Spinach-Parmesan Casserole

Spinach-Parmesan casserole is the perfect side dish for … well, just about anything. Mild, silky and earthy spinach combines with the bold, nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese to complement meats, pastas and roasted vegetables. Ready in under 30 minutes, this nutritious superfood side is something the whole family will be excited about.

Spinach-Parmesan Casserole Ingredients

• Baby spinach
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1: Cook the spinach

Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a large stockpot, bring 5 cups of water to a boil. Add the spinach and cook, covered, for one minute or until just wilted. Remove the spinach from the pot and drain it well in a colander.

Step 2: Sauté the garlic and seasonings

In a small skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat until melted. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning and salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is tender, one to two minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.

Step 3: Compose and bake the casserole

Spread the spinach into a greased 1-1/2-quart or 8-inch square baking dish. Drizzle it with the butter and garlic mixture, then sprinkle it with the shredded Parmesan. Bake the casserole, uncovered, until the cheese is lightly browned, 10 to 15 minutes.

How to Store Spinach-Parmesan Casserole

Once cooled, leftover cheese and spinach casserole can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for three to four days. To extend its shelf life, leftovers can be frozen for up to four months. Once it’s thawed, reheat it in the microwave or bake it in a 350° oven until it’s heated through.

Spinach-Parmesan Casserole Tips

How can I add more texture to spinach-Parmesan casserole?

To give this dish a little more texture and bite, consider adding seasoned bread crumbs before baking. For the best results, toss the bread crumbs with the melted butter before sprinkling them over the casserole.

Can I use frozen spinach to make spinach-Parmesan casserole?

You absolutely can. In order to use frozen spinach, you’ll first need to let it thaw, and then try to extract as much liquid from the spinach as possible. The best method is to let it thaw in a colander and simply press it down to remove the liquid. When the spinach is well dried, follow the recipe as written.

How can I add a little zing to this cheese and spinach casserole?

If you want to brighten the flavors of this cheesy spinach dish, try adding some lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before baking. Additionally, you can add roasted red peppers or sliced kalamata olives for extra color and flavor. Spinach-Parmesan casserole is incredibly versatile and easy to customize to your taste.