Creamed Spinach

My model of Spinach Maria – this creamed spinach – is clean, savory, and has a light-weight spicy kick from the pink peppers. It is a straightforward recipe that is prepared in half-hour, making it the proper aspect dish for any day of the week. No must go to Calhoun’s for this Spinach Maria-inspired recipe!

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💭Why you will love this recipe

• Hints of spice. I exploit mustard and pink pepper flakes together with yellow onions and garlic so as to add some good aromatics and break the richness of the heavy cream and cheese.
• Contemporary cheese to maintain issues mild. The standard recipe makes use of cream cheese, which provides a bitter notice. I exploit mozzarella and cheddar jack in my recipe for additional cheesiness.
• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly dish. This dish will be made forward of time (as much as 3 days) and will also be simply frozen.

📋 Substances and notes

This simple creamed spinach recipe is impressed by Spinach Maria from Calhoun’s, an east Tennessee steakhouse. It is a spicy creamed spinach casserole.

To make this recipe, you will want spinach, butter, heavy cream, yellow onion, garlic powder, pink pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, mozzarella, and cheddar jack cheese.

Variations and substitutions

• Spinach. Use contemporary or frozen spinach. Frozen spinach makes it simple to throw this dish collectively, however contemporary spinach sometimes has a extra vibrant inexperienced coloration end. It’s also possible to use child spinach.
• Heavy cream. It’s also possible to use half and half or entire milk for a much less creamy model. However do not go any much less fatty than entire milk!
• Cheese. I used a mix of mozzarella and cheddar jack cheese. Be certain that to grate or shred them contemporary, for the perfect taste. It’s also possible to add parmesan cheese for a depth of taste.
• Garlic. It’s also possible to use minced garlic cloves, however saute them with the onions.
• Spices. I solely used Dijon mustard and pink pepper flakes however you can even use different heat spices like nutmeg or cayenne pepper to regulate it to your style choice.
• Salt. I discover that further salt shouldn’t be obligatory for this recipe, however should you want, you may add a pinch to the cream combination.

👩🏽‍🍳 The best way to make creamed spinach from scratch

I like to make use of a forged iron skillet for this recipe as a result of it permits me to throw it straight into the oven for the final step. Nevertheless, should you do not wish to bake the highest, you’re welcome to make use of a daily pan or any giant skillet and switch to an oven-proof container for the final step.

Step 1:
If utilizing contemporary spinach, blanch in a pot of scorching water, drain the water and put aside – you need to use an ice bathtub to protect the colour as desired. It’s also possible to chop up the blanched spinach in order for you smaller bites (however I want not to do that!)

Step 2:
If you happen to do the elective baking step on the finish, preheat oven to 350°F.

Step 3:
In a forged iron skillet (or oven protected skillet) soften butter on medium warmth after which sauté the onions till they’re absolutely sweated (about 3 to 4 minutes).

Step 4:
Add heavy cream and stir to mix till bubbles begin to seem. Cut back the warmth to low after which add Dijon mustard, garlic powder and pink pepper flakes. Carry to a simmer.

Step 4:
Subsequent, add the Mozzarella and 4 oz of the Cheddar Jack cheese and whisk to create a thick gooey cheese sauce. If you happen to’re not planning to bake within the final step, add all of the cheese at this step!

Step 5:
Squeeze all potential extra water out of the spinach after which add to the cheese sauce. Give every thing a superb combine till mixed.

Step 6:
Add the two oz of Cheddar jack on high and bake within the oven for about 3-4 minutes till the highest layer melts very well. Prime with a bit extra pink pepper flakes and black pepper and serve scorching!

• When including the heavy cream, stir constantly to stop it from scorching. Let it come to a mild simmer to assist the flavors meld collectively.
• If the cheese sauce appears too thick after including the spinach, you may add a splash of milk or further cream to realize your required consistency.
• If you happen to select to bake it, control it to keep away from burning the cheese. You need it to soften and bubble, not brown an excessive amount of.

👩🏽‍🍳 Troubleshooting FAQs

🍴 The best way to serve creamed spinach

Creamed spinach will be served as a aspect all yr lengthy, although it is also a improbable aspect for any Thanksgiving or Christmas vacation meal. In spite of everything, who would not love creamy goodness? It is also a good way to get your children to eat spinach if they do not like it usually.

I prefer to serve it as a aspect dish alongside my vegan turkey roast, mushroom wellington, or stuffed acorn squash. It’s also possible to use it as a dip for tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks.

🍴Storage and reheating recommendations

This creamed spinach casserole is a superb make forward aspect dish. You can also make it 3 days earlier than you want it and simply retailer it within the fridge in an hermetic container. Skip the final step once you make it forward. Then, once you’re able to eat, reheat the spinach on the range high, add the topping and bake for 10 minutes.

It is also freezer pleasant. Once more, skip the final step. Then retailer the spinach in an hermetic container within the freezer – it might final so long as three months! I like making an enormous batch of this spinach casserole (as giant as my skillet will accommodate normally) after which freezing leftovers in particular person parts for dinners.

To thaw frozen creamed spinach, throw in a microwave protected container, add a spoonful of water, after which warmth in a microwave for round 2 minutes. I sometimes enhance in 30 second intervals and watch the spinach because it thaws. Alternatively, you may transfer it from the freezer to the fridge the night time earlier than.

🍴 Extra casserole recipes

If you happen to like tacky recipes, strive these casserole dishes:

If you happen to tried this recipe, remember to remark and price! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📖 Recipe