Cheesy Spinach Mac & Cheese Strata Delight
This Cheesy Spinach Mac & Cheese Strata Delight is an indulgent twist on two beloved comfort foods. Made with the rich creaminess of Simply Macaroni & Cheese and the nutritious goodness of tender spinach, this layered casserole delivers both flavor and satisfaction. Topped with a buttery, golden breadcrumb crust and crispy grated Parmesan, each bite is a harmony of cheesy goodness and wholesome veggies, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. A dish that’s as delightful to eat as it is to serve, it will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Simply Macaroni & Cheese
2 (20 ounce packages, heated as directed on the package)
Frozen Spinach
1 (16 ounce bag, thawed and squeezed dry)
Breadcrumbs
2/3 (cup)
Butter
3 (tablespoons, melted)
Parmesan Cheese
2 (tablespoons, grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 2-3 quart glass baking dish with cooking spray or butter and set aside.
2
Carefully transfer the contents of one package of heated Simply Macaroni and Cheese to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
3
Next, evenly distribute spoonfuls of the prepared spinach over the macaroni layer to ensure every forkful has a taste of green goodness.
4
Pour the second package of Simply Macaroni and Cheese over the spinach, gently spreading it out to create a smooth top layer.
5
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
6
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously over the top of the casserole, ensuring an even coverage.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy.
8
Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve warm for a truly comforting meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Spinach Mac & Cheese Strata Delight?
It is an indulgent layered casserole that combines the creaminess of Simply Macaroni & Cheese with nutritious spinach and a crispy breadcrumb topping.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the main ingredients for this strata?
The main ingredients are Simply Macaroni & Cheese, frozen spinach, breadcrumbs, butter, and Parmesan cheese.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes until it is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
Do I need to cook the spinach before adding it?
The frozen spinach should be thawed and squeezed dry before being distributed into the layers.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 2-3 quart glass baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided and the tags, this recipe is vegetarian.
How do I prepare the breadcrumb topping?
In a small bowl, mix 2/3 cup breadcrumbs with 3 tablespoons of melted butter and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
How is the dish layered?
The layers consist of one package of mac and cheese, followed by a layer of spinach, then the second package of mac and cheese, topped with breadcrumbs.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, but you should sauté the fresh spinach and drain it thoroughly first to prevent the dish from becoming watery.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
You can use standard breadcrumbs, though Panko can be used for extra crunch.
Why must the spinach be squeezed dry?
Squeezing the spinach dry ensures that the casserole maintains a thick, creamy consistency and does not become soggy.
Should the Macaroni & Cheese be heated before assembly?
Yes, the instructions specify using Simply Macaroni & Cheese heated as directed on the package.
Can I add extra cheese to this recipe?
Certainly! Adding extra shredded cheddar or mozzarella between layers would enhance the cheesiness.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the layers ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to bake.
What is the best way to reheat this casserole?
Reheat portions in the oven at 350 degrees F to maintain the crispy topping, or use a microwave for a quicker option.
Can I freeze the Cheesy Spinach Mac & Cheese Strata?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before baking.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and uses prepared mac and cheese to simplify the process.
What should I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
How do I know when the casserole is finished cooking?
It is done when the edges are bubbly and the breadcrumb topping has achieved a crispy, golden-brown color.
Can I add protein like chicken or ham?
Yes, adding cooked cubed chicken or diced ham to the spinach layer would work very well.
Does the recipe require greasing the pan?
Yes, grease the baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Can I use a different type of cheese for the topping?
Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or even extra sharp cheddar.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely, the combination of mac and cheese is a favorite for many children, and the spinach is well-integrated.
What if I don't have Simply Macaroni & Cheese?
You can use any 40 ounces of prepared or homemade macaroni and cheese as a substitute.
How much spinach is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for one 16 ounce bag of frozen spinach.
Can I add spices to the breadcrumb mixture?
Yes, adding garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumbs can add more depth of flavor.
Why is this dish called a strata?
While traditionally a strata uses bread and egg, this dish uses a similar layered 'strata' style approach with mac and cheese and spinach.