My grandmother's Spinach Rockefeller recipe ~ spinach, bread crumbs, Parmesan, butter and seasonings, cooked and then baked in a casserole. Brown, crispy topping over creamy spinach, perfect with beef or lamb for the holidays.
My grandmother was not the best cook, but just like my mom, she made a few dishes that became favorites, especially at the holidays. My Grandmother's Spinach Rockefeller is one of those dishes and a favorite of mine.
Not sure what the origins of this side dish are, Oysters Rockefeller, maybe? The spinach topping in casserole form, without the oysters? Maybe. I know Gallatoire's in New Orleans has a version of this, much more involved than my grandmother's recipe. And I've seen versions that include tomatoes. Hmmm, not my grandmother's. This dish morphed from somewhere though.
My Grandmother's Spinach Rockefeller has spinach, white bread ~ both pieces and crumbs ~ butter and seasonings. It's topped with a bread crumb/Parmesan cheese mixture that, when baked, becomes a browned, crispy topping over creamy spinach (but no cream at all in the recipe).
Growing up, we had this side usually at Easter or another holiday if the main course was beef or lamb. My dad and brother were not green vegetable eaters, so my mom made this knowing that she and I would eat most of it. And that was totally fine with me. I loved this spinach dish and would get nervous if a guest took a big helping, leaving less for my mom and me.
Spinach Rockefeller is a great side with beef, lamb or ham. I've served it at dinner parties and people love it ~ something a bit different than creamed spinach. My Grandmother's Spinach Rockefeller Recipe ~ I think you'll like this one. Enjoy the holidays, and maybe this spinach side on your table. If you recognize the recipe and can shed any light on where it came from, please, do let me know ~ Happy Holidays, Kelly🍴🐦
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my Newsletter and come hang out with me on INSTAGRAM, or give me a follow on FACEBOOK or see what I’m pinning on PINTEREST.
You might also like some of my other favorite sides for the spring holidays:
- Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots super easy recipe on the stovetop.
- Easy Corn Casserole made with corn muffin mix, a family favorite!
- Cheesy Potatoes classic hash brown potato casserole.
- Easy Baked Beans starts with canned pork and beans, topped with bacon and brown sugar.
- Best Brussels Sprouts caramelized on the stovetop with honey and Dijon mustard.

Spinach Rockefeller Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 boxes frozen chopped spinach
- ¼ cup water
- 3 slices white bread, crusts removed, torn into pieces
- ½ cup butter (1 stick)
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1½ tsps Worcestershire sauce ~ or as my grandmother and mom say, Lea & Perrins
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- 2 tablespoon butter, melted
- ½ cup coarse, fresh bread crumbs ~ I made mine with white bread in the food processor
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400º
- In medium sauce pan, cook frozen spinach in ¼ cup water, lid on, and stir frequently to break up as it cooks, 10 - 15 minutes. Do NOT drain water.
- Add the bread pieces, butter, celery salt, Worcestershire and garlic salt, stir to combine and butter melts, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Meanwhile, make the topping. In small bowl, combine melted 2 tablespoons butter, bread crumbs and Parmesan with a fork until crumbly.
- Lightly butter small round casserole. Place spinach mixture in casserole and smooth top. Sprinkle top of spinach evenly with bread crumb/Parmesan topping mixture. Bake in center of oven for 15 minutes, until browned and bubbly.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Rose
Thursday 5th of January 2023
I make this constantly. If anyone get some of it they're very lucky!!!! Solo good ty
Anita l Taylor
Tuesday 1st of November 2022
I've been looking 4 this since I've had it at a Chinese restaurant of all places! It closed and the other one wasn't that good!
Michele
Saturday 28th of May 2022
Best spinach I’ve ever had
Rose
Thursday 14th of April 2022
I have made this three times in a month honestly.... My favorite side now...having it Sunday for Easter..try so much
Kelly
Friday 15th of April 2022
Thanks for letting me know, Rose! I LOVE this spinach recipe, too!
Deena waters
Sunday 26th of December 2021
I was so skeptical because bread????? But I always like to try one new dish at my X-Mas table each year. As I was making it all I had was soft keto white bread so I used that and it wasn’t disappearing into the spinach ( maybe the fiber content) so I hit a few times with an immersion blender and it was perfect. Everyone loved this dish and a few asked for the recipe. This dish will probably be another staple and I’ll have to find a new “new” dish next year.
Kelly
Wednesday 12th of January 2022
Glad to hear it all worked out for you, Deena. Sounds like it was well received!