Spinach Wow
A creamy, cheesy spinach and artichoke casserole with rich flavors of Parmesan, mozzarella, and garlic, perfect as a hearty side or appetizer for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 Tbsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 2 packages (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, drained ⓘ
- 1 can (8 oz.) artichokes, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup mushrooms, sautéed or canned, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet and sauté chopped onion and crushed garlic until softened.
- Add drained spinach, salt, garlic powder, sour cream, drained artichokes, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and sautéed mushrooms. Stir well to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Top with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the spinach mixture. You can also substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. If you don't have fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese or margarine. This dish can be made ahead and frozen before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm as a delicious appetizer or side alongside grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Ruth'S Jello Dessert for a complete meal experience. You can also enjoy it over a bed of rice or pasta for a heartier option. Consider adding a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. If frozen, allow to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cheese rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Wow contains roughly 642 calories, with 8g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value) and vitamin D (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1006mg per serving (44% 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 equal the 2 packages of frozen. Sauté it until wilted before adding it to the mixture. This will enhance the flavor and provide a fresh texture to the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. You can also explore variations by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to customize it to your taste. It's a great dish for anyone looking for hearty vegetarian recipes.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day ahead. Assemble everything in the casserole dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This makes it a convenient option for entertaining.
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).