Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Bake (Rich, Comforting & Easy!)

Sarah Smith
Nov 26, 2025
3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Baked casserole with melted cheese, mushrooms, and spinach, being served with a wooden spoon. Golden-brown crust, herbs sprinkled.

This Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Bake is a cozy, comforting side dish made with tender mushrooms, wilted spinach, garlic, and a velvety cream sauce topped with melty cheese. Perfect alongside mains like Prime Rib Roast, Southern Fried Chicken, or Honey Garlic Chicken, and a delicious addition to holiday tables, weeknight dinners, or potluck spreads.

Why You’ll Love This

Creamy baked dish with tender spinach and savory mushrooms
Rich, comforting flavor that pairs well with many meals
Simple ingredients baked into a satisfying side or main
Perfect for weeknight dinners, holidays, or vegetarian comfort meals

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 25–30 minutes Total Time: 35–40 minutes Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Bake

2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
16 oz sliced mushrooms (baby bella or white)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp onion powder
Salt & black pepper, to taste
10 oz fresh spinach (or 1 box frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella
½ cup shredded parmesan

Optional Topping

½ cup buttery breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish.
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet. Add onions and cook 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and mushrooms; cook until mushrooms release moisture and begin to brown (about 8 minutes).
Add Seasoning & Spinach: Stir in Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add spinach and cook until wilted (or warmed through if using frozen).
Make It Creamy: Add heavy cream, broth, and cream cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy. Mix in ½ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup parmesan.
Transfer the Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Top & Bake: Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and parmesan. (Optional) Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top. Bake 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden.
Cool & Serve: Let it sit 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens.

Ways to Serve

Pair with cozy mains like Pot Roast, Greek Chicken Wraps, or Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Bread.
Add to a holiday table with sides like Crispy Roasted Potatoes or Classic Sweet Potato Casserole.
Serve alongside pasta dishes, grilled chicken, or roasted pork tenderloin.
Spoon over mashed potatoes or rice for an ultra-creamy meal.

FAQ

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes — just thaw it fully and squeeze out ALL excess moisture.

Can I make this lighter?

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half and reduce the cheese slightly.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, then bake right before serving.

Can I add protein?

Absolutely — shredded chicken, ground turkey, or bacon are great additions.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, but freeze before baking for the best texture.

What mushrooms work best?

Baby bella or cremini have the best flavor, but white mushrooms also work well.

Conclusion

This Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Bake is rich, flavorful, and incredibly versatile — perfect as a comforting side dish or even a vegetarian main when served with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. The combination of mushrooms, spinach, garlic, and cheese makes it a cozy classic your readers will save, share, and remake again and again.