Cheesy Spinach and Flounder Casserole
This Cheesy Spinach and Flounder Casserole is a delightful seafood dish perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests. The tender flounder fillets sit atop a flavorful bed of seasoned spinach, crispy croutons, and sweet corn, all enhanced by the creaminess of Swiss cheese. Topped with fresh tomato wedges and extra cheese, this dish is baked to perfection, creating a golden-crusted finish that's sure to impress. It’s a well-balanced meal that combines protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates in one hearty casserole, ready in less than an hour!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flounder fillets
1 lb (thawed if frozen)
Frozen chopped spinach
10 ounces (thawed and well drained)
Seasoned croutons
1 1/2 cups (coarsely crushed)
Whole kernel corn
8 ounces (drained)
Shredded Swiss cheese
3/4 cup
Beaten egg
1
Water
3 tablespoons
Salt
to taste
Lemon pepper or pepper
to taste
Medium tomato
1 (cut into 12 thin wedges)
Shredded Swiss cheese
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
If the flounder fillets are frozen, thaw them completely before use.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed spinach, crushed croutons, drained corn, and 3/4 cup of shredded Swiss cheese. Mix well.
4
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and water until combined. Pour this mixture into the spinach mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
5
Spread the spinach mixture evenly in a 12x2 inch baking pan. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
6
After 10 minutes, remove the foil and lay the flounder fillets over the spinach mixture. Season the fish with salt and lemon pepper or regular pepper to taste.
7
Cover the dish again with foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
8
After 15 minutes, remove the foil and carefully arrange the tomato wedges over the fish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded Swiss cheese on top.
9
Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Spinach and Flounder Casserole?
It is a hearty seafood dish made with flounder fillets, seasoned spinach, croutons, corn, and Swiss cheese, baked to a golden finish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
What type of fish is best for this casserole?
The recipe specifically calls for flounder fillets, but other mild white fish could be substituted if necessary.
Can I use frozen flounder for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen flounder, but ensure they are completely thawed before you begin the cooking process.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the spinach for this dish?
The frozen chopped spinach should be thawed and well drained to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
What kind of croutons are recommended?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of seasoned croutons that have been coarsely crushed.
What type of cheese is used in this casserole?
Shredded Swiss cheese is used both inside the spinach mixture and as a topping.
How much Swiss cheese is needed in total?
You will need a total of 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese, divided into 3/4 cup and 1/4 cup portions.
Why is an egg included in the spinach mixture?
One beaten egg is mixed with water and the spinach mixture to act as a binder for the base of the casserole.
What kind of corn is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of drained whole kernel corn.
Do I need to cover the casserole while baking?
Yes, the dish is covered with aluminum foil for the first 10 minutes of baking and for another 15 minutes after adding the fish.
How long does the initial spinach base bake for?
The spinach and crouton mixture is baked alone for 10 minutes before adding the fish.
What seasonings are suggested for the flounder?
The fish fillets should be seasoned with salt and either lemon pepper or regular pepper to taste.
How long does the fish bake once it is placed on the spinach?
The flounder fillets bake for 15 minutes while covered with foil.
When are the tomato wedges added to the dish?
The tomato wedges are arranged over the fish after the second baking phase, just before the final 5-minute bake.
How should the tomato be prepared?
One medium tomato should be cut into 12 thin wedges.
What is the final baking step?
The final step is to bake the dish uncovered for 5 minutes until the cheese topping is melted and bubbly.
What size baking pan is used for this recipe?
A 12x2 inch baking pan is recommended for this casserole.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, the entire dish can be prepared and baked in less than an hour.
Can I substitute the lemon pepper?
Yes, regular black pepper can be used if you do not have lemon pepper available.
Should I use fresh or canned corn?
The recipe specifies 8 ounces of drained corn, so canned whole kernel corn is typically the most convenient option.
What is the preparation for the Swiss cheese topping?
The remaining 1/4 cup of shredded Swiss cheese is sprinkled over the tomato wedges for the final bake.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
While the recipe calls for frozen chopped spinach, you could use fresh spinach if it is cooked down and very well drained first.
How do I know when the casserole is finished?
The casserole is done when the fish is cooked through and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Is this recipe considered a complete meal?
Yes, it is a well-balanced meal that combines protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let the dish cool slightly after removing it from the oven before serving warm.
Can I substitute the Swiss cheese with something else?
While Swiss cheese provides a specific flavor, you could substitute it with Gruyere or a mild white cheddar if preferred.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
The instructions do not specify greasing, but a light coating of cooking spray can help prevent sticking.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Common tags include flounder, spinach, casserole, cheesy, seafood, healthy, and quick meal.