Spinach Madeline

5 from 1 vote

Get ready for a dish that you can enjoy as an elegant side dish or party appetizer! This Spinach Madeline is creamy and cheesy, topped with a buttery golden breadcrumb crust.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Appetizer, vegetable side

Cuisine: American-Southern

Servings: servings

Calories: 354kcal

Author: Marisa Franca @ All Our Way

Equipment

Ingredients

24 oz frozen chopped spinach 2 (12-oz pkgs.)
½ cup baby spinach leaves
4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
½ cup one large shallot finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
½ cup spinach liquid
½ cup whole milk
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
8 oz. pepper Jack cheese shredded
¼ tsp. Kosher salt or to taste
¼ tsp. black pepper
¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
2 Tbsp. Melted unsalted butter or olive oil
⅓ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

Instructions

Cook spinach:  Cook the spinach according to package directions. Squeeze out excess liquid and reserve. Set the spinach aside.
Start sauce:  Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots and cook until soft, about 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the flour and stir until smooth, but not brown, about 30 seconds. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cook sauce, add cheese and spinach:  While stirring, slowly add the reserved spinach liquid, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir continuously to avoid any lumps. Cook until smooth and thick, about 2 minutes.
Add the cheese a handful at a time, stirring continuously until it is fully melted.  Fold in the cooked spinach and spinach leaves. Add salt and pepper.
Fill dish:  Transfer to a 1 ½-quart vegetable-sprayed casserole dish.
To serve immediately: Preheat the broiler to high. Combine the oil and breadcrumbs in a small bowl. Top the casserole with the breadcrumbs, and broil until golden, about 3 minutes.  
Combine the oil and breadcrumbs in a small bowl. Top the casserole with the breadcrumbs, and broil until golden, about 3 minutes.
To serve the following day: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the casserole dish, covered, in the oven, and heat through, 20 to 25 minutes.
Remove from the oven. Combine the oil and breadcrumbs in a small bowl. Top the casserole with the breadcrumbs, and broil until golden, about 3 minutes.

Notes

This dish can be made ahead and frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then, heat it in a 350°F oven. For more tips and variations, check the post above. ☝️

👩🏻‍🍳 Tips for the ultimate spicy cheesy spinach

Prep the spinach ahead of time and let it cool completely to make handling easier and avoid burning your hands.
Always save the spinach cooking liquid to add deep flavor to the sauce. You can use broth as a substitute if it's accidentally discarded.
Use freshly shredded cheese from a block for a smoother, creamier melt than pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents.
For a crispier topping, ensure your breadcrumbs are thoroughly tossed with the oil or melted butter before sprinkling.
Taste and season the spinach mixture after adding the cheese, as the saltiness of the cheese can vary.

Nutrition