Calhoun's Knoxville Tennessee Spinach Maria

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly decadent, Calhoun's Knoxville Tennessee Spinach Maria is the ultimate comfort food side dish that will elevate any meal. This Southern-inspired recipe features tender spinach folded into a rich, velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, and cream cheese, creating layers of bold, savory flavor. Seasoned with a hint of cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and a dash of hot sauce, it delivers just the right amount of warmth and spice. Topped with golden panko breadcrumbs and baked to bubbly perfection, this baked spinach casserole is both creamy and delightfully crispy. Perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners, this crowd-pleasing dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats, barbecue, or simply as a star-worthy vegetarian option. Make this iconic Knoxville favorite and savor a taste of Tennessee at your table!

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 20 oz frozen chopped spinach
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 cup onion (finely diced)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups milk
• 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 0.25 tsp ground cayenne pepper
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Defrost the frozen spinach according to package instructions. Squeeze out as much excess water as possible and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to make a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the flour has a light golden color.

Step 5

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and add the sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Stir until all the cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth.

Step 7

Season the cheese sauce with cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 8

Fold in the drained spinach, mixing well to combine. Ensure the spinach is evenly coated with the cheese mixture.

Step 9

Transfer the spinach mixture to a greased 2-quart baking dish. Spread it out evenly in the dish.

Step 10

Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top to create a crisp topping.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the edges are bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Spinach Maria!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1688.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2850.6

Total Fat 208.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 128.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.0g
Cholesterol 621.4mg	0%
Sodium 6202.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 106.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.8g	0%
Total Sugars 33.0g
Protein 158.8g	0%

Vitamin D 227.8IU	0%
Calcium 4708.2mg	0%
Iron 13.6mg	0%
Potassium 4038.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 63.8%

Protein: 21.6%

Carbs: 14.6%