Indulge in the delightful flavors of Calhoun's Spinach Maria, a Southern classic dish known for its creamy, cheesy goodness and vibrant spinach. This versatile recipe can be prepared as a dip, spread, or side dish, making it perfect for various occasions.
For those seeking a classic experience, the original Calhoun's Spinach Maria recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors with its creamy base, sautéed spinach, and a blend of seasonings. However, if you're looking for a healthier alternative, the lightened-up version offers a reduced-fat option while maintaining the dish's signature taste.
Additionally, the sun-dried tomato and artichoke variation adds a burst of Mediterranean flavors with its sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese. And for a spicy kick, the jalapeño and bacon recipe incorporates diced jalapeños and crispy bacon, creating a dish that's both flavorful and a bit fiery.
Whether you prefer the classic, lightened-up, sun-dried tomato and artichoke, or jalapeño and bacon version, Calhoun's Spinach Maria is sure to tantalize your taste buds and become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
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.
CALHOUN'S KNOXVILLE TENNESSEE SPINACH MARIA
If you live in Knoxville or have ever visited and eaten at Calhoun's, you surely love Spinach Maria. It is WONDERFUL!! It is a great side dish but you can also use this as an appetizer or party food. It is like a cheesy spinach dip. SO YUMMY!!!!! The recipe was printed in the Knoxville paper. You can also scale it down if you don't want such a large amount--but it is great leftover!!
Provided by Kimke
Categories Cheese
Time 45m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Thaw spinach.
- Squeeze as much excess water as possible from spinach.
- Heat milk and spices in a 4 qt.
- saucepan on medium heat to just below a boil.
- Reduce and simmer.
- Saute chopped onion in 1 TBSP butter on medium heat for 5-8 minutes.
- Add onion to saucepan.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove from heat.
- Allow to cool for 15 minutes.
- Add drained spinach to cheese sauce and mix till completely blended.
- 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.
- This can be served as a side dish or as an appetizer with tortilla chips.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 384.8, Fat 27.6, SaturatedFat 17.1, Cholesterol 84.4, Sodium 710.5, Carbohydrate 15.2, Fiber 3.7, Sugar 2.8, Protein 21.6
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 (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
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.
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.
Tips:
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture.
- If you don't have heavy cream, you can use milk or half and half instead.
- Add more or less crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Serve the spinach Maria immediately, while it's still hot and bubbly.
Conclusion:
This copycat Calhoun's spinach Maria is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It's also a great way to use up leftover spinach. The creamy sauce, flavorful bacon, and tangy Parmesan cheese make this dish a surefire hit. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love