Best 6 Calhouns Spinach Maria Recipes

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Indulge in the delectable flavors of Calhoun's Spinach Maria, a classic Southern dish that combines the goodness of creamy spinach, tender chicken, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. This iconic dish is a staple in many restaurants and households alike, and our collection of recipes offers a variety of takes on this beloved dish. From a traditional Southern-style Spinach Maria to a lighter and healthier version, our recipes cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this comforting casserole that is perfect for a cozy family meal or a special occasion. Explore our recipes and find your perfect match for a memorable culinary experience.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SPINACH MARIA (CALHOUN'S KNOXVILLE, TN)



Spinach Maria (Calhoun's Knoxville, TN) image

Spinach & cheese 349

Time 45m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 0

Steps:

  • ~Thaw spinach ~Squeeze as much excess water as possible from spinach ~Heat mild and spices in 4 quart sauce pan on medium heat to just below a boil ~Reduce and simmer ~Sauté chopped onion in 1 tablespoon butter on medium heat for 5 to 8 minutes ~add onion to sauce pan ~combine the 5 tablespoon melted butter with the flour in a small saucepan, mix until completely blended. cook on low heat 2 to 3 minutes ~add to milk in saucepan and mix; continue to cook until sauce thickens ~cut cheese into small cubes and add to saucepan ~continue to mix until all the cheese is completely melted and blended into the sauce; be careful not to burn the sauce while cheese is melting ~remove from heat ~allow to cool for 15 minutes ~add drained spinach to cheese sauce and mix until completely blended ~spoon into a 11x9x2 or large casserole and top with grated Monterey Jack cheese ~bake at 350℉ (180℃) for 12 to 15 minutes until hot and bubbly ~this can be served as a side dish or as an appetizer with tortilla chips

SPINACH MARIA



Spinach Maria image

It's the most-searched-for holiday dish in Tennessee, and for good reason-this twist on creamed spinach is extra cheesy and has a slightly spicy kick.

Categories     spinach

Time 45m

Yield 10-12

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 tbsp. butter, divided
1/2 yellow onion, diced
4 c. whole milk
2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp. mustard powder
5 packages frozen spinach, thawed
5 tbsp. flour
1 c. Velveeta, cut into slices
1 c. shredded sharp Cheddar
1 1/2 c. grated Monterey Jack cheese, divided

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add onion and cook until softened and lightly golden, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Add milk, garlic powder, red pepper flakes and mustard powder to saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring regularly. As soon as it starts to boil, reduce heat to simmer, leaving it to thicken.
  • Melt remaining 5 tablespoons butter in a smaller saucepan, then sprinkle in flour and stir to form a paste, cooking over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Add mixture to the large saucepan and stir to combine.
  • Reduce heat on the large saucepan to medium, then gradually add Velveeta and cheddar, stirring regularly so it melts, creating a thick sauce. Add in 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese. Once all of the cheese has melted, remove saucepan from heat.
  • Drain any excess water from the thawed spinach. Add it to the cheese sauce, mixing to combine. Pour the mixture into a large casserole dish and top with remaining Monterey Jack cheese. Cook in the oven for 15 to 17 minutes, or until cheese has melted and mixture is bubbling slightly.

COPYCAT CALHOUN'S SPINACH MARIA



Copycat Calhoun's Spinach Maria image

Chopped, sauteed greens mixed with a roux and three types of cheeses may be the furthest spinach has ever strayed from a salad bowl.

Provided by ravinwulf

Time 5h

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 13

5 packages (10 ounce size) frozen chopped spinach
4 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 medium yellow onion
1 tablespoon butter
5 tablespoons melted butter
6 tablespoons flour
8 ounces Velveeta cheese
8 ounces Cheddar cheese
4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, block
1 1/2 cup grated Monterey jack cheese (for topping)

Steps:

  • Thaw spinach in refrigerator for 24 hours. Squeeze as dry as possible. Heat milk and spices on medium heat to just below a boil (190 degrees F). Reduce heat and simmer. Finely chop the onion and saute it in 1 Tablespoon butter on med. heat 5 to 8 minutes. Add to milk. Combine melted butter w/ flour in small saute pan. Mix until completely blended. Cook on low heat 3 to 4 minutes to make roux. Add roux to milk; mix well. Cook until sauce thickens. Cut cheeses into cubes and add to milk. Mix until cheese melts. (Be careful! Burns easily!) Remove from heat. Allow to cool 15 minutes. Add drained spinach to cheese sauce, mix until completely blended. Spoon into 11x9x2-inch dish. Top with grated Jack. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Recipe Source: Calhoun's Restaurant, Knoxville, TN via Knoxville News Sentinel, date unknown cook's notes This is light years away from being low fat/cal; but I can honestly say it's the best creamy/cheesy spinach dish I have ever eaten... and I love spinach, so I've tried lots of them!

Nutrition Facts :

SPINACH MARIA



Spinach Maria image

Frankly, I've never met a cheese I don't like, so the Kitchen Crew and I couldn't wait to try out this cheesy, buttery spinach. And what a treat it is! This comforting recipe would be right at home atop a picnic table or served on your best china. Yum!

Provided by Dan Hammond

Categories     Vegetables

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 13

5 pkg frozen chopped spinach (10 oz each pkg)
4 1/2 c milk
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 medium yellow onion
1 Tbsp butter
5 Tbsp butter, melted
6 Tbsp flour
8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
8 oz cheddar cheese, cubed
4 oz Monterey Jack cheese, cubed
1 1/2 c Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • 1. Thaw spinach & squeeze as much excess water as possible from spinach
  • 2. Heat milk and spices in a 4 qt.saucepan on medium heat to just below a boil. Reduce and simmer. NOTE: the spice quantities listed (mustard, garlic, red pepper flakes) give the dish just a "flavor" but little kick. I will usually double the spices for more flavor & heat (it is not too much). If I have a crowd that likes it hot, I will replace the teaspoon measurement with tablespoon for all three spices...at this level you get a slow burn that lingers but isn't a 4-alarm fire.
  • 3. Saute chopped onion in 1 TBSP butter on medium heat for 5-8 minutes. Add onion to saucepan.
  • 4. Combine the 5 TBSP melted butter with the flour in a small saucepan. Mix until completely blended. Cook on low heat 2-3 minutes. Add to milk in saucepan and mix. Continue to cook until sauce thickens.
  • 5. Cut cheeses into small cubes and add to saucepan. Continue to mix until all the cheese is completely melted and blended into the sauce. Be CAREFUL not to BURN the sauce while cheese is melting.
  • 6. Remove from heat. Allow to cool for 15 minutes. Add drained spinach to cheese sauce and mix till completely blended
  • 7. Spoon into a 11x9x2 or large casserole and top with grated Monterey jack cheese. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes, until hot and bubbly
  • 8. I often like to add a dab of horse radish to indiviual servings...gives it a really nice kick...this way your guests can opt in or out for some heat. Taste it first though, as you may love the kick as it is.

SPINACH MARIA



Spinach Maria image

This is a favorite side dish from a local restaurant in Knoxville, TN. Almost everyone who comes in orders it to go along with their ribs. I highly recommend this dish.

Provided by Chill

Categories     Spinach

Time 45m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon garlic, granules
1/2 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 1/2 lbs Velveeta cheese
1/2 medium yellow onion
1 tablespoon butter
5 tablespoons melted butter
6 tablespoons flour
5 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed
1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese

Steps:

  • Heat milk with the mustard,garlic& red pepper in pan to 190 degres,just below boiling point.
  • Reduce heat.
  • Crumble Velveeta cheese into a glass bowl and microwave until melted.
  • Add milk to mixture, stirring until mixed.
  • Saute onion in 1 tbsp butter, then add to the cheese sauce.
  • Combine 5 tbsp melted butter and flour in small skillet,mix until blended.
  • Cook over low heat for 3-4 minuest to make a roux, stirring constantly.
  • Add roux to the cheese sauce.
  • Cook over medium heat until the cheese sauce thickens, stirring constantly.
  • Remove from heat and cool 15 minutes.
  • Squeeze excess water from spinach and add to the cheese sauce; mix until just blended.
  • Spoon in 2 greased 9x10" baking dishes.
  • Sprinkle each with Monterey Jack cheese.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until brown.

SPINACH MARIA



Spinach Maria image

This is a real crowd pleaser that even non spinich eaters like. I usually do this when grilling steaks, chicken or pork and let it cook down while I'm grilling.

Provided by durf2667

Categories     Vegetable

Time 30m

Yield 5-7 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/2 cup butter
2 boxes frozen chopped spinach
1 (8 ounce) box cream cheese
1 jar artichoke heart
lemon pepper
chili powder
salt

Steps:

  • melt butter in pan over medium heat.
  • thaw spinach (I do it in the microwave) and add to pan.
  • cut up cream cheese into chunks and add
  • cut up artichokes and add also.
  • I season with salt, chili powder and salt.
  • I use more than you would think until it tastes right.
  • Sometimes I'll sprinkle it with Parmesan Cheese and broil it for a few minutes in the oven.

Tips for Making Calhoun's Spinach Maria

  • Use fresh spinach for the best flavor. If you don't have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before using.
  • Use a variety of cheeses. The recipe calls for mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheese, but you can use other types of cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well.
  • Don't overcook the spinach. It should be wilted but still have a slight crunch.
  • Serve Spinach Maria immediately. It's best when it's hot and bubbly.

Conclusion

Calhoun's Spinach Maria is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for any occasion. It's a great way to use up leftover spinach, and it's also a healthy and satisfying meal. The combination of spinach, cheese, and bread is sure to please everyone at your table. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give Calhoun's Spinach Maria a try. You won't be disappointed!

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