**Spinach Maria with Cream Cheese: A Delightful Combination of Freshness and Creaminess**
Among our wide selection of culinary creations, the Spinach Maria with Cream Cheese stands out as a must-try dish that beautifully blends the vibrant freshness of spinach with the velvety richness of cream cheese. This delectable dish is a testament to the versatility of spinach, showcasing its ability to transform from a humble leafy green into a culinary masterpiece. Our collection of recipes offers a variety of takes on this classic combination, ensuring that every palate finds its perfect match. From the classic Spinach Maria with its simple yet flavorful ingredients to the more elaborate Spinach Maria Casserole with its indulgent cheesy crust, our recipes cater to all levels of cooking expertise and dietary preferences. Whether you're seeking a quick and easy weeknight meal or a showstopping dish for a special occasion, our Spinach Maria recipes will guide you towards culinary success.
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.
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.
EASY CREAMED SPINACH
Our take on the classic creamed spinach side dish uses fresh spinach and cream cheese as a thickener. It's a crowd pleasing recipe that's popular with both young and old.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Healthy Recipes Gluten-Free Recipes
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spinach, and cook just until wilted, about 1 minute. Drain in a colander; rinse with cold water until cool. Squeeze spinach to remove as much liquid as possible; coarsely chop, and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, heat butter over medium. Add onion and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion softens, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add cream cheese and milk; cook, stirring, until cream cheese is melted and smooth. Stir in spinach. Simmer over medium heat until mixture thickens, 8 to 10 minutes. Add nutmeg; season with salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 225 g, Fat 17 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 9 g
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
THREE-CHEESE CREAMED SPINACH
Cream cheese, Parmesan and mozzarella make this dish wonderfully cheesy. Sprinkle it with french-fried onions for a crisp boost of flavor. -Kathy Vazquez, Amarillo, Texas
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 20m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients. Cook and stir over medium heat for 8-10 minutes or until blended and heated through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 415 calories, Fat 35g fat (23g saturated fat), Cholesterol 103mg cholesterol, Sodium 685mg sodium, Carbohydrate 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 15g protein.
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.
BAKED CREAMY SPINACH
Even folks not find of spinach find this creamy casserole irresistable. It's a favorite of my family at the holidays.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 40m
Yield 6-8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425°. In a large saucepan, saute onion in butter until tender. Add cream cheese and milk; stir until melted. Stir in 1 cup Parmesan cheese, cayenne, salt and pepper. Stir in spinach. , Transfer to a greased 1-1/2-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, 30-35 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 194 calories, Fat 16g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 47mg cholesterol, Sodium 457mg sodium, Carbohydrate 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 9g protein.
Tips:
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before using.
- Don't overcook the spinach. It should be wilted but still have a slight crunch.
- Use a good quality cream cheese. This will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
- Season the dish to taste with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Serve the spinach Maria with your favorite sides, such as rice, pasta, or potatoes.
Conclusion:
Spinach Maria with cream cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is also a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy recipe, give spinach Maria a try.
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