Spinach Artichoke Casserole Recipe Easy Perfect Christmas Side
A creamy, cheesy spinach artichoke casserole perfect as a festive Christmas side dish that sneaks in greens and pleases both kids and adults.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional topping: ½ cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Thaw the frozen spinach completely, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Drain and chop the artichoke hearts into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Beat together until smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to distribute the flavors.
- Fold in the well-drained spinach and chopped artichokes, followed by shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Mix until evenly combined; the mixture should be thick but spreadable.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon or spatula. If desired, sprinkle the panko breadcrumb and melted butter mixture evenly over the top for a crunchy finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and edges are bubbling. Check after 20 minutes to avoid over-browning.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help it set and meld flavors.
Notes
Always squeeze out excess moisture from spinach and artichokes to avoid a watery casserole. Use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for best flavor and texture. Adjust seasoning after mixing base. For gluten-free, omit breadcrumbs or use gluten-free panko. Vegan versions require dairy-free substitutes. The casserole can be prepared a day ahead and baked when ready, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 1/8 of casse
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: spinach artichoke casserole, Christmas side dish, holiday casserole, creamy casserole, cheesy casserole, easy side dish, holiday recipe