Spinach in a creamy cheese sauce with a little Cajun kick baked to a golden brown. South Louisiana's most popular holiday side dish.
Estimated Time 1 hourhour10 minutesminutes
Servings 12Servings
Here's What You Need
4packsfrozen spinach - a total of 40 ounces
8tablespoonsbutter
4tablespoonsAP flour
4tablespoonsyellow onions - chopped fine
1cupevaporated milk
1cupspinach vegetable liquid
2teaspoonsWorcestershire sauce
1teaspoonblack peppers
1 ½teaspooncelery salt
1 ½teaspoongranulated garlic
1teaspooncayenne peppers - optional but highly recommended
12ouncesVelveeta Jalapeno Cheese
¼cupseasoned breadcrumbs
kosher salt - to taste
Here's What You Do
Preparation
Cook the spinach according to the directions on the package. Drain and reserve the liquid.
Combine the liquid ingredients-evaporated milk, spinach liquid and Worchestershire sauce in a measuring cup. Set aside.
Measure the dry spices into a small bowl.
Cut the jalapeno cheese into small cubes and set aside.
Prepare a 2.5-quart baking dish by spreading softened butter all over the inside.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
For the Madeleine
Place a dutch oven over medium heat and melt the butter.
Add the flour and whisk constantly to form a smooth white roux, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the onions and stir constantly until they are turning soft, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Slowing pour the liquid ingredients (evaporated milk, spinach liquid and Worchestershire sauce) into the onion-roux mix, whisking constantly as it incorporates into a smooth and thick sauce. Increase the heat to bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat again. About 3 minutes.
Stir in the dry ingredients (black pepper, celery salt, granulated garlic and cayenne, if using).
Add the cubes of cheese a few at a time, stirring constantly to blend the melting cheese into the sauce. Maintain a slow simmer for about 5 minutes until a smooth cheese sauce develops with no lumps.
Remove the dutch oven from the heat and add the drained spinach to the cheese sauce and stir to thoroughly combine.
Turn the spinach mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spoon.
Lightly sprinkle the top with seasoned breadcrumbs and place some small tabs of butter on top.
Place in the 350-degree oven for about 30 minutes until bubbling on the side.
Notes
This recipe can be made in advance and kept in the refrigerator overnight. You can make it in advance and then bake it the next day if you prefer, but I suggest not adding the breadcrumbs on top until just before baking. This can be frozen if wrapped airtight. I would suggest freezing before adding the breadcrumbs to the top. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight, or just bake right from the freezer. Add about 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time, or bake until heated all the way through.