Creamy Spinach and Butternut Squash Casserole
Try this Creamy Spinach and Butternut Squash Casserole recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Creamy Spinach and Butternut Squash Casserole recipe, or contribute your own.
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 2 10 oz bags frozen butternut squash
- 1 8 oz pckg cream cheese*
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 to 2 c. milk*- i used cashew milk because i always
- 1/2 cup 5 italian white cheese blend*
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp fresh thyme to garnish
- *use low fat options if you are counting calories
- Carbohydrate 6.08505250000365 g
- Cholesterol 88.103125013081 mg
- Fat 33.8854312549349 g
- Fiber 2.10540006065369 g
- Protein 32.4345537500517 g
- Saturated Fat 21.2657350031253 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (161g)
- Sodium 3230.74400003504 mg
- Sugar 3.97965243934996 g
- Trans Fat 1.38406625034547 g
- Calories 454 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat oven to 350
- In a saucepan melt butter, cream cheese, and milk and bring to a low simmer. Begin with 1 cup of milk and if the sauce becomes too thick, add an extra ½ cup at a time but no more than 2 cups total.
- Stir constantly until the cream cheese is completely melted.
- Sprinkle in shredded parmesan cheese slowly, allowing it to melt while you stir. This prevents major cheese clumping.
- Fold in spinach 1 cup at a time until all of the leaves are wilted and cheese covered.
- Using two medium baking dishes, assemble the casserole by layering the frozen butternut squash and sprinkling with the smoked paprika, garlic powder and salt, followed by a handful of the italian cheese blend.
- Cover in half of the cheese sauce, layer more squash and seasoning followed by the rest of the cheese sauce.
- Top with the more shredded parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh thyme.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Broil for just a few minutes to achieve optimal cheese browning and/or bubbling.
Creamy Spinach and Butternut Squash Casserole: A Weeknight Wonder
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, soccer practice, and the ever-present mountain of laundry, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I've become a huge fan of casseroles. They’re easy to assemble, often involve minimal cleanup, and can be easily scaled for leftovers (a huge bonus in my house!). This Creamy Spinach and Butternut Squash Casserole is my absolute go-to for a weeknight meal. It’s hearty, comforting, and surprisingly simple to make, even on the busiest of days. The creamy cheese sauce perfectly complements the earthy sweetness of the butternut squash and the fresh spinach adds a healthy, vibrant touch. It's a complete meal in one dish, packed with vegetables and satisfying enough to please even the pickiest eaters.
What truly sets this casserole apart, though, is its versatility. I've experimented with different milk alternatives (cashew milk is my current favorite!), and even swapped out some cheeses to suit my preferences and dietary needs. The beauty of a casserole is that it’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. You can easily adjust the seasoning, add other vegetables, or even use different types of squash depending on what you have on hand. I sometimes add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick, or use different herbs like rosemary or sage to change up the flavor profile. The possibilities are endless! I often make a double batch, tucking one casserole into the freezer for a future meal. This ensures I always have a healthy and satisfying meal waiting for me, even on nights when I'm running on empty.
Beyond the ease and adaptability, this casserole is a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your family's diet. Butternut squash is packed with vitamins and nutrients, and spinach provides a healthy dose of iron. My kids, who are typically quite picky, actually enjoy this dish! Serving it alongside a simple side salad or some crusty bread completes the meal perfectly. So, next time you're short on time but still want a nutritious and flavorful dinner, give this Creamy Spinach and Butternut Squash Casserole a try. It might just become your new weeknight favorite!
Tips for Success:
- Use pre-cut butternut squash: Save time by buying pre-cut frozen butternut squash. This makes assembly a breeze.
- Don't overcook the spinach: Add the spinach in small batches to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Low-fat options: Feel free to use low-fat cream cheese and milk to reduce the calorie count.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it your own: Experiment with different herbs and cheeses to find your perfect flavor combination.
This casserole is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients and a little bit of culinary creativity. It's a recipe that embodies the heart of home cooking – a comforting, nourishing dish that brings people together.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Happy cooking!
