Spinach Madeline

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly flavorful, Spinach Madeline is the ultimate comfort food side dish that's perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or any special occasion. This Southern-inspired classic features a rich blend of Monterey Jack, Parmesan, and spicy jalapeño cheese, combined with tender spinach in a velvety, seasoned cream sauce. A touch of garlic powder and cayenne pepper adds depth and a gentle kick, while an optional golden breadcrumb topping delivers a delightful crunch. Ready in just 45 minutes, this baked spinach casserole is a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled fish, or even as a vegetarian main course. Savor the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness with every comforting bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 0.5 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• 16 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 cup jalapeño or pepper jack cheese, shredded (for a spicy kick)
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for breadcrumbs, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.

Step 2

In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.

Step 5

Gradually pour in the evaporated milk and broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheeses (Monterey Jack, Parmesan, and jalapeño cheese). Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 7

Add the drained spinach to the cheese mixture and mix well to combine.

Step 8

Season with garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 9

Transfer the spinach mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 10

If you'd like a breadcrumb topping, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl and sprinkle over the spinach mixture.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1345.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2050.9

Total Fat 139.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 82.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 387.0mg	0%
Sodium 4295.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 120.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.2g	0%
Total Sugars 40.3g
Protein 99.2g	0%

Vitamin D 255.9IU	0%
Calcium 3085.2mg	0%
Iron 12.1mg	0%
Potassium 3455.4mg	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: 58.8%

Protein: 18.6%

Carbs: 22.6%