COPYCAT CALHOUN'S SPINACH MARIA

Copycat Calhoun's Spinach Maria image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 13

5 10 oz pkgs frozen chopped spinach
41/2 c milk
1 t dry mustard
1 t granulated garlic
13/4 t crushed red pepper
1/2 med yellow onion
1 T butter
5 T melted butter
6 T flour
8 oz Velveeta cheese
8 oz cheddar cheese
4 oz Monterey Jack cheese, block
11/2 c grated Monterey Jack cheese (topping)

Steps:

Thaw spinach in refrigerator for 24 hours. Squeeze as dry as possible. Heat milk and spices on medium heat to just below a boil (190 degrees F). Reduce heat and simmer.
Finely chop the onion and saute it in 1 Tablespoon butter on med. heat 5 to 8 minutes. Add to milk. Combine melted butter w/ flour in small saute pan. Mix until completely blended. Cook on low heat 3 to 4 minutes to make roux. Add roux to milk; mix well. Cook until sauce thickens.
Cut cheeses into cubes and add to milk. Mix until cheese melts. (Be careful! Burns easily!) Remove from heat. Allow to cool 15 minutes. Add drained spinach to cheese sauce, mix until completely blended. Spoon into 11x9x2-inch dish. Top with grated Jack. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Recipe Source: Calhoun's Restaurant, Knoxville, TN via Knoxville News Sentinel, date unknown
cook's notes This is light years away from being low fat/cal; but I can honestly say it's the best creamy/cheesy spinach dish I have ever eaten... and I love spinach, so I've tried lots of them!