Trisha Yearwood’s Spinach Casserole

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Creamy, cheesy, and undeniably comforting, Trisha Yearwood’s Spinach Casserole is the kind of side dish that turns simple ingredients into pure southern magic. Whether you’re serving it alongside a holiday roast or tucking it into a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole delivers rich flavor with very little effort. It’s a go-to favorite for potlucks, family gatherings, and those moments when only warm, cheesy comfort food will do.

With a luscious combination of creamy spinach and bubbling cheese, this dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome. Inspired by Trisha’s homestyle cooking, it layers everyday ingredients in a way that brings out the best in each one. It’s also one of those recipes that can easily be prepped ahead of time, so you can just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have these key tools on hand:

• 9×13 Baking Dish – This size is perfect for evenly distributing the casserole and achieving that beautiful golden crust on top.
• Large Mixing Bowl – Essential for combining all the ingredients without creating a mess. Go with a bowl that gives you space to stir and fold the ingredients gently.
• Whisk – Needed to break up any lumps in the creamy mixture and ensure smooth blending of the eggs, cheese, and dairy.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon – Useful for folding the spinach into the mixture and scraping every last bit into the baking dish.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accuracy counts in baking, especially when dealing with eggs, dairy, and seasonings.
• Oven Mitts – Safety first! Use thick mitts to handle the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Each of these tools makes prep smoother, and cleanup easier, while also helping to ensure a consistent result every time.

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Ingredients for the Trisha Yearwood’s Spinach Casserole

Every ingredient in this casserole plays a specific role, contributing to both flavor and texture:

• Frozen Chopped Spinach – The heart of the dish. Be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture to avoid a watery bake.
• Eggs – Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.
• Sour Cream – Adds tang and creaminess, making the casserole rich and smooth.
• Cottage Cheese – Offers a mild flavor and a creamy texture with a bit of protein boost.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Brings that classic cheesy goodness and a golden, bubbly top.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese – Adds savory depth and helps crisp the top beautifully.
• Butter – Enhances flavor and helps with browning.
• Salt and Pepper – Simple but necessary, seasoning everything evenly.

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How To Make the Trisha Yearwood’s Spinach Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and aid in golden browning.

Step 2: Drain the Spinach

Make sure the frozen chopped spinach is fully thawed. Squeeze out all the excess moisture using a cheesecloth or clean towel. This step is crucial to avoid a soggy casserole.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Add Spinach

Gently fold in the well-drained spinach until evenly distributed through the creamy mixture.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the spinach mixture into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and small dots of butter.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for about 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the casserole to firm up.

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How to Serve and Store Trisha Yearwood’s Spinach Casserole

This casserole is best served warm, straight from the oven, when the cheese is still bubbly and the top has that irresistible golden crust. Pair it with roast chicken, baked ham, or grilled pork chops for a complete Southern-style meal. It also makes a fantastic addition to a holiday spread or potluck table.

To store, let the casserole cool completely, then cover the dish with foil or transfer leftovers into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for quick leftovers.

If you want to freeze it, prepare the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I avoid a watery spinach casserole?

Be sure to thoroughly squeeze out all excess water from the thawed spinach. You can use cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel to wring it out well.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes! Just wilt down fresh spinach in a pan, then let it cool and squeeze out the moisture. You’ll need roughly double the amount since fresh spinach shrinks considerably.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake it fresh the next day.

Can I substitute the cottage cheese?

If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta is a great alternative. It keeps the creamy texture and blends beautifully.

What other cheeses can I use?

You can swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a sharp white cheddar for a bolder flavor. Parmesan is best kept for the topping due to its salty, crisp finish.

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Want More Casserole Ideas?

If this cheesy spinach casserole warmed your heart, here are some other cozy, satisfying casseroles from Life With Olivia you’ll want to try next:

• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole – A creamy twist on a classic favorite.
• Mexican Cornbread Casserole – Spicy, savory, and full of bold flavor.
• Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole – Layers of cheesy pasta richness.
• Chicken and Stuffing Casserole – Perfect for Sunday dinners.
• Scalloped Corn Casserole – Sweet and savory, ideal for potlucks.

And for even more daily recipe inspiration, follow along on my Pinterest board: Life With Olivia

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Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it whenever the craving strikes.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you stick with cheddar, or get creative with other cheeses? Did you make it ahead for a big gathering?

I love hearing your tweaks and tips. And if you have questions while baking, don’t hesitate to ask. Let’s make every casserole a winner!

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