The Ultimate Cheesy Baked Spinach Casserole Recipe for Dinner

Melting cheese and vibrant baked spinach casserole recipe combine to create a comforting dish that speaks directly to your soul.

Creamy textures dance with earthy green goodness in every delectable bite.

Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly into a side dish that rivals restaurant-quality offerings.

This Mediterranean-inspired creation brings warmth to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Each forkful promises a delightful balance of flavor and nutrition that will leave you wanting more.

The rich, velvety casserole transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Dive into this delicious recipe and savor every satisfying moment.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 292 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredient List for Baked Spinach Casserole Recipe

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking foundation and helps release aromatic flavors.
• Onion: Adds sweet depth and creates rich flavor base for the casserole.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent undertones that elevate overall dish complexity.

• Cream Cheese: Creates luxurious, velvety texture and brings tangy richness.
• Sour Cream: Introduces subtle tanginess and helps bind ingredients smoothly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes sharp, nutty essence and enhances savory profile.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers classic stretchy melting quality and mild creaminess.

• Frozen Chopped Spinach: Provides nutritious green base with earthy vegetable character.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies overall recipe seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle, warming spice and subtle heat.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for introducing vibrant, zesty kick.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates delightful crispy topping layer with delicate crunch.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers bright, fresh garnish with herbal green notes.

Kitchen Tools for Preparing Baked Spinach Casserole

• Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing onions and garlic, creating the flavor base of the casserole.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for blending cheeses and combining ingredients smoothly.
• Baking Dish: Greased and ready to hold the creamy spinach mixture for baking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and parsley.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and herb chopping.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in the skillet and bowl.

How to Prepare and Bake Spinach Casserole

Cozy Spinach Cheese Delight

• Oven Warmup Prep

Get your kitchen ready by heating the oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray to prevent any sticky situations.

• Flavor Foundation

In a sizzling skillet, dance some olive oil around with chopped onions and minced garlic. Let them mingle and soften, releasing their delicious aroma for about 3-4 minutes.

• Spinach Magic

Toss in the drained spinach and let it join the party in the skillet. Stir everything together until it’s heated through and looking vibrant.

• Creamy Cheese Blend

Whip up a dreamy mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Sprinkle in some salt, pepper, and a hint of red pepper flakes for extra excitement.

• Casserole Assembly

Fold the spinach into the cheesy wonderland, making sure every leaf gets coated in creamy goodness. Spread this mixture into your prepared baking dish.

• Golden Bake

Slide the dish into the waiting oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the center bubbles with warmth.

• Final Touch

Pull out your masterpiece and let it rest for a moment. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve and enjoy your comforting creation!

Custom Spinach Casserole Flavor Additions

• Spinach Cheese Swap Magic: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, goat cheese, or ricotta to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
• Protein Power Boost: Add cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham to transform this side dish into a hearty main course that fills hungry bellies and adds extra protein.
• Texture Twist Technique: Mix in toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds before baking to introduce a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy spinach base.
• Spice Level Adventure: Play with heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or introducing smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños for those who love a little extra kick in their dishes.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and bake, making meal preparation super convenient for busy days.

Serving Tips for Baked Spinach Casserole

• Festive Party Platter: Slice the casserole into bite-sized squares and serve on a decorative platter with toothpicks for easy appetizer-style nibbling during game nights or holiday gatherings.
• Protein Power-Up: Pair the spinach casserole with grilled chicken breast, baked salmon, or sliced steak to create a complete and nutritious meal that satisfies protein lovers and vegetable enthusiasts alike.
• Brunch Brilliance: Serve warm alongside crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and buttered toast for a delightful weekend brunch that will impress family and friends with its creamy texture and robust flavors.
• Mediterranean Sidekick: Complement the casserole with a fresh Greek salad, warm pita bread, or roasted Mediterranean vegetables to enhance its rich, cheesy profile and add extra nutritional value to your dining experience.

Storing and Reheating Baked Spinach Casserole

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated spinach casserole remains delicious for 3-4 days when sealed properly, maintaining its creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual portions or entire casserole in tight aluminum foil or freezer-safe containers. Frozen dishes stay tasty for up to 2 months, offering convenient meal options for busy days. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated casserole in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to restore original texture. Microwave works for quick single servings, but might slightly compromise the dish's creamy consistency. Always ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Portion Control Trick: Divide casserole into single-serving containers immediately after cooling. This approach helps with meal prep, makes grab-and-go lunches easier, and prevents unnecessary repeated reheating that could degrade food quality.

Creamy Baked Spinach Casserole

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy spinach casserole delivers comfort with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients and cheese. Herb-infused layers promise delightful flavors you’ll savor with each comforting bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (10 oz / 283 g) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 (8 oz / 227 g) package cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick of heat)
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch)
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and thoroughly grease a ceramic baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
2. Sauté Foundation: In a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until softened and translucent, releasing aromatic flavors.
3. Spinach Integration: Add thawed spinach to the skillet, stirring methodically to incorporate with aromatics and eliminate excess moisture, creating a cohesive vegetable base.
4. Cheese Fusion: Combine cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a large mixing bowl, whisking until achieving a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
5. Blending Components: Gently fold the spinach mixture into the creamy cheese blend, ensuring complete and even distribution of ingredients.
6. Baking Preparation: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, leveling the surface and optionally sprinkling breadcrumbs on top for added texture and golden crispness.
7. Oven Transformation: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, watching for enthusiastic bubbling edges and a beautifully bronzed surface indicating perfect doneness.
8. Final Flourish: Remove from oven and allow brief cooling. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finishing touch before serving.

Notes

• Prepare Ahead: Thaw spinach completely and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent watery consistency and ensure a rich, creamy texture.
• Cheese Temperature Tip: Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for 30 minutes, creating smoother blending and preventing lumpy mixture.
• Caramelization Secret: Cook onions and garlic slowly over medium-low heat to develop deep, sweet flavor without burning.
• Crispy Topping Trick: For extra crunch, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling, creating a golden, crisp surface that adds textural excitement.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 292
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 389 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 47 mg