Ingredients and Weight:
- 1 pound (454g) fresh spinach
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (236ml) whole milk
- 8 ounces (226g) shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Clean and trim the spinach, then place in a large baking dish.
- In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and stir until combined, cooking for about 1 minute to make a roux (thickening agent).
- Pour in the milk and continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
- Stir in the Cheddar cheese, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Pour the sauce over the spinach and mix well.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the spinach is tender and the sauce is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven, let stand for a few minutes, then serve.
Nutritional Information:
(Per serving, assuming 8 total servings)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 580mg (based on ingredients used)
Dish Characteristics:
- Rich and creamy texture with a cheesy flavor.
- Perfectly baked spinach with a tender texture.
- Great as a side dish or even as a vegetarian main course.
User Comments:
- "The Cheddar cheese really adds a great flavor to the spinach."
- "This is a great dish for people who love spinac and creamy sauces."
- "The baking process makes the spinach so tender and delicious."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Make sure to use fresh spinach for best results.
- Adjust the seasoning according to personal preference.
- If you want to make this dish vegetarian, you can use plant-based milk and vegan butter.
