Spinach Madelyn
A creamy spinach casserole with melted cheese, savory seasonings, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 packages frozen chopped spinach ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons real butter ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons plain flour
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup veggie liquid from cooked spinach ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 6 ounces garlic cheese or small Velveeta ⓘ
- Red pepper to taste ⓘ
- Ritz crackers, crumbled
Instructions
- Cook frozen chopped spinach according to package instructions without adding salt.
- Drain the spinach and reserve the liquid.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Add plain flour and stir until smooth.
- Add chopped onion and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in evaporated milk and reserved veggie liquid, stirring constantly.
- Cook until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
- Add black pepper, celery salt, garlic salt, and small pieces of cheese, stirring until cheese is melted.
- Combine the cheese mixture with the cooked spinach.
- Transfer the mixture to a small, buttered casserole dish.
- Crumble Ritz crackers over the top with melted butter.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of evaporated milk. You can also substitute the garlic cheese with a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. If you're short on time, pre-chopped onions can save you a step. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the spinach's flavor, giving it a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Spinach Madelyn as a delightful side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Biscuits Supreme Mix for a comforting brunch. Consider adding a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish. This recipe is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Madelyn contains roughly 380 calories, with 8g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. 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 2 packages of frozen. Cook it down until wilted, then proceed with the recipe as directed. Just be sure to reserve enough liquid after cooking.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the mixture. Ensure that the Ritz crackers you use are gluten-free or opt for a suitable gluten-free breadcrumb topping.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
To make Spinach Madelyn ahead of time, prepare the dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it straight from the refrigerator, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through.
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).