Kamil Perry
Spinach Madeline is a creamy, spicy side dish that is a twist on traditional creamed spinach. The original recipe calls for a jalapeno log, but since these are no longer available, you can use pepper jack cheese for a hint of peppery heat. If you can't find pepper jack cheese, you can substitute it with Velveeta cheese and minced jalapenos. The dish is versatile and can be served as a side or made into a dip, and is a popular holiday recipe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Spinach, Cheese, Breadcrumbs |
| Cheese Options | Pepper Jack, Velveeta, Monterey Jack, Tillamook, Cheez Whiz, American Cheese |
| Additional Ingredients | Butter, Flour, Onion, Milk, Jalapeños, Celery, Garlic, Worcestershire Sauce, Salt, Pepper, Nutmeg, Red Pepper Flakes, Hot Sauce |
| Preparation Method | Cook spinach, melt butter, add flour, onion, milk, and other ingredients, stir in cheese, combine with spinach, bake |
| Serving Suggestions | Side dish, dip, spread, crostini, crackers, chips |
| Taste | Spicy, Creamy |
| Texture | Smooth, Thick |
| Occasions | Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Holidays, Family Gatherings |
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What You'll Learn
Using pepper jack cheese
Pepper jack cheese is a great substitute for the original jalapeno log in Spinach Madeline, a spicy creamed spinach casserole. Spinach Madeline was created by Madeline Nevell Reymond, who added a kick to the traditional creamed spinach recipe by using pepper jack cheese. The cheese adds a creamy texture and a mild spicy kick, making the dish peppery and satisfying.
If you are unable to find pepper jack cheese, you can use four ounces of Velveeta cheese and two tablespoons of minced jalapeno peppers, or half of a 4-ounce can of drained diced jalapenos. You can adjust the spiciness to your preference by leaving the seeds in the peppers or removing them. If you prefer a milder flavour, you can use half pepper jack and half Monterey Jack cheese.
To make Spinach Madeline, start by cooking the spinach according to the package directions. Drain the spinach and reserve the liquor. Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat and add flour, stirring until smooth. Add the evaporated milk and stir until smooth and thickened. Add the spinach liquor, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth. Combine with the spinach and pour into a casserole dish.
To finish, top the casserole with seasoned breadcrumbs and bake at 350°F until heated through and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. The dish can also be made in advance and refrigerated overnight before baking. Spinach Madeline is a versatile side dish that can be served at various occasions, including holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
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Using Velveeta cheese
Spinach Madeline is a spicy creamed spinach dish that is a popular side during holidays and family gatherings. The original recipe, created by Madeline Reymond/Wright in the 1950s, calls for a jalapeno log or roll of cheese. However, if you can't find jalapeno cheese, you can substitute it with Velveeta cheese.
Velveeta is a processed cheese product that melts easily and has a creamy texture, making it a suitable replacement for jalapeno cheese in Spinach Madeline. When using Velveeta, it is recommended to add minced jalapenos or fresh jalapenos to give the dish the desired spiciness. This substitution allows you to still achieve the signature spicy and creamy flavours of Spinach Madeline.
To make Spinach Madeline with Velveeta cheese, start by cooking the spinach according to the package directions. Drain the cooked spinach and reserve the spinach liquor. In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter and add flour, stirring until smooth. Add chopped onions and cook until soft. Slowly add the liquids (evaporated milk and reserved spinach liquor), stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and thick.
At this point, you can add your seasonings such as salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic salt to taste. Finally, stir in the Velveeta cheese, which has been cut into small cubes or pieces, and the minced or chopped jalapenos. Combine this creamy sauce with the cooked spinach. You can serve it as a side or make it into a dip by pouring the mixture into a casserole dish and topping it with breadcrumbs. Bake at 350°F until heated through and bubbly, usually around 15-20 minutes, or longer if you prefer your breadcrumbs browned.
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Using Monterey Jack cheese
Spinach Madeline is a creamy, spicy dish that traditionally uses jalapeño cheese. However, if you prefer less heat, you can substitute Monterey Jack cheese for the pepper jack cheese. This will give your Spinach Madeline a milder flavour without sacrificing the creaminess of the dish.
To make Spinach Madeline with Monterey Jack cheese, you will need the following ingredients:
- Frozen chopped spinach
- Unsalted butter
- Shallots
- Garlic
- All-purpose flour
- Whole milk or heavy cream
- Worcestershire sauce
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Breadcrumbs
First, cook the spinach according to the package directions and set aside. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add the shallots and garlic and sauté until fragrant. Next, add flour and stir until a roux forms. Slowly add milk or cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture is smooth and thick.
Now, it's time to add the cheese. Stir in the Monterey Jack cheese a little at a time until it is fully incorporated into the sauce. Add the cooked spinach to the sauce and combine. For a milder dish, you can omit the jalapeño peppers, or you can reduce the amount used to control the spice level.
Finally, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and top with breadcrumbs. Bake at 350°F until heated through and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. For an extra crispy topping, drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the breadcrumbs before baking.
Spinach Madeline is a versatile dish that can be served as a side, dip, or spread. It is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any occasion. Enjoy!
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Using Cheez Whiz
Spinach Madeline is a spicy, creamy side dish that traditionally calls for pepper jack cheese or jalapeno cheese rolls. However, if you're looking for a different option, you can use Cheez Whiz.
Cheez Whiz is a processed cheese product that comes in a jar and has a creamy, spreadable texture. It's a convenient alternative to shredded or block cheese and can be used in a variety of recipes. The original Spinach Madeline recipe used Kraft garlic cheese rolls or jalapeno rolls, but since these have been discontinued, many people now substitute them with Cheez Whiz or Velveeta.
To make Spinach Madeline with Cheez Whiz, you can follow the traditional recipe with a few adjustments. Start by making a roux with butter and flour, then add in evaporated milk and the liquid from cooked spinach. Instead of adding cubes of jalapeno cheese, you can stir in Cheez Whiz until the sauce is smooth. You can also add in some red pepper flakes and hot sauce to taste to give it a kick, as Cheez Whiz on its own is mild.
Finally, stir in the cooked spinach and pour the mixture into a casserole dish. Top with breadcrumbs and bake in the oven until heated through and bubbly. You can serve it as a side or even use it as a dip with crackers or chips.
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Using fresh jalapeños
Spinach Madeline is a creamy, spicy side dish that is a twist on traditional creamed spinach. The recipe was first printed in the 1950s in the River Road Cookbook by the Junior League of Baton Rouge. The creator, Madeline Nevell Reymond, created the recipe by adding a jalapeño cheese roll to a spinach dish.
If you are using fresh jalapeños in your Spinach Madeline, you can replace the heat from the jalapeño Velveeta. Start by tasting a small slice of the jalapeño to determine its heat level. If it is very hot, use a quarter or half of the pepper. If it is milder, you can use the whole pepper.
Increase the amounts of onion and celery in the recipe, and add celery leaves if desired. These fresh vegetables will release liquid during cooking, so you may not need the spinach cooking liquor. You can also add buttered breadcrumbs as an optional upgrade.
To prepare the fresh jalapeños, cook them with the onion, celery, and garlic over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until soft but not brown. Then, follow the standard Spinach Madeline recipe, adding the evaporated milk, spinach liquor, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and cheese. Finally, combine with the cooked spinach and bake until heated through and bubbly.
Spinach Madeline is a versatile dish that can be served as a side for various occasions, including holidays and special events. It can also be made in advance and baked before serving.
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Frequently asked questions
Spinach Madeline was traditionally made with Kraft's jalapeno cheese roll, but after this was discontinued, the Junior League's River Road Recipes committee recommended substituting it with Kraft Velveeta cheese and chopped jalapeno peppers.
Yes, you can use Pepper Jack cheese, or Monterey Jack cheese if you prefer no heat at all.
You can substitute fresh jalapeno with two tablespoons of minced jalapeno peppers, or half a 4-ounce can of drained diced jalapenos.
If you can't find Pepper Jack cheese, you can use four ounces of Velveeta cheese and two minced jalapenos.
No, cheese is the backbone of this dish.
