Name: Trisha Yearwood’s Creamy Spinach Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 20 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred); 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter

If you’re craving something creamy, cheesy, and indulgently rich, look no further than Trisha Yearwood’s Spinach Casserole. This dish balances a wonderful medley of flavors while keeping the focus firmly on the wholesome goodness of spinach. The blend of rich béchamel sauce, gooey mozzarella, and crispy breadcrumbs creates an irresistible combination that’s simply perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, festive potluck, or as a delightful side dish at holiday gatherings. It’s the kind of recipe that appeals to everyone, from picky eaters to devoted veggie lovers, ensuring smiles all around the dinner table.

This Spinach Casserole is not just about taste; it’s designed to be easy and quick to prepare. With convenient frozen spinach leading the charge, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying delicious comfort food. Plus, with the addition of sour cream and mayonnaise, you’re in for a luscious, creamy texture that will have your guests asking for seconds. Whether served alongside grilled chicken or as a standalone dish, every bite is a warm hug for your taste buds!

Why You’ll Love This Spinach Casserole

Rich Flavor: The perfect balance of creamy sauces and savory cheeses makes this dish a flavor bomb.
Easy to Prepare: Simply thaw, mix, and bake – it truly doesn’t get any easier than this!
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for an effortless dinner solution.
Family-Friendly: The cheesy goodness appeals to all ages, making it a great option for picky eaters.
Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a main dish or a delightful side, it fits beautifully into any mealtime.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To kick things off for your cooking adventure, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen properly. Start by gathering your ingredients to ensure everything is on hand. You’ll need a saucepan for creating the béchamel sauce and a large mixing bowl for combining the spinach and sauces. A 9×13-inch baking dish will be necessary for the oven, and having a whisk and wooden spoon ready will help you stir everything smoothly.

Make sure you have measuring cups and spoons handy for accuracy, especially when it comes to seasonings and cheese. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you mix the ingredients, so it’s at a perfect temperature by the time you’re ready to bake. This will help achieve that bubbly, golden perfection you’re aiming for.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
20 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Thaw and Prepare the Spinach

Your first step is crucial for the perfect casserole: thaw your frozen spinach thoroughly and squeeze out any excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel. This ensures that your casserole doesn’t turn out watery and helps preserve the dish’s rich flavor and creamy texture.

Step 2: Create the Béchamel Sauce

In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter. Once the butter is bubbling gently, add in the chopped onion and sauté it until it becomes tender and translucent, which should take about 4 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to infuse its aroma.

Step 3: Whisk in the Flour

Now, sprinkle the flour into the saucepan to form a roux, whisking continuously for about a minute. Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while still whisking to achieve a smooth consistency. Let this mixture cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens nicely to create your creamy béchamel sauce.

Step 4: Season the Sauce

Season your béchamel sauce generously with salt, black pepper, ground nutmeg, and garlic powder. Stir in the grated Parmesan and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until they melt into the sauce, resulting in a deliciously cheesy filling.

Step 5: Combine Spinach and Sauces

Transfer the thawed and drained spinach into a large mixing bowl and add the sour cream and mayonnaise. Pour the rich cheese sauce over the spinach mixture and stir well to incorporate everything evenly. This creamy blend is the heart of your casserole, so mix thoroughly!

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven if you haven’t already, then generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the spinach mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking and cheesiness throughout.

Step 7: Add the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter; this will help achieve that delightful crispy texture on top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole, followed by the breadcrumb mixture to create a beautiful topping.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place your assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake it for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. If you desire an extra crisp finish, try broiling it for 1 to 2 minutes at the end—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked to perfection, let your Spinach Casserole rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. This waiting period allows it to set a little, making portioning easier and ensuring that everyone gets an ample serving. Serve this dish warm, and watch as it disappears in no time!

Variations

Protein: Add cooked diced chicken or crumbled sausage for a heartier dish.
Vegetables: Incorporate chopped artichokes or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Spices: Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of spice or Italian herbs for an extra layer of flavor.

Cooking Notes

For a vegetarian-friendly version, ensure the cheese used is rennet-free.
Feel free to make this casserole a day in advance and bake it just before serving for maximum convenience.
Don’t skip squeezing the spinach! Well-drained spinach is key to preventing sogginess.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with roasted chicken or crispy fried fish for a delightful family dinner.
Enjoy as a side with your favorite grilled meats or pasta dishes.

Tips

Experiment with different cheese blends; sharp cheddar or pepper jack can add new flavors.
Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for a lighter, brighter taste, if preferred (be sure to wilt it down first).

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 560mg

FAQs

Can I make this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours ahead of time. Just assemble it, cover tightly and refrigerate it unbaked until you’re ready to bake it.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Leftover casserole can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh spinach can be used. You’ll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach, wilted down before adding to the mixture.

Conclusion

Trisha Yearwood’s Spinach Casserole is an irresistible dish that effortlessly marries flavor and comfort. With every creamy bite, you’ll be reminded why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. So why not gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a masterpiece that will delight your family and friends? Don’t forget to share your thoughts on this delicious casserole in the comments, and let us know what variations you tried. Happy cooking!