Spinach Side Dish
A savory spinach side dish featuring frozen spinach, flavored bread crumbs, and cheese, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, offering creamy, crispy, and cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil and salt the frozen spinach until cooked.
- Drain the spinach thoroughly.
- Mix the drained spinach with bread crumbs, eggs, melted margarine, and salt.
- Pour the mixture into a greased cake pan.
- Optional: Top with Velveeta or Mozzarella cheese before baking.
- Bake for 30 minutes at 300°F (150°C).
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the spinach mixture. If you don't have margarine, butter or olive oil works well as substitutes. Ensure the spinach is well-drained to prevent a watery dish. This recipe is versatile; you can also incorporate sautéed garlic or onions for extra flavor. Try serving it alongside dishes like Easy Cream Cheese Pound Cake for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
This spinach side dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a perfect addition to any dinner table. Serve it alongside roasted potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, consider adding it to a pasta dish or serving it with a side of garlic bread. It can also complement American recipes well, enhancing your meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the spinach side dish in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick reheating option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Side Dish contains roughly 692 calories, with 11g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), iron (25% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1196mg per serving (52% 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 use fresh spinach! You'll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach to replace the 10 oz. of frozen. Sauté the fresh spinach in a little olive oil until wilted before draining and mixing it with the other ingredients. This will add a bright, fresh flavor to the dish.
What if I don't have flavored bread crumbs?
If you don’t have flavored bread crumbs, you can use plain bread crumbs and add your own seasonings. Try mixing in dried herbs like oregano or basil, or even some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. This will ensure that your dish remains tasty and well-seasoned.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the spinach mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just pour it into the greased cake pan right before you are ready to bake. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or when hosting a dinner party.
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).