Randy Chandler
Spinach and cheese are a classic combination, and there are many ways to pair the two. A popular option is creamed spinach, which is a rich and creamy side dish that can be made with a variety of cheeses such as cheddar, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, or a combination of these. Spinach and cheese strata is another option, which is a layered casserole made with bread, eggs, spinach, and cheese. This dish can be made with a variety of cheeses, such as Gruyère, Parmesan, or cheddar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese to pair with spinach | Cheddar, Provolone, Parmesan, Mozzarella, Cream Cheese, Gruyère, Feta, Comté |
| Spinach type | Fresh, Frozen, Wilted |
| Recipe | Creamed Spinach, Spinach & Cheese Strata |
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What You'll Learn
Creamed spinach with cheddar cheese
Ingredients:
- Fresh spinach
- Butter
- Avocado oil
- Garlic
- Flour
- Milk
- Salt and pepper
- Nutmeg
- Cheddar cheese
Method:
First, melt butter and avocado oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, which should take around 30 seconds to 1 minute. Next, add flour and stir to form a paste.
Remove the pot from the heat and whisk in milk until smooth. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Return the pot to medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking frequently.
Now, add the spinach in batches, covering and allowing it to wilt before adding more, until all the spinach is completely wilted. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until it is melted and coats the spinach.
Serving Suggestions:
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Creamed spinach with mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese
Creamed spinach is a classic side dish that pairs well with HoneyBaked Ham, classic Roast Turkey, Oven-Roasted Carrots, and ranch Roasted Brussels Sprouts. It is also a welcome dish during the holidays, served with vegetables and roasted turkey. This dish is easy to make and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
The basic ingredients you'll need for creamed spinach are fresh spinach, butter, cream, and cheese. For the cheese component, you can use freshly shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese.
To prepare the dish, start by wilting and draining the spinach. Cook the onion and garlic in butter until tender. Add the spinach and cream, and stir until well combined. You can also add some nutmeg to the mixture for a nutty, warm sweetness.
Next, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until smooth. Mozzarella helps to thicken the sauce and gives it a creamy texture. You can also add Parmesan cheese for umami flavor, but be mindful of the amount of salt you add, as Parmesan is already quite salty. Finally, season the creamed spinach with salt and pepper to taste.
For a healthier option, you can substitute heavy cream with milk and use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or Comte, for a more flavor-forward dish.
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Spinach and cheese strata with Gruyère and Parmigiano-Reggiano
Spinach and cheese are a classic combination, and a delicious strata is a great way to bring them together. This recipe calls for a combination of Gruyère and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, but you can use other good melting cheeses with bold flavours, such as extra-sharp cheddar, if you prefer.
To make this tasty strata, you'll need to start by squeezing the spinach dry. It's important to remove as much liquid as possible, so take your time with this step. You can also grate your cheese and cube your bread ahead of time. If you want to add some extra flavour, you can include cooked sausage or pancetta, just be sure to reduce the salt in the recipe.
Once your ingredients are prepared, melt some butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add your onions and cook until they're soft and translucent, which should take around 4 to 5 minutes. Then, add your salt, pepper, and nutmeg, and cook for another minute while stirring. Now, it's time to stir in your spinach. Remove the skillet from the heat and start layering your strata.
In a buttered gratin dish or shallow ceramic baking dish, spread one-third of your bread cubes. Top this with one-third of your spinach mixture, and then sprinkle with one-third of each cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times, so you have three layers in total, ending with the cheeses. In a large bowl, whisk together your milk, eggs, Dijon mustard, and remaining salt and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over your strata.
Now, you'll need to chill your strata. Cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 8 hours. This chilling time allows the bread to absorb the custard. Finally, bake your strata in the oven until it's cooked through and golden brown. The exact baking time and temperature may vary depending on your oven, but it should take around 30 minutes in a moderate oven.
This spinach and cheese strata is a perfect make-ahead dish, ideal for brunch or a crowd. It's easy to prepare and can be customised with different ingredients to suit your taste. Enjoy the combination of creamy, nutty Gruyère and sharp Parmigiano-Reggiano with your spinach for a delicious and indulgent treat.
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Cheesy spinach with provolone and Parmesan
To start, you'll need to wilt and drain the spinach. You can do this by placing the spinach in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it, and microwaving it for about a minute. Alternatively, you can wilt the spinach in a pan, but be careful not to overcook it as it can turn dark, mushy, and bitter. Once wilted, drain the excess moisture from the spinach by rolling it tightly in a paper towel.
Next, cook the onion and garlic in butter until they are tender. You can add more garlic and onion to enhance the flavour if desired. Then, add the spinach and cream to the mixture. Tear the provolone cheese into small pieces and stir it into the spinach mixture until it is melted and coats the spinach. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue cooking until the mixture thickens.
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot. You can also add other ingredients like oregano, parsley, or cream cheese for extra flavour. This cheesy spinach dish is a perfect side for steak or other main courses and can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to three days.
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Spinach with feta
Spinach and feta is a delicious combination that can be served as a side dish or a meal. This traditional Greek dish is nutritious, quick to make, and goes well with chicken, fish, meat, or beans.
To make spinach with feta, you can start by boiling or sautéing the spinach. If boiling, use one cup of water for every three 10-ounce bags of spinach, and stir occasionally for about 10 minutes. If sautéing, heat oil in a pan over medium heat, add onions, and cook until tender, about 5-6 minutes. Then, add lemon juice and spinach leaves, tossing them for 1-2 minutes until they begin to wilt.
Once the spinach is cooked, you can add the feta. Sprinkle the feta on top of the spinach and toss gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other ingredients like garlic, onion, lemon zest, or Greek seasoning to enhance the flavor.
For a creamier dish, you can make a cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and cheddar, provolone, or Parmesan cheese. Add the cooked spinach to the sauce and stir until the cheese melts and coats the spinach. You can also tear the provolone into small pieces and lay them on top of the spinach mixture before stirring.
Whether you choose a simpler preparation or a creamier version, spinach with feta is a tasty and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
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Frequently asked questions
Spinach and cheese is a popular combination and can be used in a variety of recipes, including creamed spinach, spinach and cheese strata, and cheesy spinach.
A spinach and cheese strata is a layered casserole made with bread, eggs, cheese, spinach, and sometimes meat. Cheese with a good melting quality is recommended for this dish, such as Gruyère and Parmigiano-Reggiano. However, these cheeses can be substituted with other bold-flavoured melting cheeses, like extra-sharp cheddar.
Creamed spinach is a classic recipe that combines spinach with a creamy sauce. Cheeses that go well with spinach in a creamy sauce include Parmesan, mozzarella, provolone, and cream cheese.
Fresh spinach is recommended for some recipes, such as blanching or wilting the spinach leaves. Frozen spinach is also used in some recipes and should be thawed and drained before adding to the dish.
Spinach and cheese sides go well with a variety of main dishes, such as steak, chicken, ham, and pork chops.
