Description
Trisha Yearwood’s Spinach Casserole is a rich, creamy Southern-style side dish made with tender spinach in a cheesy white sauce and topped with crispy seasoned breadcrumbs. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, and potlucks.
Ingredients
2 (10-ounce) packages frozen spinach, thawed and well-drained
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Cooking spray or butter, for greasing the dish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Thaw the spinach and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Set aside.
3. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook 4–5 minutes until softened.
4. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
6. Slowly whisk in the milk, then the heavy cream. Cook 3–5 minutes, whisking, until thickened and smooth.
7. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
8. Fold the drained spinach into the cheese sauce until evenly combined.
9. Spread mixture into the prepared casserole dish and top evenly with seasoned breadcrumbs.
10. Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Drain the spinach very well to prevent a watery casserole.
For extra crunch, toss the breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter before topping.
Make-ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready (add 5–10 minutes to bake time if cold).
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the topping crisp.
Family-safe substitutions: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free; swap half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg