Spinach Madeleine
Spinach in a creamy cheese sauce with a little Cajun kick baked to a golden brown. South Louisiana's most popular holiday side dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Here's What You Need
- 4 packs frozen spinach - a total of 40 ounces
- 8 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons AP flour
- 4 tablespoons yellow onions - chopped fine
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup spinach vegetable liquid
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon black peppers
- 1 ½ teaspoon celery salt
- 1 ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon cayenne peppers - optional but highly recommended
- 12 ounces Velveeta Jalapeno Cheese
- ¼ cup seasoned 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
Read my article, Spinach Madeleine, for detailed step-by-step photos, ingredient and substitution notes, FAQs, and more tips.
Spinach Madeleine can be assembled in advance and refrigerated overnight. For best results, wait to add the breadcrumbs until just before baking.
The dish can also be frozen if wrapped airtight. Freeze before adding the breadcrumbs. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, or bake directly from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the baking time or until heated through.
Nutrition
Calories: 197kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 931mg | Potassium: 311mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 4515IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 274mg | Iron: 1mg
