Spinach Marie With Cheddar Recipe

Spinach Marie with Cheddar is a creamy, hearty dish that will leave you craving for more. The delicate balance of fresh spinach and rich, melted cheddar cheese makes this dish a perfect comfort food. The dish is simple to prepare and is sure to impress your family and friends with its delectable depth of flavors.

Photos of Spinach Marie With Cheddar Recipe

Spinach Marie with Cheddar uses ingredients that are commonly found in most households. However, if you're missing any, your local supermarket should have them. The key ingredients you might need to pick up are fresh spinach and cheddar cheese. Fresh spinach offers a better taste and a crispier texture compared to frozen spinach. As for the cheddar, opt for a good quality matured cheddar for a rich and tangy flavor.

Ingredients for Spinach Marie with Cheddar

Milk: Milk serves as the base for the creamy sauce in this recipe.

Dry mustard: It adds a tangy kick to balance out the richness of the cheese.

Garlic salt: Garlic salt provides the necessary seasoning and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Butter: Used for sautéing and also for making the roux for the sauce.

Onion: Adds a sweet depth to the overall flavor profile.

All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to give it a perfect consistency.

Cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that gives this dish its name and rich, cheesy flavor.

Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a refreshing crunch and nutritional value to the dish.

Monterey jack cheese: Adds a mild and creamy touch to the dish.

One reader, Colene Mcnally says:

This spinach marie with cheddar recipe is a game-changer! The creamy cheddar and spinach combo is simply divine. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the dish is so easy to make. It's a hit with my family every time. Highly recommend trying it out!

Colene Mcnally

Techniques Required for Making Spinach Marie with Cheddar

How to prepare the milk mixture: Combine milk, dry mustard, and garlic salt in a saucepan over low heat. Bring to a slow boil and simmer for 2 minutes.

How to sauté onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onions until browned.

How to make a roux: In a small skillet or saucepan, combine 3 tablespoons of melted butter with flour. Cook over medium-low heat until thickened.

How to melt the cheddar cheese: Add the cheddar cheese to the milk mixture and mix well until melted.

How to bake the casserole: Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch casserole dish, sprinkle with Monterey Jack cheese, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until heated through.

How To Make Spinach Marie With Cheddar

This flavorful pancake-like spinach Marie is a decadent combination of cheddar, milk, fresh spinach, flavorful spices, and Monterey Jack cheeses.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 30 minutes

Total: 40 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2½cupsmilk
½tspdry mustard
½tspgarlic salt
1tbspbutter
½cuponion,chopped
3tbspbutter,melted
3tbspall-purpose flour
¾lbcheddar cheese,cubed
10ozspinach,frozen chopped, thawed and drained, 3 packages
1cupMonterey Jack Cheese,shredded

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine milk, dry mustard, and garlic salt. Bring to a slow boil and simmer for 2 minutes.
In a small skillet or saucepan heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Saute onion until browned; stir into milk.
In a small skillet or saucepan, combine 3 tablespoons melted butter with flour. Cook over medium-low heat until thickened; stir into milk.
To the milk mixture, add the Cheddar cheese, mixing well to melt. Stir in spinach. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish and sprinkle with Monterey Jack cheese.
Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition

Calories: 355.70kcal
Fat: 27.84g
Saturated Fat: 16.49g
Trans Fat: 0.73g
Monounsaturated Fat: 7.18g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.21g
Carbohydrates: 8.97g
Fiber: 1.06g
Sugar: 4.65g
Protein: 18.22g
Cholesterol: 80.95mg
Sodium: 435.01mg
Calcium: 536.30mg
Potassium: 366.74mg
Iron: 1.35mg
Vitamin A: 394.35µg
Vitamin C: 10.71mg

Helpful Technique Tip for Preparing Spinach Marie with Cheddar

When making the spinach marie with cheddar, it's important to gradually add the cheddar cheese into the milk mixture. This will ensure that the cheese melts evenly and prevents it from clumping together. Also, make sure to continuously stir the mixture as you add the cheese to keep it smooth and creamy.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Spinach and Cheddar Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup.

Batch cooking: Make larger quantities and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals later.

Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily locate ingredients and utensils while cooking.

Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and slow cookers to expedite meal preparation.

Efficient multitasking: Plan your cooking process to efficiently multitask and save time in the kitchen.

Substitute Ingredients For Spinach Marie With Cheddar Recipe

milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, and it adds a slightly nutty flavor to the dish.
dry mustard - Substitute with prepared mustard: Prepared mustard can be used in place of dry mustard, but it may alter the texture slightly due to the added liquid.
garlic salt - Substitute with garlic powder and salt: Mix garlic powder and salt together to replace garlic salt, ensuring the right balance of flavors without the added moisture.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter, and it adds a subtle fruity note to the dish.
onion - Substitute with shallot: Shallots have a milder flavor compared to onions and can be a suitable substitute, adding a delicate sweetness to the dish.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier option, although it may result in a slightly denser texture.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with gouda cheese: Gouda cheese can be used as a substitute, providing a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor to the dish.
spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for spinach, offering a similar texture and a slightly earthier flavor.
monterey jack cheese - Substitute with pepper jack cheese: Pepper jack cheese can be used as a substitute, adding a spicy kick to the dish.

Best Way to Present Spinach Marie with Cheddar

Elevate the plating: As a chef, presentation is key when serving a dish to culinary professionals. Ensure that the spinach marie with cheddar is plated elegantly, with attention to detail. Use clean lines and carefully position the dish components to create a visually appealing presentation.
Incorporate color contrast: Utilize the vibrant green of the spinach against the rich, golden cheddar to create a striking visual contrast on the plate. This will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also showcase the freshness and quality of the ingredients.
Garnish with finesse: Add a final touch of sophistication by garnishing the dish with delicate microgreens or edible flowers. This subtle addition will elevate the overall presentation and demonstrate a high level of culinary finesse.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Choose serving platters or dishes that complement the sophistication of the dish. Opt for minimalist, high-quality tableware to showcase the spinach marie with cheddar in a refined manner.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each element on the plate, ensuring that every component is meticulously arranged to create a visually stunning and harmonious presentation.
Consider portion control: Present the spinach marie with cheddar in smaller, carefully portioned servings to emphasize quality over quantity and to encourage the appreciation of each exquisite bite.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Cheddar Spinach Recipe

Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle, typically used for making sauces or heating liquids.
Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
Casserole dish: A deep, oven-safe dish used for baking and serving casseroles or other dishes.
Small skillet or saucepan: A smaller version of a skillet or saucepan, typically used for sautéing or heating small quantities of food.
Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, and pureeing ingredients.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients, typically used in baking and cooking.
Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for blending ingredients together and incorporating air into mixtures.
Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
Measuring cups and spoons: Utensils used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing food items.
Grater: A kitchen tool used for grating cheese, vegetables, and other foods.
Baking dish: A dish used for baking various dishes in the oven.
Stove: A cooking appliance used for heating and cooking food.

Storing and Freezing Spinach Marie with Cheddar

Allow the spinach marie with cheddar to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and maintain the quality of the dish.
To store in the refrigerator:
- Transfer the cooled spinach marie with cheddar to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Label the container with the date and contents.
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze:
- Portion the cooled spinach marie with cheddar into individual servings or freeze the entire dish, depending on your preference.
- Wrap the portions or dish tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the wrapped portions or dish with the date and contents.
- Place the wrapped portions or dish in the freezer, where they will keep for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat from the refrigerator:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the plastic wrap or aluminum foil from the container or baking dish.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to crisp up, if desired.
To reheat from frozen:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the plastic wrap and aluminum foil from the frozen portions or dish.
- Place the frozen spinach marie with cheddar in a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through.
- Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking to allow the top to crisp up, if desired.

How To Reheat Leftover Spinach Marie with Cheddar

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover spinach marie with cheddar in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This method helps maintain the dish's texture and prevents it from drying out.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Transfer the leftovers to a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. The damp paper towel will help keep the dish moist and prevent it from becoming rubbery.
If you have a bit more time, reheat the spinach marie with cheddar on the stovetop. Place the leftovers in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to help revive the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Stir gently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
For a crispy top, reheat the dish in the oven as mentioned above, but remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking. You can also sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top before removing the foil for an extra cheesy crust.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the spinach marie with cheddar. Place the leftovers in an air fryer-safe dish and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on top.

Interesting Fact About Spinach Marie with Cheddar

Spinach Marie with Cheddar is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of spinach and cheddar cheese. It's a great way to incorporate leafy greens into your diet while enjoying the rich and creamy taste of cheddar.

Is Making Spinach Marie with Cheddar at Home Cost-Effective?

This spinach marie with cheddar recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, making it budget-friendly. The combination of cheddar cheese and spinach provides a nutritious and flavorful dish. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it an affordable option. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10, as it offers a balance of cost-effectiveness and delicious flavors.

Is This Spinach and Cheddar Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?

This spinach and cheese casserole recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The dish is high in saturated fat and calories due to the generous amounts of butter, whole milk, and cheese used. Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses are both high in fat and sodium, which can contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure if consumed in excess. Additionally, the recipe lacks a significant source of lean protein, which is essential for a balanced meal.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Replace whole milk with low-fat or skim milk to reduce the overall fat content
Use reduced-fat cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses to lower the saturated fat and calorie count
Increase the amount of spinach to boost the fiber, vitamin, and mineral content of the dish
Add a lean protein source, such as grilled chicken or turkey, to make the casserole more balanced and satisfying
Reduce the amount of butter used in the recipe, or replace it with a healthier alternative like olive oil
Experiment with adding other vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, to increase the nutrient density of the dish

Editor's Thoughts on This Spinach and Cheddar Dish

The Spinach Marie with Cheddar recipe is a classic comfort dish with a rich and creamy texture. The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese adds a delightful depth of flavor, while the sautéed onions bring a subtle sweetness. The addition of spinach not only provides a pop of color but also adds a nutritious element to the dish. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it a great option for a quick and satisfying meal. However, to enhance the dish, consider adding a hint of nutmeg or a sprinkle of paprika for an extra layer of complexity.

Enhance Your Spinach Marie With Cheddar Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic, perfect for pairing with the rich and cheesy spinach marie.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with honey, adding a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory flavors of the spinach marie.

Grilled Asparagus: Fresh asparagus spears grilled to perfection, providing a light and refreshing side to complement the hearty spinach marie.

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Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Spinach Marie with Cheddar

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Top with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and bake until golden and bubbly.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with a classic bruschetta featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve on toasted baguette slices for a delicious and refreshing starter.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert experience.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of baked apples, cinnamon, and oats in a delightful apple crisp, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures.

Why trust this Spinach Marie With Cheddar Recipe:

This recipe is a trusted classic, perfected over time by passionate chefs. The combination of cheddar cheese and spinach creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The addition of garlic salt and dry mustard enhances the savory profile, while the creamy milk and rich butter provide a luscious base. The careful layering of Monterey Jack cheese adds depth to the dish. With these high-quality ingredients, this recipe promises a delightful dining experience.

Have you tried this Spinach Marie With Cheddar Recipe? Share your experience and discuss any variations or tips in the Recipe Sharing forum.

FAQ:

What type of cheese can I use as a substitute for cheddar?

You can substitute cheddar with gouda, colby, or even a mild white cheddar for a slightly different flavor profile.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen spinach?

Yes, you can use fresh spinach instead of frozen. Just make sure to blanch the fresh spinach first and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the recipe.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it later?

Absolutely! You can prepare the spinach marie with cheddar ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you're ready to bake, simply let it come to room temperature and then bake as directed in the recipe.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Certainly! You can customize this dish by adding other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or even artichoke hearts for added flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.