Every Christmas Eve, our family would attend Mass together and then gather at my aunt’s house for a festive dinner and exchanging gifts. Since I was in middle school, my aunt has gone out of her way to make a spinach, mushroom, and cheese casserole just for me—a dish I look forward to all year. That gesture made our Christmas Eves feel even more personal and memorable, turning her casserole into a true symbol of love and family tradition.
The aroma—earthy mushrooms, creamy cheese, and the comforting smell of baked spinach—meant it really was the holidays.
The Recipe:
Spinach, Mushroom & Cheese Casserole
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced (“BabyBella” or your favorite mushrooms)
10 oz fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen, thawed and well-drained)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a baking dish.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and turn golden.
Add spinach and toss just until wilted (if using fresh), or heat through if using thawed spinach. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, mix half of the mozzarella and half of the parmesan. Stir in cooked vegetables and herbs. Season with salt and pepper.
Spread mixture in the prepared baking dish.
Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden and set. Let cool slightly before serving.
Why This Casserole Matters
This casserole is delicious, savory, and packed with vegetables—but the most important ingredient is its place in my family’s Christmas tradition. It’s a dish my aunt made for me, every year, without fail—a reminder that the holidays can be about quietly taking care of each other, one favorite recipe at a time.
What holiday dishes did your family share or make special just for you? Please share in the comments. We all love good food around here 😁.
It's Nicky Lynn 