Creamy Spinach Extravaganza
This Creamy Spinach Extravaganza is a delightful dish that brings the rich flavors of buttery spinach topped with crispy cracker crumbs to your table. Originally inspired by the favorite recipe of Lady Bird Johnson, this casserole is a family favorite that will leave everyone asking for more. It's incredibly easy to prepare, making it the perfect side dish for any meal or a delicious vegetarian main course. Even picky eaters will be coming back for seconds, just like my grandson did! Enjoy the comforting taste of home-cooked goodness in a dish that you'll be proud to serve.
6
Servings
207
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh spinach
3 lbs (washed and drained, can substitute with 2 (10 ounce) boxes of frozen chopped spinach)
parmesan cheese
6 tablespoons (grated)
minced onions
6 tablespoons (heaping)
light cream or half-and-half
6 tablespoons (none)
butter
6 tablespoons (melted and divided (can use low fat or fat-free substitute))
salt
to taste (none)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (none)
cracker crumb
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
If using fresh spinach, wash thoroughly and drain. In a large skillet, cook the damp spinach over medium heat until it wilts, then chop it coarsely.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the wilted spinach with the grated parmesan cheese, minced onions, light cream or half-and-half, and 4 tablespoons of the melted butter. Season with salt and fresh ground pepper to taste, mixing well until all ingredients are combined.
4
Transfer the spinach mixture into a shallow, buttered 1 1/2-quart baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5
In a separate small bowl, mix the cracker crumbs with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter, ensuring the crumbs are well coated. Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the spinach layer.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and lightly crusted.
7
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this comforting casserole dish with your loved ones!
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
12g
Carbs
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Spinach Extravaganza?
It is a rich and comforting casserole dish featuring buttery spinach, parmesan cheese, and a crispy cracker crumb topping.
Who originally inspired this spinach recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a favorite dish of Lady Bird Johnson.
Is the Creamy Spinach Extravaganza vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is classified as a vegetarian main course or side dish.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What is the oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute the 3 lbs of fresh spinach with 2 (10 ounce) boxes of frozen chopped spinach.
How much fresh spinach is required?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of fresh spinach, washed and drained.
How do I prepare fresh spinach for this casserole?
Cook the damp, washed spinach in a large skillet over medium heat until it wilts, then chop it coarsely.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 6 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese.
How much butter is needed in total?
A total of 6 tablespoons of melted butter is used.
How is the butter divided during preparation?
4 tablespoons are mixed into the spinach mixture, and the remaining 2 tablespoons are mixed with the cracker crumbs.
Can I make this recipe low-fat?
Yes, you can use a low-fat or fat-free butter substitute to reduce the fat content.
What kind of cream should I use?
You can use either light cream or half-and-half.
How many onions are included?
The recipe requires 6 heaping tablespoons of minced onions.
What size baking dish is recommended?
Use a shallow, buttered 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
What is the topping made of?
The topping is a mixture of 1/2 cup cracker crumbs and 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until the top is golden and lightly crusted.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 207 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 13 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 12 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 7 grams of protein.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients, including seasoning.
Is this recipe suitable for picky eaters?
Yes, it is noted as being a family favorite that even picky eaters and children enjoy.
Are there specific seasonings used?
The dish is seasoned with salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, the instructions specify using a buttered baking dish.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish has a creamy, soft spinach base with a crispy, golden cracker crust on top.
Should the casserole cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let it cool slightly after removing it from the oven.
How do I ensure the cracker crumbs are well coated?
Mix them in a separate small bowl with the melted butter before sprinkling them over the spinach.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized under Spinach and is considered comfort food.
Is this an easy recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is described as incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect side dish for any meal.