Last Updated on April 12, 2023 by naime
Birds Eye Creamy Spinach Bake is an easy and delicious dish that’s great for any time of the year.
This tasty, creamy casserole combines spinach with cheese and cream to create a rich and flavorful meal.
Whether you’re looking for something hearty on a chilly night or want to add some variety to your next family gathering, this simple recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
This article will provide detailed instructions on how to prepare Birds Eye Creamy Spinach Bake as well as ideas for customizing it to make it even more enjoyable.
We’ll also discuss why spinach makes such a perfect pairing in this particular dish so you can feel confident knowing exactly what goes into each spoonful.
Get ready to experience comfort food like never before!
What You Will Need
For this delicious Birds Eye Creamy Spinach Bake recipe, you’ll need a few ingredients.
First, you will require a 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach.
You’ll also need two tablespoons butter or margarine and one teaspoon minced onion.
Additionally, for the creamy sauce, you will need 1/4 cup all purpose flour, 2 cups milk, and 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
To top it off, for seasoning you will want to use 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
With these simple ingredients at hand, you can move on to preparing your spinach bake.
Preparing The Spinach
You thought you had all the ingredients you needed to make this delicious bird’s eye creamy spinach bake… but what about that essential ingredient? You can’t forget about preparing the spinach! It may seem daunting, but with the right set of instructions, it will be a breeze.
Here’s how to get started:
- Thoroughly rinse off your fresh spinach in cold water and let drain.
- Blanche by boiling for 2-3 minutes.
- Quickly shock in an ice bath to retain its color and texture.
- Squeeze out any remaining liquid before adding it into your recipe.
Preparing the spinach is simple – if done correctly, it should have a vibrant green hue and still remain slightly crisp.
Now onto making the next key element of this dish: the creamy sauce!
Making The Creamy Sauce
The next step in creating a delicious birds eye creamy spinach bake is to make the creamy sauce.
To do this, begin by heating butter and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter has melted and fragrant.
Then add heavy cream, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and parmesan cheese; stirring constantly for about 5 minutes until thickened.
Once the mixture has reached desired thickness, remove from the heat and set aside.
This will be used later when assembling the bake – adding flavor and texture that will bring all of your ingredients together nicely.
Transitioning now into how to assemble these components into an incredible dish…
Assembling The Bake
To assemble the birds eye creamy spinach bake, preheat your oven to 375°F.
Then, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Next, spread out an even layer of cooked chicken breast pieces onto the bottom of the pan.
After that, evenly sprinkle frozen spinach over top and season with salt & pepper if desired.
Top off with a generous layer of shredded cheese and pour in one can of cream of mushroom soup mixed with 1/2 cup milk.
Finally, cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes uncovered until golden brown on top.
Once done baking, let cool slightly before serving warm.
Enjoy!
Baking And Serving
Now that the Birds Eye Creamy Spinach Bake is assembled, it’s time to bake and serve! Before popping it in the oven, preheat your oven to 375°F.
Then place the baking dish on a middle rack of the preheated oven for about 35 minutes or until golden brown.
When ready, take out of the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Here are a few ideas to make this meal even more delicious:
- Sprinkle some grated cheese over top
- Add crumbled bacon pieces
- Top with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
This dish is comfort food at its finest – savory spinach mixed with creamy cheese sauce, all baked together into one amazing dinner. And if you feel like spicing things up, there are endless variations and add-ins you can use to give this classic dish an upgrade.
Variations And Add-Ins
Ah, the birds eye creamy spinach bake—a classic dish that has graced dinner tables for generations. Why not switch it up and try some variations to make this delicious meal even more interesting?
From adding crumbled bacon or cooked sausage to using a different type of cheese such as Swiss or pepper jack, there are so many ways you can add your own spin on this beloved dish. You could also mix in mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, olives, garlic, or bell peppers for an extra flavor boost.
Don’t forget fresh herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary – whatever floats your boat! And if you’re feeling adventurous why not top it with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch?
Moving onwards from here we’ll take a look at tips and tricks that will help bring out all the flavors of this tasty casserole.
Tips And Tricks
When making this creamy spinach bake, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind. Be sure to thaw the frozen spinach before adding it to the mix – otherwise your dish could turn out watery.
Additionally, if you’re using fresh spinach, make sure that any excess moisture has been removed before mixing in with the other ingredients. This will help make sure your final product isn’t too soggy or mushy.
And of course, don’t forget to add some delicious seasoning for extra flavor! To top off this savory dish, try sprinkling some cheese on top prior to baking. Adding a layer of melted cheese not only adds an extra punch of flavor but also gives your bake a delightful golden brown color when finished cooking.
With these simple tips and tricks your birds eye creamy spinach bake is sure to be a hit with family and friends! Transitioning our focus now towards the nutritional benefits of spinach, one can see why this vegetable should be included as part of any balanced diet.
Nutritional Benefits Of Spinach
When creating a Birds Eye Creamy Spinach Bake, there are some great tips and tricks to keep in mind. For example, adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can add flavor; combining the spinach with other vegetables for more depth; or using either pre-cooked bacon or precooked chicken pieces as toppings.
Not only is this dish delicious but it also has many nutritional benefits due to the inclusion of spinach. It’s rich in vitamins A and K which helps maintain healthy bones and teeth. Additionally, spinach contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals while being an excellent source of folate, iron, magnesium and fiber too.
As such, incorporating Birds Eye Creamy Spinach Bake into your diet can have amazing health benefits.
Looking at these impressive nutritional qualities raises the question: how frequently should one include this recipe in their meal plan?
This leads us to the next section on commonly asked questions about Birds Eye Creamy Spinach Bake.
Frequently Asked Questions
On one hand, there’s the Birds Eye Creamy Spinach Bake—a warm, cheesy dish that is easy to make and sure to please.
On the other side of the equation lies a bowl full of questions: What temperature should I bake it at? How long do I need to cook it for? Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
These are all valid queries when considering making this meal, so here we provide answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the Birds Eye Creamy Spinach Bake. From cooking times and temperatures to ingredient substitutes, these FAQs will help you create an amazing dinner with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Will The Spinach Bake Keep In The Fridge?
It depends on how well it’s sealed.
Generally, a spinach bake should be kept in the refrigerator for up to five days after initial preparation.
If you store it properly and don’t leave it out at room temperature for too long, it should remain safe to eat for that period of time.
Is There A Way To Make The Bake Gluten-Free?
Yes, there is a way to make the spinach bake gluten-free! By swapping out regular wheat flour for either rice or almond flour and using gluten-free breadcrumbs as well, you can still enjoy this tasty dish.
As with any recipe modification, it’s important to double check that all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free before making the dish.
With some adjustments, you’ll be able to easily create a delicious bird’s eye creamy spinach bake free of gluten.
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead Of Fresh?
Indeed, there is a way to make the classic birds eye creamy spinach bake gluten-free.
But if you’re out of fresh spinach or simply don’t have access to it, fret not!
Frozen spinach can be used instead – just be sure to thaw and drain it properly first.
An anachronistic tip: patting the excess moisture off with paper towels will help ensure your dish isn’t too watery.
With frozen spinach at hand, you can whip up this tasty meal in no time – so why wait?
How Many Servings Does The Recipe Make?
This recipe makes a great side dish or vegetarian main course, with four to six servings.
If you’re wondering how many people this recipe can feed, the answer is four to six!
The birds eye creamy spinach bake has enough for everyone at your dinner table.
Is There An Alternative To Using Cream In The Sauce?
Cream is often used to add a creamy texture and flavor to sauces, but what if you’re looking for an alternative?
If so, then this recipe might be the perfect fit.
Birds Eye Creamy Spinach Bake is a delicious dish that can be made without cream in the sauce.
It’s easy to make and produces tasty results – a great option for those who want something lighter than traditional cream-based recipes.
Conclusion
I believe that this creamy spinach bake is the perfect way to enjoy a healthy meal.
It’s quick and easy to make, plus it can be stored in the fridge for up to four days!
If you’re gluten-free, you can easily substitute some ingredients like almond flour or cornstarch instead of regular all-purpose flour.
Frozen spinach works just as well as fresh if that’s what you have on hand.
The recipe yields 4 servings and there are also ways to make it without cream if desired – coconut milk or vegetable broth work great too!
With so many options available, I’m sure everyone will find something they love about this delicious dish!
