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spinach maria

(12 ratings)
Hambone avatar
Blue Ribbon Recipe by
Dan Hammond
@Hambone
Noblesville, IN

This is my favorite side dish with ribs or beef...this recipe is Hot! in that I stole it! Originally from Calhoun's resturant...unbelievable...I could simply just eat this cheesy dish and forget the ribs & beef...nice to add some hoarseradish for extra kick to individual servings. makes a ton but freeze in smaller quantities

Blue Ribbon Recipe

Frankly, I've never met a cheese I don't like, so the Kitchen Crew and I couldn't wait to try out this cheesy, buttery spinach. And what a treat it is! This comforting recipe would be right at home atop a picnic table or served on your best china. Yum!

— The Test Kitchen @kitchencrew
(12 ratings)
yield 12 serving(s)
prep time 30 Min
cook time 45 Min
method Bake

Ingredients For spinach maria

  • 5 pkg
    frozen chopped spinach (10 oz each pkg)
  • 4 1/2 c
    milk
  • 1 tsp
    dry mustard
  • 1 tsp
    garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp
    crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 md
    yellow onion
  • 1 Tbsp
    butter
  • 5 Tbsp
    butter, melted
  • 6 Tbsp
    flour
  • 8 oz
    Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 8 oz
    cheddar cheese, cubed
  • 4 oz
    Monterey Jack cheese, cubed
  • 1 1/2 c
    Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

How To Make spinach maria

  • 1
    Thaw spinach & squeeze as much excess water as possible from spinach
  • 2
    Heat milk and spices in a 4 qt.saucepan on medium heat to just below a boil. Reduce and simmer. NOTE: the spice quantities listed (mustard, garlic, red pepper flakes) give the dish just a "flavor" but little kick. I will usually double the spices for more flavor & heat (it is not too much). If I have a crowd that likes it hot, I will replace the teaspoon measurement with tablespoon for all three spices...at this level you get a slow burn that lingers but isn't a 4-alarm fire.
  • 3
    Saute chopped onion in 1 TBSP butter on medium heat for 5-8 minutes. Add onion to saucepan.
  • 4
    Combine the 5 TBSP melted butter with the flour in a small saucepan. Mix until completely blended. Cook on low heat 2-3 minutes. Add to milk in saucepan and mix. Continue to cook until sauce thickens.
  • 5
    Cut cheeses into small cubes and add to saucepan. Continue to mix until all the cheese is completely melted and blended into the sauce. Be CAREFUL not to BURN the sauce while cheese is melting.
  • 6
    Remove from heat. Allow to cool for 15 minutes. Add drained spinach to cheese sauce and mix till completely blended
  • 7
    Spoon into a 11x9x2 or large casserole and top with grated Monterey jack cheese. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes, until hot and bubbly
  • 8
    I often like to add a dab of horse radish to indiviual servings...gives it a really nice kick...this way your guests can opt in or out for some heat. Taste it first though, as you may love the kick as it is.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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