Cheesy Garlic Spinach Bake
Inspired by the beloved recipe from Green Springs Inn in St. Francisville, Louisiana, this Cheesy Garlic Spinach Bake is a delightful combination of savory spinach, rich flavors, and melted cheese that has charmed taste buds across the nation. Originally crafted by Madeline Nevill, this dish has been a cherished favorite that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Perfect as a side dish or a main vegetarian delight, this recipe substitutes hard-to-find garlic cheese rolls with flavorful spreadable cheeses like Boursin or Alouette, ensuring its accessibility without compromising taste. Serve it alongside your favorite proteins or a hearty cornbread for an unforgettable dining experience. Yum!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen spinach
20 ounces (cooked and drained (reserve 1/2 cup liquid))
Flour
2 tablespoons (none)
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Garlic cheese roll
6 ounces (cut into small pieces (or substitute spreadable garlic cheese))
Butter
1/4 cup (melted)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Evaporated milk
1/2 cup (none)
Garlic salt
3/4 teaspoon (none)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
Hot sauce
1 dash (Louisiana Fish Fry brand or favorite)
Breadcrumbs
as needed (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and stir continuously to create a smooth roux, cooking for another minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4
Gradually pour in the evaporated milk while stirring briskly to combine, allowing the mixture to thicken for about 3-5 minutes.
5
Stir in the reserved spinach liquid, garlic salt, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce, mixing well.
6
Add half of the garlic cheese roll (or substituted spreadable cheese) and stir until melted and smooth.
7
In a large mixing bowl, combine this cheese mixture with the cooked and drained spinach, ensuring it's evenly coated.
8
Transfer the spinach mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
9
Top with the remaining cheese pieces and a generous sprinkle of breadcrumbs for texture.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
11
Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. Pair it with fried chicken, baked salmon, or juicy pork chops for a perfectly balanced meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Garlic Spinach Bake?
Cheesy Garlic Spinach Bake is a savory side dish or vegetarian main course featuring spinach, creamy cheese sauce, and a breadcrumb topping.
Where did this recipe originate?
This recipe was inspired by a beloved dish from the Green Springs Inn in St. Francisville, Louisiana.
Who is the original creator of this dish?
The dish was originally crafted by Madeline Nevill and has become a cherished favorite known for its warmth and comfort.
How much frozen spinach is required?
The recipe calls for 20 ounces of frozen spinach.
Should I drain the spinach after cooking?
Yes, you should drain the spinach but make sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the spinach liquid for the sauce.
What can I use if I cannot find garlic cheese rolls?
You can substitute garlic cheese rolls with flavorful spreadable cheeses like Boursin or Alouette.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
What are the visual signs that the bake is finished?
The bake is finished when it is bubbly and the top has turned golden brown.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is suitable as a main vegetarian delight or a side dish.
How do I prepare the onions for this recipe?
Chop one medium onion and sauté it in butter for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
How do I make the roux for the sauce?
Melt butter in a skillet, sprinkle in flour, and stir continuously for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste.
How much evaporated milk is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of evaporated milk.
What is the purpose of adding the evaporated milk gradually?
Pouring it in gradually while stirring briskly helps the mixture thicken into a smooth sauce over 3-5 minutes.
How much garlic salt is included?
The recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of garlic salt.
What kind of hot sauce is recommended?
The recipe suggests a dash of Louisiana Fish Fry brand hot sauce or your personal favorite.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
How is the cheese distributed in the recipe?
Half of the cheese is melted into the sauce, while the remaining half is placed on top of the mixture before baking.
What creates the texture on top of the bake?
A generous sprinkle of breadcrumbs and the remaining cheese pieces provide the topping's texture.
What are some suggested main dishes to pair with this?
It pairs well with fried chicken, baked salmon, or juicy pork chops.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of melted butter.
How much Worcestershire sauce is added?
You should add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the sauce mixture.
Is salt and pepper necessary?
Yes, you should add salt and pepper to taste.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 specific ingredients listed for this dish.
Can I serve this with bread?
Yes, serving it alongside a hearty cornbread is highly recommended for a complete meal.
How much flour is used for the thickening agent?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of flour.
Does the spinach need to be mixed with the sauce before baking?
Yes, combine the cheese mixture and the drained spinach in a large bowl before spreading it into the casserole dish.
How much garlic cheese roll is needed?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of garlic cheese roll or a spreadable substitute.
Should the dish cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let the bake cool slightly after taking it out of the oven.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is known for being accessible without compromising on taste.