Spinach Madeline: The Ultimate Creamy Comfort Food Recipe

Spinach Madeline: Prepare to be captivated by this creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible Southern classic! I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you, a dish that has graced countless holiday tables and potlucks, always disappearing in a flash. Have you ever wondered what makes this simple combination of spinach, cream cheese, and a few other key ingredients so incredibly addictive?

While the exact origins of Spinach Madeline are shrouded in a bit of mystery, its roots are firmly planted in Louisiana’s vibrant culinary landscape. Some believe it was created by a home cook looking for a way to elevate the humble spinach, while others suggest it evolved from similar creamed spinach dishes popular in the region. Regardless of its precise beginnings, this dish has become a beloved staple, passed down through generations.

What’s not to love? The creamy texture is heavenly, the blend of cheeses creates a symphony of flavor, and the spinach adds a touch of earthy goodness. It’s the perfect side dish for everything from roast chicken to grilled steak, and it’s even delicious on its own as a light lunch. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it a winner in my book! So, let’s dive in and create some Spinach Madeline magic together!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Preparing the Spinach and Cheese Mixture

Okay, let’s get started! The first thing we need to do is make sure our spinach is properly drained. This is super important because nobody wants a watery Spinach Madeline. Trust me, I’ve been there!

1. Thaw and Drain the Spinach: Take your frozen spinach and let it thaw completely. Once it’s thawed, the real work begins. You need to squeeze out as much excess water as humanly possible. I usually do this in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Wrap the spinach in the towel and twist, twist, twist until you can’t squeeze out any more water. Seriously, get every last drop! This step is crucial for the right consistency.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. You don’t want them to brown, just become tender and release their delicious flavors. This is the foundation of our flavor profile, so don’t rush it!
3. Make the Roux: This is where we create the base for our creamy sauce. Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 2-3 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste and helps thicken the sauce. Make sure you keep stirring to prevent any burning! The mixture should be smooth and slightly golden.
4. Whisk in the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to incorporate it smoothly into the roux. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be patient and keep whisking! Lumps are the enemy here. If you do get lumps, you can try using an immersion blender to smooth things out.
5. Season the Sauce: Add the salt, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper to the sauce. These seasonings add depth and warmth to the dish. The nutmeg provides a subtle sweetness, while the cayenne gives it a little kick. Adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can omit the cayenne pepper.
6. Incorporate the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese and Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens! The cream cheese adds richness and tanginess, while the Parmesan provides a salty, nutty flavor.
7. Add the Spinach and Herbs: Stir in the squeezed-dry spinach, chopped green onions, and chopped parsley. Mix everything together until the spinach is evenly distributed throughout the sauce. The green onions and parsley add a fresh, vibrant flavor to the dish.

Assembling and Baking the Spinach Madeline

Now that we have our delicious spinach and cheese mixture, it’s time to assemble and bake our Spinach Madeline. This part is relatively easy, so don’t worry!

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures that the Spinach Madeline cooks evenly.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents the Spinach Madeline from sticking to the dish and makes it easier to serve. You can use butter, cooking spray, or even a little bit of olive oil to grease the dish.
3. Pour in the Mixture: Pour the spinach and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly so that it cooks uniformly.
4. Top with Monterey Jack Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the spinach mixture. This creates a golden, bubbly crust that is absolutely irresistible.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the Spinach Madeline is heated through. The top should be lightly golden brown.
6. Let it Rest: Remove the Spinach Madeline from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to cut and serve.

Tips and Variations

Spinach Madeline is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Here are a few tips and variations to try:

• Add Meat: For a heartier dish, you can add cooked bacon, sausage, or ham to the spinach mixture. Just make sure to cook the meat before adding it to the mixture.
• Use Different Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gruyere, Swiss, or cheddar cheese would all be delicious in this dish.
• Add Vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the spinach mixture, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just make sure to sauté them before adding them to the mixture.
• Make it Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the Spinach Madeline ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spinach mixture.
• Serve it as a Dip: You can also serve Spinach Madeline as a dip with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetables. Just bake it in a smaller dish and serve it warm.

Serving Suggestions

Spinach Madeline is a great side dish for a variety of meals. It pairs well with:

• Roasted chicken
• Grilled steak
• Baked ham
• Pasta dishes
• Vegetarian entrees

It’s also a delicious addition to holiday meals and potlucks.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe for Spinach Madeline! It’s a classic dish that is sure to please everyone. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This Spinach Madeline is more than just a side dish; it’s a creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible experience that will elevate any meal. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of Southern comfort and elegance to their table. The combination of tender spinach, the rich and tangy cream cheese, and the sharp bite of the Monterey Jack cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will have your guests begging for seconds. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly, leaving behind only satisfied smiles and requests for the recipe.

But what makes this Spinach Madeline truly special is its versatility. While it’s fantastic served as is, piping hot from the oven, there are so many ways to customize it to your liking. For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage to the mixture before baking. The smoky, savory notes will complement the creamy spinach beautifully. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option with a bit more substance, try incorporating sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts. Their earthy flavors will add depth and complexity to the dish.

Serving suggestions are endless! This Spinach Madeline is the perfect accompaniment to roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked ham. It’s also a wonderful addition to a holiday buffet or potluck. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad and crusty bread. And don’t be afraid to get creative with your presentation. You can bake it in a large casserole dish for a family-style serving, or divide it into individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or a few fresh parsley sprigs for a pop of color.

I’ve made this Spinach Madeline countless times, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a recipe that I turn to time and time again when I want to impress my guests or simply treat myself to something delicious. The best part is that it’s relatively easy to make, even for beginner cooks. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a dish that will rival anything you’d find in a fancy restaurant.

So, what are you waiting for? I urge you to give this recipe a try. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. And once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and comments with me – I’m always eager to see how others are enjoying my recipes.

Don’t be shy, get in the kitchen and whip up this amazing Spinach Madeline!

I truly believe that cooking is a way to share love and create memories. This Spinach Madeline is a perfect example of that. It’s a dish that brings people together, sparks conversation, and leaves everyone feeling happy and satisfied. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of this classic Southern dish. You won’t regret it! Happy cooking!