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Crunchy Spinach Casserole Recipe – Best Golden Breadcrumb Topping

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This comforting casserole features creamy spinach filling topped with a golden, crunchy garlic-butter breadcrumb layer. It’s quick, easy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained (or 1 lb fresh spinach, wilted and drained)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the spinach: If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out excess water using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. If using fresh, cook in a pan over medium heat until wilted (about 4 minutes), then drain and press out moisture. Set aside.
  2. Sauté aromatics: In a small skillet, heat 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic, stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
  3. Make the filling: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cream cheese and eggs until smooth. Add milk, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined. Stir in the drained spinach and sautéed onion-garlic mixture.
  4. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan, and parsley. Toss until everything is coated and the mixture looks like wet sand.
  5. Assemble the casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish. Pour in the spinach mixture, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the surface, pressing lightly so it sticks.
  6. Bake: Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. If the topping browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  7. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Drain spinach thoroughly to avoid soggy casserole. For extra crunch, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. Make ahead by prepping filling and topping separately, then assemble and bake fresh. Easily adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets by swapping breadcrumbs and dairy products.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach casserole, crunchy topping, vegetarian casserole, comfort food, easy casserole, golden breadcrumbs, family recipe, potluck, holiday side, creamy spinach

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