Spinach Rockefeller Casserole

Spinach Rockefeller Casserole is a delightful blend of creamy spinach and crispy topping, making it an ideal side dish for any occasion. This casserole combines the comforting flavors of spinach with a crunchy bread and Parmesan topping. Perfect for holiday dinners or casual family meals, this dish is sure to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this casserole comes together quickly.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spinach, butter, and Parmesan creates a creamy and savory taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Side Dish: Pair it with beef, lamb, or even serve it alongside your favorite roasted chicken for a complete meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is loved by both kids and adults alike, making it perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it just before serving.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make preparing your Spinach Rockefeller Casserole easier. Here’s what you need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Small bowl
• Fork
• Whisk
• Casserole dish

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium saucepan: Ideal for cooking the spinach evenly without losing moisture.
• Casserole dish: A must-have for baking; it ensures even cooking and browning of the topping.

Ingredients

To make the delicious Spinach Rockefeller Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Spinach Mixture

• 2 boxes frozen chopped spinach
• ¼ cup water
• 3 slices white bread, crusts removed, torn into pieces
• ½ cup butter (1 stick)
• 1 tsp celery salt
• 1½ tsps Worcestershire sauce (or Lea & Perrins)
• ¼ tsp garlic salt

For the Topping

• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• ½ cup coarse, fresh bread crumbs (made from white bread in a food processor)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan

How to Make Spinach Rockefeller Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400ºF to ensure it’s hot enough when you’re ready to bake.

Step 2: Cook the Spinach

In a medium saucepan:
1. Add the frozen spinach and ¼ cup water.
2. Cover with a lid and cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes.
3. Stir frequently to break up the spinach as it cooks. Do NOT drain the water.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Once cooked:
1. Add the torn bread pieces, butter, celery salt, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic salt to the spinach mixture.
2. Stir until combined and simmer for about 10 minutes while stirring frequently.

Step 4: Make the Topping

In a small bowl:
1. Combine 2 tablespoons melted butter with bread crumbs and Parmesan using a fork until crumbly.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

1. Lightly butter a small round casserole dish.
2. Pour the spinach mixture into the dish and smooth out the top.
3. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb/Parmesan topping over the spinach.
4. Bake in the center of your preheated oven for 15 minutes until browned and bubbly.

Enjoy your delicious Spinach Rockefeller Casserole as a perfect side dish!

How to Serve Spinach Rockefeller Casserole

Spinach Rockefeller Casserole is a versatile dish that pairs well with various meals. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a casual dinner, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Beef Dishes

• Roast Beef: The creamy spinach complements the rich flavors of roast beef beautifully.
• Beef Tenderloin: A perfect pairing, adding elegance to special occasions.

Accompanying Lamb

• Grilled Lamb Chops: The savory notes of lamb work well with the casserole’s creaminess.
• Lamb Roast: A classic combination, ideal for festive meals.

As a Standalone Dish

• With Fresh Salad: A light salad can balance the richness of the casserole.
• On Its Own: Enjoy it as a hearty vegetarian option for lunch or dinner.

With Bread

• Crusty Bread Roll: Serve warm with butter for a comforting meal.
• Garlic Bread: The flavor of garlic bread enhances the overall taste experience.

How to Perfect Spinach Rockefeller Casserole

To get the best results from your Spinach Rockefeller Casserole, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Spinach: For an even richer flavor, substitute frozen spinach with fresh. Just be sure to cook it down properly before mixing.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your mixture before baking and adjust the salt or Worcestershire sauce for your preference.
• Opt for Quality Cheese: Using freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-grated will elevate the flavor and texture of your topping.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or herbs to your breadcrumb topping for added crunch and flavor.
• Bake Until Golden Brown: Keep an eye on it while it bakes; you want that crispy top without burning it.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to cool slightly before serving helps it set and makes serving easier.

Best Side Dishes for Spinach Rockefeller Casserole

Enhance your meal by pairing Spinach Rockefeller Casserole with these delicious side dishes.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting companion.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness balances the richness of the casserole nicely.
3. Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots offer a lovely contrast in flavor.
4. Creamy Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds freshness and texture to your plate.
5. Quinoa Salad: Nutty quinoa tossed with veggies provides a nutritious option alongside.
6. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is always a hit, especially when buttered generously.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Spinach Rockefeller Casserole, it’s easy to overlook a few details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the thawing step – Always ensure the frozen spinach is well thawed before cooking. This prevents excess water from making your casserole soggy.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Measuring ingredients ensures balanced flavors and textures. Use precise measurements for butter and seasonings.
• Ignoring the cooking time – Cooking spinach too long can result in a mushy texture. Follow the timing closely for the best consistency.
• Using stale bread for topping – Fresh bread creates a better texture. Avoid old or hard bread to maintain a crispy topping.
• Overbaking the casserole – Keep an eye on your casserole while it bakes. Overbaking can lead to burnt edges instead of a nicely browned top.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The Spinach Rockefeller Casserole will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Spinach Rockefeller Casserole

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Spinach Rockefeller Casserole

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350ºF and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat in short intervals, stirring between, until hot, usually about 3-5 minutes depending on your microwave’s power.
• Stovetop – Place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently until warmed through, which should take about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Just sauté it until wilted before adding it to your mixture.

What can I serve with Spinach Rockefeller Casserole?

This dish pairs well with beef or lamb dishes for a festive meal or can be enjoyed as a stand-alone side.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make Spinach Rockefeller Casserole gluten-free, substitute regular bread with gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I customize the toppings?

Absolutely! You can add different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for extra flavor or mix in nuts for added crunch.

Final Thoughts

Spinach Rockefeller Casserole is a delightful and versatile dish that brings comfort and sophistication to any table. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners. Feel free to customize it with different toppings or add-ins such as nuts or additional spices. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its creamy texture paired with that crunchy topping!

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Spinach Rockefeller Casserole

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x

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Description

Indulge in the irresistible Spinach Rockefeller Casserole, a delightful blend of creamy spinach and crisp, golden topping. This comforting dish combines buttery spinach with crunchy bread and Parmesan for a savory flavor that will impress at any gathering. Ideal for holiday feasts or casual family dinners, it’s a crowd-pleaser loved by both kids and adults alike. Easy to prepare and make ahead of time, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your home.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boxes frozen chopped spinach
• ¼ cup water
• 3 slices white bread (crusts removed)
• ½ cup butter (1 stick)
• 1 tsp celery salt
• 1½ tsps Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ tsp garlic salt
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
• ½ cup coarse fresh bread crumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine frozen spinach and water. Cover and cook on medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Mix torn bread, butter, celery salt, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic salt into the cooked spinach until well combined.
4. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with breadcrumbs and Parmesan until crumbly.
5. Lightly butter a casserole dish, pour in the spinach mixture, top with breadcrumb mixture, and bake for 15 minutes until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Side
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece (90g)
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 40mg