Swiss Spinach
Creamy Swiss Spinach combines melted cheese and tender spinach in a rich sauce, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion in margarine until golden.
- Add flour and garlic powder; cook at low heat for 1 minute.
- Add milk, salt, and pepper; cook at low heat until thickened.
- Add cheese and cook until smooth.
- Add spinach and stir to combine.
- Pour mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 to 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. You can also substitute the Swiss cheese with Gruyère for a more robust taste. If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Ensure the spinach is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dish, which can affect the texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Swiss Spinach dish as a delightful side to roasted chicken or grilled fish. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside American recipes like Saucy-Cheesy Meatloaf, which balances the creamy texture of the spinach.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swiss Spinach contains roughly 326 calories, with 7g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1306mg per serving (57% 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. About 1 pound of fresh spinach will yield the same amount as two packages of frozen. Sauté it until wilted before adding to the mixture, and ensure it is well-drained.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Additionally, ensure that the cheese does not contain any gluten-containing additives.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just pour it into the casserole dish before baking. You may need to increase the baking time slightly if baking from cold.
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).