Cream Cheese Spinach Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Comfort Food Recipe

Are you searching for a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish? Look no further than this Cream Cheese Spinach Casserole! This recipe is a delightful blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and healthy spinach, making it a perfect side dish for any occasion, or even a satisfying vegetarian main course. It’s incredibly versatile, easily adaptable to your taste preferences, and always a crowd-pleaser. This casserole is perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply a cozy weeknight dinner. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant dish!

## Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Spinach Casserole

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and uses readily available ingredients.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of cream cheese, spinach, and other seasonings creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this casserole by adding different cheeses, vegetables, or proteins.
* **Comfort Food:** This dish is warm, comforting, and perfect for any time of year.
* **Great for Leftovers:** This casserole tastes just as good, if not better, the next day.
* **Perfect for Potlucks:** Easy to transport and always a hit at gatherings.
* **Vegetarian Friendly:** A delicious and filling vegetarian option.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather these simple ingredients. Don’t worry if you need to make substitutions – this recipe is forgiving!

* **Frozen Spinach:** 30 ounces, thawed and squeezed dry. It’s crucial to squeeze out as much excess water as possible to prevent a watery casserole. You can use fresh spinach, but you’ll need to cook it down and thoroughly drain it before adding it to the casserole.
* **Cream Cheese:** 8 ounces, softened. Softened cream cheese is essential for a smooth and creamy texture. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before starting.
* **Sour Cream:** 1 cup. Adds tanginess and moisture to the casserole. You can substitute Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
* **Butter:** 1/4 cup, melted. Used for sautéing the onion and garlic, and also for the breadcrumb topping.
* **Yellow Onion:** 1/2 cup, chopped. Provides a savory base flavor.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup, grated. Provides a salty and nutty flavor. You can use pre-grated or grate it fresh.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 1 cup, shredded. Adds a melty and cheesy texture. You can use other cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack.
* **Eggs:** 2 large. Act as a binder and help to set the casserole.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Seasoning is key to enhancing the flavors of the dish.
* **Nutmeg:** 1/4 teaspoon. Adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the flavor.
* **Breadcrumbs:** 1/2 cup, plain or panko. Provides a crispy topping.
* **Optional Ingredients:** Cooked bacon, chopped mushrooms, water chestnuts, artichoke hearts, red pepper flakes for a little heat.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Cream Cheese Spinach Casserole:

**Step 1: Prepare the Spinach**

* Thaw the frozen spinach completely. Place it in a colander and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This is the most important step to prevent a watery casserole. Use your hands, a clean kitchen towel, or even a potato ricer to remove the moisture.

**Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**Step 3: Combine the Ingredients**

* In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined and smooth. A hand mixer can be helpful for this step, but it’s not necessary.
* Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the cream cheese mixture. Stir in the squeezed spinach, eggs, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

**Step 4: Assemble the Casserole**

* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Pour the spinach mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly.

**Step 5: Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping**

* In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
* Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the spinach casserole.

**Step 6: Bake the Casserole**

* Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the casserole with aluminum foil.

**Step 7: Let it Rest**

* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to slice.

## Tips and Variations

This Cream Cheese Spinach Casserole is incredibly versatile. Here are some tips and variations to customize it to your liking:

* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different cheeses! Try adding cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, Gruyere cheese, or even a sprinkle of goat cheese for a tangy twist.
* **Add Protein:** For a heartier casserole, add cooked bacon, crumbled sausage, shredded chicken, or diced ham.
* **Vegetable Additions:** Add chopped mushrooms, water chestnuts, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and texture.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
* **Use Fresh Spinach:** If using fresh spinach, you’ll need about 1 pound. Cook it in a skillet until wilted and then thoroughly drain it before adding it to the casserole.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
* **Make it Dairy-Free:** Use dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese alternatives.
* **Garlic Lovers:** Add an extra clove or two of garlic for a bolder flavor.
* **Herb Infusion:** Mix in fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives for added freshness.
* **Creamy Texture Enhancement:** For an even creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the spinach mixture.
* **Breadcrumb Alternative:** Top with crushed Ritz crackers or fried onions for a different textural element.
* **Make Ahead:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the breadcrumb topping just before baking.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Allow the casserole to cool completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
* **Serving Suggestions:** Serve this Cream Cheese Spinach Casserole as a side dish with roasted chicken, pork chops, steak, or fish. It’s also a great addition to holiday meals and potlucks. For a vegetarian main course, serve it with a side salad or crusty bread.

## Serving Suggestions

This Cream Cheese Spinach Casserole pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **As a Side Dish:**
* Roasted Chicken or Turkey
* Pork Chops
* Steak
* Baked Salmon
* Ham
* **As a Vegetarian Main Course:**
* Serve with a side salad and crusty bread.
* Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.
* **For Holidays:**
* Thanksgiving
* Christmas
* Easter
* **Potlucks:**
* Always a crowd-pleaser!

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Cream Cheese Spinach Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed. Covering with foil prevents excessive browning during reheating in the oven.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* (Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
* Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
* Calories: Approximately 250-300
* Fat: 15-20g
* Protein: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

* **Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?**
* Yes, you can use fresh spinach. You’ll need about 1 pound. Cook it in a skillet until wilted and then thoroughly drain it before adding it to the casserole.
* **How do I prevent a watery casserole?**
* The key is to squeeze out as much excess water as possible from the spinach. Thaw the frozen spinach completely and then squeeze it dry using your hands, a clean kitchen towel, or a potato ricer.
* **Can I make this casserole ahead of time?**
* Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the breadcrumb topping just before baking.
* **Can I freeze this casserole?**
* Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Allow it to cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
* **Can I use different cheeses?**
* Absolutely! Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or goat cheese.
* **Is this casserole vegetarian?**
* Yes, this casserole is vegetarian.
* **Can I make this casserole dairy-free?**
* Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese alternatives.

## Conclusion

This Cream Cheese Spinach Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and versatile enough to adapt to your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a comforting side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a warm and cheesy delight!

Enjoy!