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Cheesy Spinach Casserole – with Crispy Topping Recipe

Cheesy Spinach Casserole – with Crispy Topping Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 27 reviews

This Cheesy Spinach Casserole features a rich, creamy cheese sauce combined with fresh spinach and topped with a crispy golden crust of fried onions, panko breadcrumbs, and Gouda cheese. Perfect as a comforting side dish or a vegetarian main, this casserole balances decadent cheesy flavor with the fresh zest of lemon for a delightful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Topping:

  • 1 cup fried onions, lightly crushed (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup shredded Gouda cheese

Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 18 oz. fresh spinach (about 2 bags)
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 4 oz. cream cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional but recommended)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Topping: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, combine the fried onions, panko breadcrumbs, and shredded Gouda cheese. Mix well and set aside to use as a crispy topping later.
  2. Cook Spinach: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach in batches, cooking and stirring until wilted, about 5 minutes total. Transfer the wilted spinach to a bowl and set aside.
  3. Make Roux: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until bubbly. Add the minced garlic and flour, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon for about 2 minutes to cook the flour and form a roux.
  4. Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, adding it little by little. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir frequently while cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  5. Melt Cream Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until fully combined and smooth.
  6. Add Gruyère Cheese: Gradually add the shredded Gruyère cheese a little at a time, stirring well after each addition to fully incorporate the cheese into the sauce.
  7. Incorporate Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese; the sauce will thicken further and become very creamy.
  8. Add Spinach and Onions: Return the cooked spinach along with any accumulated juices back into the skillet. Stir to combine evenly. Then fold in half a cup of the French fried onions.
  9. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the creamy spinach mixture to an 8-by-8-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  10. Top and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the prepared topping mixture over the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
  11. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Optionally, sprinkle freshly grated lemon zest over the top just before serving to brighten the flavors.

Notes

  • You can use store-bought fried onions or make your own for the topping depending on your preference.
  • Adjust seasoning like salt and pepper to taste; the cheese and fried onions add saltiness so be cautious.
  • The lemon zest is optional but highly recommended as it adds a fresh contrast to the rich cheese and spinach.
  • Ensure to stir the sauce frequently when adding milk and cream to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth texture.
  • The casserole is best served warm but can be refrigerated and reheated; add extra topping before reheating for crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach casserole, cheesy spinach bake, comfort food, vegetarian casserole, baked spinach recipe, crispy topping, Gruyere cheese casserole

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/cheesy-spinach-casserole-with-crispy-topping-recipe/