Spinach Madeline is a flavorful and creamy Southern-inspired dish that takes fresh spinach to the next level. This dish features spinach cooked in a savory, rich cheese sauce with a hint of spice and is baked to perfection. It’s a comforting side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of meats, making it a perfect addition to holiday meals or any family dinner. The dish’s velvety texture and bold flavors make it irresistible, whether you serve it alongside roasted meats, fish, or as a standalone vegetarian option.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh spinach (washed and chopped)
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large pot, cook the spinach over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until wilted. Drain well and squeeze out excess moisture.
3. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to form a roux, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
4. Gradually add the heavy cream to the roux, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Continue to stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
6. Add the cooked spinach to the sauce, then stir in the lemon juice.
7. Pour the spinach mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If desired, top with breadcrumbs for extra texture.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the dish is bubbly.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrients

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Sodium: 650mg

The Southern Influence of Spinach Madeline

Spinach Madeline, like many iconic Southern dishes, has roots that can be traced back to the Creole and Cajun culinary traditions of Louisiana. Southern cuisine often takes familiar ingredients like vegetables and transforms them into something extraordinary, and Spinach Madeline is no exception. The original recipe, which is attributed to a New Orleans chef, used to be a signature dish at many Southern dinner tables, often prepared as a special side to accompany meats like fried chicken, roast beef, or seafood.

In Southern cooking, spinach is often seen as a vegetable that needs to be dressed up to bring out its best qualities, and the rich cheese sauce in Spinach Madeline does just that. The marriage of spinach with creamy cheeses, heavy cream, and a bit of seasoning is a quintessential example of the Southern love for rich and flavorful food. The dish also has a tendency to be made for large gatherings or celebrations, as its comforting nature and heartiness make it an ideal addition to a family-style spread.

The Role of Spinach in the Dish

While spinach might not traditionally be the star of the show in many dishes, in Spinach Madeline, it takes center stage. The spinach provides a fresh, slightly earthy flavor that balances the richness of the cheese sauce. Spinach is also a highly nutritious vegetable, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and iron. By incorporating spinach into this dish, you’re not only elevating the flavors but also adding a healthy green element that enhances the overall profile of the meal.

What makes Spinach Madeline so special is that it turns spinach from a simple vegetable into a comforting and decadent dish. The spinach wilts down during cooking, taking on the flavors of the cheese sauce and seasoning. Its texture softens and blends with the sauce, making it almost unrecognizable as a vegetable but still retaining its beneficial qualities. Additionally, by cooking the spinach in this way, the vegetable becomes even more digestible and palatable, especially for those who might not otherwise enjoy its flavor or texture.

The Creamy Cheese Sauce

The defining feature of Spinach Madeline is the rich, cheesy sauce that coats the spinach. This sauce is a combination of butter, flour, heavy cream, and two types of cheese: Parmesan and cheddar. The sauce begins with a roux, a mixture of butter and flour, which serves as the base for the creamy texture. As the butter melts and combines with the flour, it forms a smooth consistency that thickens when the cream is added.

Heavy cream is essential in this dish, as it creates the luxurious texture that makes Spinach Madeline so indulgent. The cream not only helps thicken the sauce but also adds a mild sweetness that balances the slight bitterness of the spinach. Parmesan cheese, with its sharp, salty flavor, infuses the sauce with a rich depth, while cheddar cheese brings a velvety, creamy smoothness. The combination of these two cheeses provides the dish with both complexity and comfort, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.

The spices used in the sauce also play an important role in enhancing the overall dish. Garlic powder and onion powder add an aromatic base, while cayenne pepper provides a subtle kick of heat. The addition of lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds just the right amount of acidity to cut through the richness of the cheese and cream. These ingredients balance each other perfectly, creating a sauce that’s rich yet not overwhelming.

Health Benefits of Spinach Madeline

Though Spinach Madeline is a creamy and indulgent dish, it still offers several nutritional benefits, primarily thanks to the spinach. Spinach is a low-calorie vegetable that’s high in fiber, which supports digestion and helps keep you feeling full for longer. It’s also packed with essential nutrients, including iron, which is necessary for healthy blood circulation, and vitamin A, which supports eye health and immune function.

The presence of heavy cream and cheese in Spinach Madeline increases the dish’s fat and calorie content, but these ingredients also provide important nutrients like calcium and protein. Calcium, found in both the cheddar and Parmesan, supports bone health, while the protein in the cheese helps with muscle repair and growth.

Despite its indulgent nature, this dish provides a balance of nutrients that make it more than just an indulgent side. You could even experiment with lighter substitutions, like using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or choosing a reduced-fat cheese to make a slightly healthier version without sacrificing too much flavor. However, part of the charm of Spinach Madeline lies in its richness, which is best enjoyed in moderation as a treat.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Spinach Madeline is a versatile side dish that can complement a variety of main courses. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken, turkey, or pork, where the rich, creamy flavors of the dish balance the savory depth of the meats. For seafood lovers, it also pairs wonderfully with fish or shrimp, especially dishes like blackened fish or shrimp scampi.

This dish is also excellent for holiday meals or special occasions, where its rich flavors and comforting nature make it a standout. If you’re preparing a large family meal or a potluck, Spinach Madeline is an ideal choice, as it can be made in advance and reheated when needed. For a complete Southern-inspired dinner, serve it alongside cornbread, mashed potatoes, or a light salad to balance out the richness.

If you’re looking to add a bit more texture to the dish, consider topping the gratin with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. This adds a delightful crunch to each bite, giving it an extra layer of contrast that enhances the overall experience.

Making Spinach Madeline Ahead of Time

One of the best things about Spinach Madeline is that it can be prepared ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for busy days or meal prep. After assembling the dish, simply cover it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to serve it, just pop it in the oven and bake until hot and bubbly.

If you have leftovers, Spinach Madeline can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave, and it will still retain its creamy texture and flavor. You can even freeze leftovers for a longer shelf life, though be aware that the texture of the spinach might change slightly upon reheating.

Conclusion

Spinach Madeline is a delightful and indulgent side dish that showcases the versatility of spinach and the rich flavors of Southern cuisine. With its creamy cheese sauce, subtle spices, and tender spinach, this dish is a comforting favorite that pairs beautifully with a wide variety of main courses.