Popeye Bites

The BCS National Championship game is coming quickly, and I have found a great recipe just for the occasion! Some of you may squirm at the thought of having anything "green" for a tail-gating party, but 'fear not'!  This appetizer is warm, cheesy, and comfort food at its best--even if your team fails to win.

This is one of those dishes easily made ahead for up to 24-48 hours. Whether you are hosting game day, or whether you have been invited--everyone wins!

(Adapted from America's Test Kitchen's 'Make-Ahead Appetizers' Magazine)

Equipment:

9" x 13" x 2" Pyrex dish

PAM Spray

Mixing Bowl

Spatula

Collander or sieve

Ingredients:

1 cup plus 2 Tbls all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1/4 tsp cayenne

1 cup chicken broth

3 large eggs

1 1/4 lbs frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

12 oz Gruyere cheese, shredded (I use mix of Fontina/Gruyere)

1 onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 oz Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Wash your hands.

2. Preheat oven to 375F degrees and spray your pyrex dish with PAM.

3. Run warm water over the frozen spinach in a collander or sieve. Squeeze as dry as possible.

4. Whisk flour, baking powder, salt,pepper, and cayenne together in a bowl.

5. Add chicken broth and eggs. Whisk until smooth.

6. Add spinach, finely chopped onion, shredded gruyere, and minced garlic.

7. Mix well and transfer to the prepared baking dish.

8. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

9. Bake until browned on top and bubbling around edges, approx 40-45minutes.

10. Cool completely if you are making it ahead. Cover in plastic wrap and store up to 2 days.

11. When ready to serve, remove the plastic and cover with foil.  

12. Heat at 375F degrees for 25 minutes, cut into squares and serve.