully with baked halibut parmesan or grilled chicken. Serve it alongside a crisp salad or with crusty bread to soak up the flavors. For a complete meal, consider adding a fruit-based dessert like peach and cream cheese pie to balance the savory elements.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, but be careful not to overcook as it can affect the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Madeleine contains roughly 523 calories, with 3g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (15% 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! You'll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach to yield the same amount as 2 packages of frozen chopped spinach. Simply wash, chop, and sauté the fresh spinach until wilted before draining and using it in the recipe.
Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use a vegan cheese, and replace the evaporated milk with a non-dairy milk such as almond or soy milk. Just ensure that the Worcestershire sauce is vegan as well.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, consider mixing in some diced fresh jalapenos or a few dashes of hot sauce along with the cheese. You can also increase the amount of jalapeno cheese used, or serve it with a spicy salsa on the side for an extra kick.
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).