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.
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SPINACH MARIA (CALHOUN'S KNOXVILLE, TN)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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