Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This spinach casserole is packed with flavor and easy to prepare, with a crispy bread topping that gives it a satisfying crunch. The creamy spinach and flavorful vegetables offer a savory base, while the golden bread cubes add a delicious crunch. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that can be served for any occasion, from family dinners to festive gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ½ cup butter, divided
- 2 celery ribs, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 can (10-¾ ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
- 2 cups cubed bread (½ inch)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, melt ¼ cup butter over medium heat. Add chopped celery and onion, and cook, stirring, for 4-5 minutes until tender.
- Stir in the spinach and the undiluted cream of mushroom soup. Continue stirring until well combined.
- Transfer the spinach mixture into a 1-½-quart round baking dish.
- In a small saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Stir in the cubed bread and coat it evenly with butter. Sprinkle the bread cubes over the spinach mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the bread cubes are golden brown on top.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Lovers: Add a handful of shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to the spinach mixture before baking for a creamy, cheesy version.
- Meat Option: Add cooked and crumbled sausage to the spinach mixture for extra flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for about 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. You’ll need about 8 cups of fresh spinach, cooked down to about 2 cups and squeezed dry.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Cover it and refrigerate, then bake it when you're ready to serve.
3. What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute with cream of chicken soup or a homemade cream sauce if preferred.
4. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
5. Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
To make it healthier, you can use whole-grain bread cubes, lower-fat butter, and a reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup.
6. Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
7. Can I use gluten-free bread for this casserole?
Yes, gluten-free bread can be used as a substitute for the regular bread cubes.
8. Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish, adjusting the baking time as needed.
9. Can this casserole be served cold?
While it’s traditionally served hot, you can try it cold as a different option, though the texture may be different.
10. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian, but be sure to check if your cream of mushroom soup contains any meat products.
Conclusion
This Crunchy Spinach Casserole is the perfect blend of creamy, savory spinach and crispy bread topping. It’s an easy, versatile side dish that pairs well with many main courses, making it a great option for family dinners, holiday meals, or anytime you want a comforting vegetable casserole. Enjoy its rich flavor and delightful crunch!
Crunchy Spinach Casserole Recipe
A comforting and indulgent Crunchy Spinach Casserole with a golden, crispy bread topping and creamy spinach base. Perfect for family dinners, holiday meals, or anytime you're craving a savory, satisfying side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, divided
- 2 celery ribs, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 can (10-¾ ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
- 2 cups cubed bread (½ inch)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, melt ¼ cup of butter over medium heat. Add chopped celery and onion. Cook, stirring, for 4-5 minutes until tender.
- Stir in the spinach and the undiluted cream of mushroom soup. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer the spinach mixture into a 1-½-quart round baking dish.
- In a small saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Stir in the cubed bread and coat it evenly with butter.
- Sprinkle the buttered bread cubes over the spinach mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the bread cubes are golden brown on top.
Notes
- Cheese Option: Add shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) to the spinach mixture before baking for a cheesy variation.
- Meat Option: Crumbled cooked sausage can be added for extra flavor.
- Herb Variation: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary will add aromatic flavors.