Spinach Maria

Creamy, cheesy, and utterly indulgent, Spinach Maria is the ultimate comfort food side dish that will elevate any meal. This Southern-inspired recipe combines tender blanched spinach with a luxurious blend of cream cheese, heavy cream, sour cream, and two types of shredded cheese—sharp cheddar and Parmesan—for a velvety base that’s perfectly seasoned with cayenne, smoked paprika, and a dash of garlic. Topped with a golden, bubbly layer of cheddar, this baked spinach casserole is an irresistible crowd-pleaser, ideal for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy dinner at home. Ready in just 40 minutes, this rich and flavorful dish pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, steak, or even as a standalone vegetarian delight. Master this spinach side and watch it become a guaranteed family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 ounces fresh spinach
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 0.5 cups (finely chopped) yellow onion
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 4 ounces (softened) cream cheese
• 0.5 cups heavy cream
• 0.25 cups sour cream
• 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.25 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the spinach for 1-2 minutes, or until wilted. Drain the spinach in a colander, pressing out excess liquid with the back of a spoon. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened but not browned.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Lower the heat to medium-low and add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese has melted and is fully incorporated with the onions and garlic.

Step 6

Gradually add the heavy cream and sour cream, stirring constantly to create a smooth mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the sharp cheddar cheese and all the Parmesan cheese. Cook until the cheese has melted and the mixture is creamy and smooth.

Step 8

Season the mixture with cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 9

Fold the drained spinach into the cheese mixture until well combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 10

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of sharp cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 11

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. If desired, broil for 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden brown top.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy Spinach Maria!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1157.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2328.1

Total Fat 197.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 123.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.4g
Cholesterol 609.1mg	0%
Sodium 4232.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 47.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.7g	0%
Total Sugars 13.1g
Protein 93.7g	0%

Vitamin D 52.5IU	0%
Calcium 2697.6mg	0%
Iron 16.1mg	0%
Potassium 544.9mg	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: 75.9%

Protein: 16.0%

Carbs: 8.1%