Simple Spinach and Gruyere Casserole

Finneus Fudge's Note:

This is a variation on a recipe my mother used to make when I was a kid. I've tweaked it a bit over the years, but it's still a great stand by recipe for holiday meals.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 12

Yield: 1.0 Casserole

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup gruyere cheese, grated
• 4 lbs frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 teaspoon texas pete hot sauce
• 1 cup panko

Directions:

1. Beat cream cheese and 4 T of the butter until smooth.
2. Mix the salt, parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup of the gruyere into the cream cheese mixture.
3. Mix the spinach and Texas Pete into the cream cheese mixture.
4. Butter a casserole dish, then add the spinach mixture.
5. In a bowl, combine the Panko and the remaining Gruyere cheese. Sprinkle over the top of the spinach.
6. Melt the remaining 2 T of butter and drizzle over the top.
7. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until top is lightly browned.