If you're looking for a nutritious and delicious side dish, you can't go wrong with 1 oz of cooked spinach with cheese sauce made from fresh ingredients. This dish is not only low in calories with only 24 per serving, but it's also packed with nutrients that can benefit your overall health.

Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, calcium, and potassium. Adding a cheese sauce to the mix not only gives it a tangy and creamy flavor but also adds protein and calcium to the dish.

In this article, we'll explore how to make this dish, some tips for cooking it, its benefits, ways to serve it, and more.

Nutritional Value of Cooked Spinach with Cheese Sauce

One ounce of cooked spinach with cheese sauce provides a nutritional boost to your diet. It contains approximately 24 calories, 2 grams of protein, 1 gram of fiber, 1 gram of sugar, and 1 gram of fat. In addition to its low-calorie count, this dish is a good source of vitamins and minerals. Spinach is known for its vitamin A and K content, which can help maintain healthy eyesight and strong bones. Cheese, on the other hand, is a good source of calcium and protein, which can help support healthy muscles and bones.

How to Make Cooked Spinach with Cheese Sauce

To make cooked spinach with cheese sauce, you'll need a handful of fresh spinach leaves, a quarter cup of shredded cheese, two tablespoons of milk, one tablespoon of butter, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Start by washing the spinach leaves thoroughly and removing any tough stems. Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and add the spinach. Cook the spinach for 2-3 minutes or until wilted. Add the shredded cheese, milk, salt, and pepper to the saucepan and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Cooking Spinach with Cheese Sauce

To ensure that your cooked spinach with cheese sauce turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use fresh spinach for the best results. Frozen spinach may make the dish too watery.
• Wash your spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
• If your sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out. If it's too thin, add a little more cheese to thicken it up.

Benefits of Eating Cooked Spinach with Cheese Sauce

There are several benefits to eating cooked spinach with cheese sauce. Some of these benefits include:

• Provides a good source of vitamins and minerals
• May help improve bone health
• May help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease
• May help regulate blood sugar levels

Ways to Serve Cooked Spinach with Cheese Sauce

Cooked spinach with cheese sauce can be served in many different ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• As a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or steak
• As a topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes
• As a dip for crackers or fresh vegetables
• Mixed with pasta for a delicious and nutritious pasta dish

Variations for Cooking Spinach with Cheese Sauce

While the classic cooked spinach with cheese sauce recipe is delicious on its own, there are several variations you can make to switch things up.

• Use different types of cheese, such as feta or parmesan, to give the dish a unique flavor.
• Add extra veggies, like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers, to increase the dish's nutritional value.
• Try using different spices, like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cumin, to give the dish a different taste.

Storage Tips for Cooked Spinach with Cheese Sauce

If you have leftover cooked spinach with cheese sauce, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the container in the microwave and heat on high for 30-second intervals until heated through. You may need to stir the dish a few times to distribute the heat evenly.

Ingredients for Cooked Spinach with Cheese Sauce

The following ingredients are required to make cooked spinach with cheese sauce:

• 1 oz fresh spinach leaves
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tbsp butter
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Health Benefits of Spinach

Spinach is a nutrient-dense vegetable that can provide several health benefits. Some of these benefits include:

• May help improve bone health
• May help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease
• May help regulate blood sugar levels
• May help improve digestion

Expert Opinion on Cooked Spinach with Cheese Sauce

According to registered dietitian, Jessica Cording: "Spinach is a nutrient-dense food that can help protect against inflammation and oxidative stress. Adding cheese to the dish can help provide a good source of protein and calcium for strong and healthy bones."