Cheesy Spinach Potato Bake
Transform your traditional mashed potatoes into a vibrant and flavorful Cheesy Spinach Potato Bake that is sure to be a hit at any gathering! This delicious casserole combines creamy mashed potatoes with the nutritious goodness of spinach and a hint of pimento, all topped with a gooey layer of melted cheddar cheese. Perfect as a side dish at holiday meals or family dinners, this recipe is not only eye-catching but also brings a delightful twist to the classic comfort food. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it will have your guests asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
263
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
6-8 large (Boiled and mashed)
Sour cream
1 cup (None)
Salt
2 teaspoons (None)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Chives or green onion tops
2 tablespoons (Chopped)
Pimentos
1 (4 ounce) jar (None)
Butter or margarine
1/4 cup (Softened)
Chopped spinach
1 (10 ounce) package (Thawed and drained)
Cheddar cheese
1 cup (Shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the boiled and mashed potatoes, sour cream, salt, black pepper, chives (or green onion tops), and the contents of the pimento jar. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3
Gently fold in the thawed and drained chopped spinach until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4
Add in the butter and combine until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
5
Spoon the potato and spinach mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
6
Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
7
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
8
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
Let it cool slightly before serving and enjoy your vibrant side dish!
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
24g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Spinach Potato Bake?
It is a flavorful casserole that combines creamy mashed potatoes with spinach, pimentos, and a melted cheddar cheese topping.
What kind of potatoes should I use?
You should use 6-8 large potatoes that are suitable for boiling and mashing, such as Russets or Yukon Golds.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
The potatoes must be boiled and mashed before being combined with the other ingredients.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for one 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach.
How do I prepare the frozen spinach?
The spinach should be fully thawed and thoroughly drained of all excess water before being folded into the mixture.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
One cup of shredded cheddar cheese is used to top the casserole.
When do I add the cheese?
Add the cheese after the casserole has baked for the initial 15 minutes, then bake for 5 more minutes.
How long does the casserole bake in total?
The total baking time is approximately 20 minutes: 15 minutes for the base and 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
What size casserole dish do I need?
A greased 2-quart casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
Can I substitute the chives?
Yes, you can use chopped green onion tops instead of chives.
What are pimentos and are they necessary?
Pimentos are mild red peppers. They add color and a hint of sweetness to the dish.
How much sour cream is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of sour cream to make the potatoes creamy.
Is there butter in this potato bake?
Yes, 1/4 cup of softened butter or margarine is mixed into the potato and spinach blend.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 263 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 17g of fat per serving in this dish.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in the bake?
There are 24g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in this recipe?
The dish provides 5g of protein per serving.
Is this a side dish or a main course?
It is primarily served as a side dish, especially popular for holiday meals or family dinners.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
No, the instructions state to bake the casserole uncovered.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the potato mixture in advance and bake it when you are ready to serve.
How do I know when the cheese is done?
The cheese is ready when it is melted and bubbly, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cheddar is recommended for its flavor, you can substitute it with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe uses 9 ingredients total, including seasoning.
Do I need to salt the potatoes?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of salt to be mixed into the mashed potatoes.
What is the texture of the dish?
The dish is creamy and smooth thanks to the combination of mashed potatoes, sour cream, and butter.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
You can use fresh spinach, but you must cook and drain it first to match the consistency of the frozen chopped spinach.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
How do I reheat the potato bake?
You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or in the microwave for individual portions.