Cheesy Spinach and Mushroom Bake
Indulge in this savory Cheesy Spinach and Mushroom Bake, a delightful twist on the classic creamed spinach casserole. This dish combines the earthy flavors of spinach with tender mushrooms and a creamy cheese filling, making it a sumptuous side dish perfect for holiday feasts or family gatherings. Whether served alongside a succulent turkey, glazed ham, or herb-seasoned beef, this casserole is sure to impress with its creamy texture and deliciously cheesy top. Not only is it delectable, but it also packs a nutritious punch, making it a well-rounded addition to your holiday table!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
frozen spinach
16 ounces (thawed and squeezed dry)
mushroom stems and pieces
1 (16 ounce) can (drained)
onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
light cream cheese
4 ounces (softened)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
skim milk
3 tablespoons
shredded cheddar cheese
1.5-2 cups
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed spinach, drained mushroom pieces, finely chopped onion, garlic, and softened cream cheese. Mix until well combined.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lightly beaten eggs, and skim milk until smooth.
4
Pour the wet ingredients into the spinach mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
5
Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, adjusting the amount based on your preference, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Grease a 9x9 inch square baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling and has a light golden-brown top. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Spinach and Mushroom Bake?
It is a savory side dish that combines spinach, mushrooms, and a creamy cheese filling with a golden-brown top, perfect for holiday meals.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9x9 inch square baking dish is recommended for this casserole.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The dish should bake for 45 to 50 minutes.
What kind of spinach is required?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of frozen spinach that has been thawed and squeezed dry.
Why must I squeeze the spinach dry?
Squeezing the spinach dry prevents the casserole from becoming too watery during the baking process.
What type of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe specifies one 16-ounce can of mushroom stems and pieces, drained.
Do I need to drain the mushrooms?
Yes, you must drain the canned mushrooms before adding them to the mixture.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe uses one clove of minced garlic.
What type of cream cheese is used?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of light cream cheese that has been softened.
Is milk included in the ingredients?
Yes, the recipe requires 3 tablespoons of skim milk.
How many eggs are needed?
You will need 2 eggs, which should be lightly beaten before being added.
What kind of shredded cheese is recommended?
Shredded cheddar cheese is used for both the filling and the topping.
How much cheddar cheese should I add?
You can use between 1.5 to 2 cups of shredded cheddar, depending on your preference.
Does the recipe include butter?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of melted butter are whisked into the wet ingredients.
How do I prepare the onion?
You should use 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, grease the dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
How do I know when the bake is done?
The casserole is ready when it is bubbling and has a light golden-brown color on top.
Should I let it cool before serving?
Yes, it is best to let it cool for a few minutes to allow the texture to set before serving.
What seasonings are used?
The dish is seasoned simply with salt and pepper to taste.
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of light?
Yes, regular cream cheese can be substituted for light cream cheese if preferred.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food side dish due to its creamy and cheesy nature.
What main dishes pair well with this bake?
It pairs excellently with turkey, glazed ham, or herb-seasoned beef.
How are the wet ingredients mixed?
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, beaten eggs, and milk until smooth before combining with the spinach.
Can I adjust the amount of cheese?
Yes, you can fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and adjust the quantity to suit your taste.
How do I incorporate the cream cheese?
Mix the softened cream cheese with the spinach, mushrooms, onion, and garlic until well combined.
Is this a good holiday recipe?
Absolutely, it is designed as a nutritious and delicious addition to holiday tables.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Spinach dishes.