This is a really quick and easy recipe. We call it "steakhouse spinach" but
I think the original recipe is called creamed spinach casserole or something similar. We call it what we do, because there isn't any "cream" in it, but it would remind you of the creamed spinach that you get at high-end steakhouses like Ruth's Chris or Hy's. We had it with prime rib and oven roasted potato wedges for this year's New Years Eve dinner.
I think the recipe originated from one of the "brand recipe" cookbooks or possibly from the back of a box. If I had to guess, I'd say it probably came from the folks who make Lipton Onion Soup, because it's the one ingredient in this dish that's pretty well known. It takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish to prepare, so it's a fantastic last minute side dish for steak and other meats.
It also makes an awesome hot dip for bread or crackers. I keep a couple of boxes of frozen chopped spinach on hand at all times, just for that reason.
Steakhouse Spinach
- 2 14oz Boxes Frozen Chopped Spinach, thawed and really well drained
- 2 Cups Sour Cream
- 1 Packet Onion Soup Mix (Lipton or your favorite brand)
- 2 Cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded ~ plus...
- 1 Cup Sharp Cheddar, shredded (for the top)
- Salt & Pepper
Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees F
Once the spinach has thawed, remove it from the packages and place it in a large strainer or fine colander and press or squeeze as much of the liquid out as you possibly can. If you fail to get all of the liquid out, you'll end up with a watery casserole and that's not at all appetizing.
If your spinach is still a little frozen, you can run it under warm water, breaking it up with your fingers or a fork as you do. I'll even thaw it out like this straight from the freezer when I'm really pressed for time. (Don't forget to squeeze out all of the liquid before continuing with the recipe)
You might actually be surprised by the amount of liquid that comes out of it.
I've found that some of the store brand or generic onion soup mixes are a bit bland compared to the Lipton brand. On the rare occasion when that's all I have in the pantry, I'll use one and a half packets of the mix.
Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl. (except the 3rd cup of cheese) Season with a little salt and pepper.
Turn the mixture out into a deep sided casserole dish. (no need to grease the pan)
Sprinkle the final third of a cup of cheese over the top. Bake, uncovered, in your pre-heated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it's golden brown and bubbly all over.
Serve it with a thick juicy strip steak, prime rib, chicken, pork or any other meat that you like. Or, serve it as a hot dip with crusty bread or crackers. Any way you serve it, it's downright addictive, so make a double batch if you have a crowd of hungry folks to feed. It's even good left over and reheated in the microwave... if you have any left over, that is. :~)
Enjoy!
~Mary
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I'm sharing this at:
Weekend Potluck at The Country Cook
