River Road Spinach Madeline

4.6
(10)
10 Reviews
1 Photo

First published in 1959 in River Road Recipes, the Junior League of Baton Rouge's community cookbook, spinach Madeline remains a favorite side dish in Southern Louisiana. Thick and creamy with a hint of jalapeño heat, it's most at home on holidays next to turkey, cornbread dressing, and green bean casserole.

Submitted by Mary Claire Lagroue
Updated on November 17, 2024
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Servings:
6
Jump to Nutrition Facts
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach

  • ½ cup water

  • ¼ cup butter

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons chopped onion

  • ½ cup evaporated milk

  • 6 ounces processed cheese spread with jalapeño  (such as Velveeta), diced

  • ¾ teaspoon celery salt

  • ¾ teaspoon garlic salt

  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste

  • salt to taste

Directions

  1. Place frozen spinach and water in a saucepan over high heat; bring to a full boil. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook for 8 minutes. Separate with a fork and cook for 2 more minutes. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.

  2. Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add flour, stirring until blended and smooth, but not brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Add onion and cook until soft but not brown, 5 to 7 minutes.

  3. Slowly add evaporated milk and reserved cooking liquid, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook, stirring constantly, until smooth and thick, 3 to 5 minutes. Add cheese spread, celery salt, garlic salt, pepper, cayenne, and salt; cook and stir until melted, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in cooked spinach.

  4. Stir in cooked spinach and serve immediately.

Cook’s Note

This recipe is easy to multiply for big gatherings.

This may be served immediately or put into a casserole and topped with buttered bread crumbs. The flavor is improved if the latter is done and kept in the refrigerator overnight.

This may also be frozen.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

216 Calories
16g Fat
12g Carbs
10g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 216
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 16g 20%
Saturated Fat 10g 50%
Cholesterol 46mg 15%
Sodium 1009mg 44%
Total Carbohydrate 12g 4%
Dietary Fiber 3g 10%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 10g 21%
Vitamin C 6mg 7%
Calcium 335mg 26%
Iron 2mg 12%
Potassium 510mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.