Cheesy Spinach Delight Casserole
Transform the perception of spinach in your home with this Cheesy Spinach Delight Casserole! This dish is a family favorite that turns the underrated leafy green into a cheesy, comforting masterpiece that even the pickiest eaters will adore. Packed with sharp cheddar cheese, creamy mushroom soup, and a crunchy crouton topping, this casserole is not only delicious but also remarkably easy to prepare. Perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings, it can be enjoyed hot right out of the oven or served cold as a tasty side dish. While the recipe features spinach, feel free to switch it up with broccoli for a delightful variation! Trust me, once you serve this to your family, spinach will no longer be a dish of dread but one of delight.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen chopped spinach
2 (10 ounce boxes, defrosted and excess water squeezed out)
Large egg
1 (beaten)
Salt
1 (teaspoon)
Black pepper
1/4 (teaspoon)
Small onion
1 (chopped finely)
Sharp cheddar cheese
1 1/2 (cups, shredded)
Condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (can)
Croutons
1-2 (cups for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Once the spinach is defrosted, place it in a fine mesh strainer and press down to remove as much excess liquid as possible. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect casserole consistency.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed spinach with the beaten egg, salt, black pepper, chopped onion, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and the condensed cream of mushroom soup. Stir the ingredients together until they are thoroughly mixed.
4
Transfer the spinach mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
5
Sprinkle the croutons generously over the top of the spinach mixture, ensuring an even coverage.
6
Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown.
7
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this delightful dish hot or warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Spinach Delight Casserole?
It is a comforting casserole dish that combines spinach, sharp cheddar cheese, and mushroom soup with a crunchy crouton topping, designed to be enjoyed even by picky eaters.
How do I prepare the spinach for this recipe?
You should use two 10-ounce boxes of frozen chopped spinach. Once defrosted, place it in a fine mesh strainer and press down to remove as much excess liquid as possible.
Why is squeezing the spinach important?
Squeezing the spinach is a crucial step to achieve the perfect casserole consistency and prevent the final dish from being too watery.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does the casserole take to bake?
The casserole should bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown.
What ingredients are needed for the base mixture?
The base mixture includes squeezed spinach, a beaten egg, salt, black pepper, finely chopped onion, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and condensed cream of mushroom soup.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a bold and savory flavor.
What is used for the crunchy topping?
The topping consists of 1 to 2 cups of croutons sprinkled generously over the spinach mixture before baking.
Can I use a different vegetable instead of spinach?
Yes, you can easily substitute spinach with broccoli for a delightful variation of this casserole.
Does the casserole need to be served hot?
It can be enjoyed hot right out of the oven, but it is also tasty when served cold as a side dish.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A greased 2-quart casserole dish is the recommended size for this recipe.
How many eggs are used in the recipe?
The recipe requires one large egg, which should be beaten before being added to the mixture.
How should the onion be prepared?
One small onion should be chopped finely to ensure it blends well with the other ingredients.
What kind of soup is used?
The recipe uses one can of condensed cream of mushroom soup to provide a creamy texture.
Can I make this dish for a potluck?
Yes, its ease of preparation and ability to be served at different temperatures make it perfect for potluck gatherings.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Absolutely, it is described as a family favorite that turns spinach into a dish children and picky eaters will adore.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, the instructions specify using a greased 2-quart casserole dish to prevent sticking.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The dish is finished when the edges are bubbling and the crouton topping has turned a golden brown.
What seasonings are included?
The dish is seasoned with one teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper.
Can I use different types of croutons?
Yes, while the recipe just says croutons, using seasoned or garlic-flavored croutons can add extra depth to the topping.
Is the spinach used fresh or frozen?
This specific recipe is designed for frozen chopped spinach that has been defrosted.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I combine the ingredients?
In a large mixing bowl, stir the spinach, egg, salt, pepper, onion, cheese, and soup together until thoroughly mixed.
Do I need to let it cool after baking?
Yes, it is recommended to let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
How many boxes of spinach are needed?
The recipe requires two 10-ounce boxes of frozen chopped spinach.
Can I add other spices?
While the recipe uses salt and pepper, you can certainly experiment with garlic powder or paprika for more flavor.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as quick and easy, with most of the time spent in the oven.
What is the texture of the dish?
The dish is cheesy and creamy on the inside with a crunchy texture on top from the croutons.
Can this be a main course?
While often served as a side, its rich ingredients make it a satisfying vegetarian main course options.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, the primary ingredient is spinach, which is a great source of fiber and nutrients.