Spinach Maria
Creamy spinach casserole with cheddar, Parmesan, and Monterey Jack cheeses, topped with bread crumbs. Perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook frozen spinach according to package directions and drain off all excess water.
- Sauté diced onion in butter until tender.
- Mix cooked spinach, sautéed onion, Cheddar cheese soup, cayenne pepper, grated Parmesan cheese, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese together.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
- Top with bread crumbs.
- Bake for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the cheese mixture. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute fresh spinach for frozen, but you'll need about 1 pound. Adjust the seasoning based on your spice preference; cayenne pepper adds a nice kick, but you can omit it for a milder flavor. This dish is great for using up leftover cheeses as well.
Serving Suggestions
Spinach Maria is a fantastic side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. Serve it alongside a light salad or with crusty bread, such as an Easy Loaf Of Bread, for a complete meal. This dish also works well for potlucks or family gatherings, bringing a comforting vegetarian option to the table.
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 also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven gives the best texture for the breadcrumbs.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Maria contains roughly 418 calories, with 19g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (232% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (93% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (91% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 26g 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. Simply wash and chop it, then sauté until wilted before mixing with the other ingredients. This will provide a fresh taste, but make sure to drain excess moisture to avoid a watery casserole.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Spinach Maria gluten-free, simply replace the regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Additionally, ensure that the Cheddar cheese soup you use is labeled gluten-free. This way, you can still enjoy the dish without compromising on flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish the day before and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready to serve. If baking from cold, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through and bubbly.
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).