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Amazing Spinach Artichoke Casserole Recipe

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4 from 5 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
  • Yield: 16 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This creamy, cheesy spinach artichoke casserole with roasted garlic, fresh mushrooms, and tangy water chestnuts makes a delicious and hearty vegetable side dish. Perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, the casserole features layers of savory roasted garlic, tender spinach, and artichoke hearts baked to perfection with a crunchy French fried onion topping.

Ingredients

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 6 cloves garlic, unpeeled
  • 4 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach – thawed, drained and squeezed dry
  • 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 1 (8 ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms
  • 3 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped

Dairy and Condiments

  • ¼ cup butter
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¾ cup real mayonnaise

Seasonings and Toppings

  • 2 teaspoons garlic salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 cup French fried onion rings

Instructions

  1. Preheat and roast garlic: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the unpeeled garlic cloves in a small oven-safe dish and roast them in the oven for about 20 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Once done, set aside to cool.
  2. Prepare spinach and artichokes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed, drained, and squeezed dry chopped spinach with the drained and chopped artichoke hearts. Stir to mix well.
  3. Cook mushrooms and onions: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until softened. Add the finely chopped green onions and continue cooking another 5 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.
  4. Combine mushroom mixture with spinach: Transfer the cooked mushroom and onion mixture into the bowl containing the spinach and artichokes. Stir to combine evenly.
  5. Soften and mix cream cheese: Remove the cream cheese from its wrapping and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for about 1½ minutes until warm and very soft. Stir the softened cream cheese into the spinach mixture thoroughly.
  6. Add remaining creamy ingredients and seasonings: Add sour cream, chopped water chestnuts, grated Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, garlic salt, and lemon juice to the bowl. Mix all ingredients until well incorporated.
  7. Add roasted garlic: Once the roasted garlic cloves have cooled, squeeze the softened garlic out of their skins directly into the spinach mixture. Mix thoroughly to distribute the roasted garlic flavor evenly.
  8. Assemble casserole: Spoon the entire spinach mixture into a round 2-quart baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  9. Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges.
  10. Add topping and finish baking: Evenly spread the French fried onion rings over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the onion rings turn lightly browned and crispy.

Notes

  • If you love garlic, you can add 1 or 2 extra cloves of pressed raw garlic to the mixture for a more intense garlic flavor.
  • Make sure to thoroughly drain and squeeze the spinach to avoid excess moisture that could make the casserole watery.
  • This casserole can be made ahead and baked just before serving to save time.
  • Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and meltability.
  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://saraflavors.com/amazing-spinach-artichoke-casserole-recipe/