Trisha Yearwood’s Spinach Casserole is a legendary side dish that masterfully transforms frozen spinach into a rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy celebration of comfort food. This recipe, beloved for its straightforward simplicity and decadent flavor, proves that the most memorable dishes often come from humble beginnings. The magic starts with thoroughly draining the spinach—a crucial step that prevents a watery casserole and concentrates its earthy flavor. This spinach is then enveloped in a luxuriously creamy binder of sour cream and mayonnaise, which provides a tangy, velvety base that melds perfectly with the sharpness of cheddar and the salty, nutty punch of Parmesan. The addition of finely chopped onion and garlic powder adds a savory depth that elevates the entire mixture from simple to sublime, creating a cohesive filling that is both robust and comforting.
The brilliance of this casserole lies in its effortless assembly and universally appealing taste. It requires no pre-cooking of ingredients, just a simple mix-and-bake method that yields consistently spectacular results. As it bakes, the top becomes lightly golden and bubbly, while the melted butter drizzle forms a delicate, flavorful crust that adds the perfect finishing touch. The final product emerges from the oven as a warm, creamy, and deeply savory dish that strikes the ideal balance between indulgence and vegetable-forward eating. It’s the perfect companion to holiday roasts, weeknight chicken, or baked ham, offering a taste of down-home Southern hospitality that is as reliable as it is delicious. This casserole doesn’t just ask for a place at the table; it earns a standing ovation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Ultra-Creamy & Cheesy: A decadent, rich texture and flavor that makes spinach utterly irresistible for even the pickiest eaters.
- Incredibly Simple to Make: No fancy techniques—just mix, spread, and bake for a foolproof side dish every time.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Dish: Can be assembled hours in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake, making it a stress-free choice for entertaining.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: A beloved, classic side that complements virtually any main course and is always a hit at potlucks and family gatherings.
- Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt by adding artichokes, water chestnuts for crunch, or swapping in different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère.
Ingredients:
For the Casserole Base:
2 (10 oz / 280 g) packages frozen chopped spinach, thoroughly thawed
½ cup (120 ml) full-fat sour cream
½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
1 cup (about 100 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup (about 50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup (about 30 g) finely chopped yellow onion
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and mild warmth)
For the Topping:
2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch or similar 2-quart baking dish. Place the thawed spinach in a clean, thin kitchen towel or several layers of cheesecloth. Twist the towel tightly over the sink and squeeze with all your might to remove every possible drop of excess water. This step is critical for a non-watery casserole.
Step 2: Combine All Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, place the very dry, squeezed spinach. Use a fork to break it up and separate the clumps. Add the sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional paprika.
Step 3: Mix and Assemble
Stir the mixture vigorously until all ingredients are evenly and thoroughly combined into a cohesive, creamy mass. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula, press and spread it into a smooth, even layer.
Step 4: Add the Butter Topping
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the spinach mixture.
Step 5: Bake
Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. The casserole is done when it is heated through, the edges are bubbling gently, and the top is set with light golden spots.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes. This allows it to set slightly for cleaner serving. Serve warm.
Tips:
- Squeeze the Spinach DRY: This cannot be overstated. Inadequate draining is the number one reason for a runny casserole. Take the time to wring out every bit of moisture.
- Use Full-Fat Dairy: For the best flavor and creamiest texture, use full-fat sour cream and mayonnaise. Light versions may release more water.
- Finely Chop the Onion: A fine chop ensures the onion blends seamlessly into the creamy base without creating distracting crunchy pieces.
- Taste Before Baking: After mixing, you can taste a small amount (it’s all cooked ingredients) and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
- For a Golden Brown Top: If you prefer a deeper color, switch the oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Store leftover casserole, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave. For larger portions, reheat in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F (165°C) for 15-20 minutes until hot throughout.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked casserole. Assemble in a freezer-safe baking dish, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. Note that the texture of the thawed, baked casserole may be slightly more watery.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole completely (through Step 4), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the bake time since it will be cold.
Trisha Yearwood’s Spinach Casserole is a timeless treasure of a recipe. It turns a simple vegetable into a creamy, cheesy, crave-worthy side dish that has earned its place on countless family tables for good reason. It’s a testament to the power of a few good ingredients combined with care, resulting in pure, unpretentious, and deeply satisfying comfort food.
