Servings: 8

Per Serving: 142 calories

Ready In: 1 hour & 15 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 3 10-ounce packages frozen spinach, thawed1 cup low-fat milk
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon white or black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg1 cup extra sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • 3 large egg whites

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a shallow 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Press spinach in a mesh strainer to get out as much moisture as possible. Pulse in a food processor until very finely chopped.
  3. Combine milk, flour, salt, pepper and nutmeg in a large saucepan.
  4. Cook over medium heat, whisking, until thickened, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in 1/2 cup Cheddar, cottage cheese and the spinach.
  5. Beat egg whites in a large bowl with an electric mixer, slowly increasing the speed, until they begin to foam. Continue to beat until the whites hold their shape; do not overbeat. (You’ll know they are ready when you lift the beaters out and the peak doesn’t flop over.)
  6. Gently fold the whites into the spinach mixture with a rubber spatula until uniform. (It’s OK if a few white streaks remain.) Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
  7. Bake for 35 minutes. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar; continue baking until the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes more. Let stand for 5 minutes

 

Tip: Prepare Steps 2 & 3, refrigerate for up to 1 day. Bring to room temperature before folding in egg whites.

Note: This creamy spinach casserole recipe is a more sophisticated cousin to creamed spinach. It’s perfect for weekend entertaining or as a holiday side dish.

 

Source: eatingwell.com