Best Cheeses To Pair With Spinach For A Delicious Dish

Spinach and cheese is a classic combination, but which cheese is the best match? There are several options, and it depends on the recipe and personal preference. Feta, goat's cheese, and ricotta all complement the earthiness of spinach, while cream cheese and mozzarella are versatile and mild. Parmesan, aged cheddar, and Swiss cheese are nutty and sharp, and can stand up to the flavour of spinach. Gorgonzola and aged Asiago are also good choices, with strong and distinct flavours. Spinach and cheese is a versatile combination that can be used in salads, dips, quiches, and more.

Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Cream Cheese in Cheesy Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach is a decadent and indulgent side dish that is perfect for holidays or special occasions. It is also an excellent way to get your daily dose of healthy greens. This recipe combines the creamy, nutty flavour of mozzarella, the sharpness of parmesan, and the richness of cream cheese for a truly luxurious and irresistible dish.

Ingredients

• Spinach: Start with fresh, clean spinach, roughly three 10-ounce bags. You can also use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before using.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavour to the dish.
• Onion: Minced white or yellow onion lends flavour and texture to the dish.
• Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the flavour of the dish.
• Cream: Heavy cream or half-and-half adds a creamy texture to the dish.
• Cheese: This recipe calls for sliced or shredded mozzarella, freshly grated Parmesan, and cream cheese. You can also add provolone cheese for extra creaminess.
• Seasonings: Salt and pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg add flavour and warmth to the dish.

Instructions

• Wilt and drain the spinach: Cook the spinach in a large skillet over medium-high heat until wilted, then drain and squeeze out excess liquid.
• Cook the aromatics: Melt butter in the same skillet and cook the onion and garlic until tender.
• Add spinach and cream: Return the spinach to the skillet and stir in the cream.
• Add the cheese: Stir in the mozzarella, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
• Season and serve: Season the creamed spinach with salt and pepper. Serve hot as a side dish.

Tips and Variations

• Don't skip wilting and draining the spinach to remove excess moisture and prevent a watery dish.
• Use flavoured cream cheese with garlic and onion to enhance the flavour and save time on chopping and sauteing.
• Swap mild mozzarella for a more flavourful, melty cheese like Comte or Gruyere.
• Add a crunchy topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crunchy fried onions on top and broil for a crispy texture.
• Make-ahead instructions: Creamed spinach can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the consistency.

Feta, Goat Cheese, and Fresh Ricotta for spinach salads

Feta, goat cheese, and fresh ricotta are all excellent choices for spinach salads. Each of these cheeses has distinct characteristics that complement the flavour of spinach and enhance the overall taste of the salad.

Feta is a tangy, rich, and slightly salty cheese that pairs well with the earthiness of spinach. When shopping for feta, look for a block of cheese that is firm and has a slightly crumbly texture. This cheese will add a nice contrast of flavours to your spinach salad.

Goat cheese, on the other hand, has a mild, earthy, buttery, yet tart flavour. Its creaminess helps to balance out the texture of spinach, which can be a bit tough. Goat cheese is a great option if you want to add a smooth and creamy element to your spinach salad.

Fresh ricotta has a mild and slightly nutty taste that goes well with spinach. It is also a good source of calcium, making it a nutritious addition to your salad. When buying ricotta cheese, opt for a brand that uses whole milk for a richer and more flavourful experience.

You can also experiment with different combinations of these cheeses to find your favourite pairing with spinach. For instance, you could try a spinach salad with feta and goat cheese, or a mix of fresh ricotta and feta. These cheeses will elevate your spinach salad and make it a more indulgent and satisfying meal.

Parmesan and Cream Cheese in Spinach Dip

Spinach dip is a classic recipe and a crowd-pleaser at parties. It is easy to make and can be prepared in advance. The key to a good spinach dip is to ensure that all the water is removed from the spinach before adding the other ingredients. This can be done by squeezing the spinach between your fingers, using a potato ricer, or wrapping the spinach in paper towels to remove the excess liquid.

Ingredients

• Spinach: Freshly cooked spinach is preferred, but frozen spinach can also be used in a pinch. About 10 oz of spinach should be used, and it needs to be chopped and wilted.
• Cream Cheese: Use 8 oz of softened cream cheese to add a creamy texture to the dip.
• Sour Cream: 1 cup of sour cream is needed to balance the flavours and create a smooth consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated or shredded Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savoury note to the dip. You will need about 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts smoothly and adds a mild, creamy taste. Use around 1 1/2 cups, divided into two portions.
• Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the flavour of the dip.
• Salt and Pepper: These seasonings add a savoury note and can be adjusted to taste.
• Parsley: Chopped parsley is used as a garnish for added freshness.

Optional Ingredients

• Chive and Onion Cream Cheese: Using flavoured cream cheese eliminates the need for chopping and sauteing onions and garlic.
• Artichokes: Adding 1/2 cup of chopped marinated artichoke hearts gives the dip a unique twist.
• Bacon: For a smoky flavour, include 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes contribute a burst of colour and flavour. Use about 1/4 cup.
• Mushrooms: Adding 1/2 cup of cooked, chopped mushrooms gives the dip an earthy note.

Instructions

• Combine the cream cheese, sour cream, cooked spinach, garlic, salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese, and 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese in a bowl. Mix until well blended.
• Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish or skillet.
• Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
• Bake at 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
• For an extra crispy topping, broil for an additional 2-5 minutes.
• Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm with bread, crackers, or vegetables.

Tips

• To make a healthier version, use low-fat cream cheese, low-fat sour cream, and reduce the amount of shredded cheese by 1/3.
• This dip can be made up to 8 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
• To reheat, gently warm the dip in a saucepan over low heat, adding a small amount of milk or cream to restore moisture.

Mozzarella and Parmesan in Spinach and Cheese Quiche

Mozzarella and Parmesan are excellent choices for a spinach and cheese quiche. This savoury dish is perfect for Easter brunch, or any breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is simple to make and can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient option for busy cooks.

To make a spinach and cheese quiche, you will need eggs, milk, spinach, mushrooms, garlic, and cheese. You can use either a frozen pre-made pie crust or make your own from scratch. If using a frozen crust, remember to thaw it before using.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a skillet, sauté the mushrooms and garlic in butter until soft. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and grated Parmesan cheese. Squeeze out any excess water from the spinach, then spread it into the pie crust. Add the cooked mushrooms and shredded mozzarella cheese, then pour the egg mixture on top.

Bake the quiche for about 50-60 minutes, or until the centre is set. Let it cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This quiche is best served warm or at room temperature.

You can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavour of your quiche. For example, you could include onions, nutmeg, or crushed red pepper flakes. If you want to make the quiche ahead of time, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to one month.

Aged cheddars, Gruyere, and Swiss cheese in Spinach and Cheese Lasagna

Aged cheddars, Gruyere, and Swiss cheese are all excellent choices for a spinach and cheese lasagna. Each of these cheeses has distinct characteristics that can elevate the dish and create a unique flavor profile.

Aged cheddars, with their nutty, crumbly, and sharp taste, pair well with the earthy spinach. The sharpness of cheddar cuts through the richness of spinach, creating a balanced combination. When selecting cheddar cheese for your lasagna, opt for an aged variety as they offer more complex flavors that can enhance your dish.

Gruyere, a Swiss cheese variety, is known for its smooth and creamy flavor. It melts easily and has a stretchy texture, making it an ideal choice for lasagna. Gruyere adds a subtle, earthy taste to the dish without overpowering the spinach.

Swiss cheese, on the other hand, is characterized by its sweet, mild, and nutty flavor profile. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in various dishes. In a spinach and cheese lasagna, Swiss cheese complements the delicate taste of spinach without being too overpowering.

When making your spinach and cheese lasagna, consider combining these three cheeses to create a unique and flavorful dish. The sharpness of aged cheddar, the creaminess of Gruyere, and the sweetness of Swiss cheese will come together to create a delicious and indulgent lasagna.

Ingredients:

• Lasagna sheets
• Spinach (fresh or frozen)
• Aged Cheddar Cheese (grated)
• Gruyere Cheese (grated)
• Swiss Cheese (grated)
• Onion (diced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Cayenne Pepper (optional)
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
• In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
• Add spinach to the saucepan and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
• In a separate saucepan, make a béchamel sauce by melting butter and adding flour. Whisk to combine.
• Slowly add milk to the flour and butter mixture, whisking continuously until smooth and thickened.
• Remove the béchamel sauce from heat and season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
• Stir in the grated cheeses (aged cheddar, Gruyere, and Swiss cheese) until fully melted and combined.
• In a baking dish, layer the lasagna sheets, spinach mixture, and béchamel sauce. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
• Top the lasagna with a thin coating of béchamel sauce and sprinkle with additional grated cheese.
• Bake the lasagna for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other ingredients such as mushrooms, ricotta cheese, or meat. Enjoy your homemade spinach and cheese lasagna!

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