Trisha Yearwood’s Spinach Casserole Made Easy

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Creamy, cheesy, and comforting—Trisha Yearwood’s Spinach Casserole is the perfect side dish that never fails to steal the spotlight. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply craving a warm, veggie-packed delight, this spinach casserole brings southern charm and rich flavor to your table. It’s layered with tender spinach, velvety cream, and golden, bubbling cheese, all tied together with a crunchy topping that adds just the right amount of texture.

What makes this casserole so irresistible is its simplicity and depth of flavor. With minimal prep and basic pantry ingredients, it delivers a gourmet taste that feels like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen. It’s also flexible—great as a vegetarian main course or served alongside roasted chicken or grilled meats. This recipe is a wonderful way to make spinach the star of your meal.

Why You’ll Love This Spinach Casserole

• Quick and easy: Comes together with minimal prep.
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the cheesy goodness.
• Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for prepping the night before an event.
• Freezer-friendly: Keeps well, making it a great meal prep option.
• Rich in flavor: Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s helpful to gather everything you need:

• Large mixing bowl: For combining all your ingredients smoothly.
• Colander or fine mesh strainer: Essential for draining excess moisture from the spinach.
• Baking dish (9×13 inch recommended): To evenly bake and crisp the casserole.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Ideal for mixing without damaging nonstick surfaces.
• Oven: Preheat to the right temperature to ensure a perfectly golden crust.

Each of these tools plays a key role in ensuring the dish comes out creamy in the middle and perfectly browned on top.

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Preparation Tips

Use frozen chopped spinach that has been thoroughly thawed and squeezed dry—excess moisture will make your casserole soggy. Let your cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps. Season each layer lightly rather than dumping all seasoning in at once; this builds more depth. If you’re making this ahead, assemble and refrigerate, then bake it fresh before serving for the best texture. Want a crispier topping? Sprinkle with a bit of extra Parmesan or breadcrumbs in the final 5 minutes of baking.

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Ingredients for Trisha Yearwood’s Spinach Casserole

• 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional but recommended)
• 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (to mix with breadcrumbs)

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Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

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Step 2: Prepare the Spinach

Thaw the frozen spinach completely, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This prevents a watery casserole.

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Step 3: Cook the Aromatics

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion with a bit of butter or oil until it turns soft and translucent. This step helps mellow the sharpness of the onion and enhances the flavor base.

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Step 4: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth. Add in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).

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Step 5: Combine the Spinach and Cheese

Add the drained spinach and sautéed onions to the cream cheese mixture. Stir in the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese until everything is well incorporated.

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Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth out the top.

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Step 7: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with melted butter and remaining Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

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Step 8: Bake the Casserole

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

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Step 9: Cool Slightly and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the dish set up, making it easier to slice and serve.

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Notes

This casserole is a crowd-pleaser because it balances rich, cheesy comfort with the earthy flavor of spinach. It can easily be adapted to suit different dietary preferences—use low-fat dairy options for a lighter version or swap in vegan alternatives. If you prefer a spicier twist, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mix. You can also customize the cheese blend by using cheddar, Swiss, or gouda.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the spinach squeeze: Not draining your spinach thoroughly will make the casserole watery.
• Cold cream cheese: If the cream cheese isn’t softened, it won’t mix smoothly, leaving chunks.
• Uneven seasoning: Be sure to taste the mixture before baking and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the casserole after 25 minutes to prevent drying out or burning the top.
• Overcrowding with extra ingredients: Adding too many extras like meats or veggies can upset the moisture balance.

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Storage Instructions

Let the casserole cool completely before storing. Cover with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving directly from frozen for best texture.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 290 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this casserole ahead of time?

Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, bring to room temperature and bake as instructed.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, but you’ll need to sauté it first and remove as much moisture as possible. Use about 1.5 pounds of fresh spinach.

What cheese can I use instead of mozzarella?

Cheddar, Swiss, or even Monterey Jack are great alternatives that melt well and offer a different flavor profile.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! As long as you use vegetarian-friendly cheeses (free of animal rennet), it’s a perfect meat-free meal.

Can I add meat to this casserole?

Yes, cooked and crumbled bacon or diced ham are delicious additions, just be sure they’re well-cooked and not too greasy.

How do I prevent a soggy casserole?

Make sure your spinach is completely dry before mixing. Also avoid overloading with too many moist ingredients.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What can I serve this with?

It pairs well with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even as a holiday side dish next to stuffing and mashed potatoes.

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Conclusion

Trisha Yearwood’s Spinach Casserole is more than a side dish—it’s a warm, cheesy, feel-good comfort food that’s simple enough for weeknights and special enough for holidays. With the perfect balance of creamy texture, savory flavor, and a satisfying crunch on top, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether served fresh from the oven or reheated for leftovers, it never disappoints.

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