Spinach is a versatile vegetable that can be used in various ways. In the past, I kept it simple by seasoning it with just salt and pepper. However, that all changed when we decided to experiment by adding spice and cheese, which resulted in an incredible recipe! All that's needed to make this delicious dish is some nutty parmesan cheese, Swiss cheese, spicy habanero, roasted garlic, and a little olive oil. When combined, they create a cheesy and spicy spinach dish that's out of this world! Trust me, it's absolutely delicious!

Why cheesy, spicy spinach

When we moved to Maine, I wanted to make spinach one night for dinner. You would have thought Amy was back in her childhood. I remember her saying, "Really, Mom Spinach! I don't want any". She has never liked cooked spinach except when we make it with Peanut Butter and Tomato sauce. (It sounds super strange, but the dish is amazing. Check it out here!) Since she didn't want any spinach, I decided to make it a really fun way and make her jealous by adding some spice to the spinach.

This method of cooking spinach is almost the exact same way as I always made it, and I knew Amy would not like it. Just to tease her, I love to add little additions to foods when she has decided not to eat them (she loves all food and was never a picky eater, but there are just a few things she's not really a fan of). After she firmly decided she didn't want the spinach- I made the changes. I had to take on the challenge of making something I knew she would LOVE...Like I said, she will try everything, and I had to try to change her mind on this one!

A new and better way to have cooked spinach

The first change I made was adding Serrano peppers (a favorite!). They spiced up the spinach. She tried it and liked the "new" spinach, but then, together, we came up with an even better solution. It made me happy that she was ready to expand her "Spinach" experience. Here's what we did to this recipe.

ADD HABANEROS ONLY IF YOU WANT IT SPICY!!!

Adding Habaneros!!! Sauté Olive Oil, Garlic, and Habaneros (if using).

Sauté the spinach with the garlic and peppers. At this point, it's really spicy Spinach!!!

Cheesy Spinach

Add Swiss Cheese and Parmesan Cheese (Yes, both). This makes it a nice cheesy, spicy spinach. Now, it's not something to share with those who don't like it spicy.

This Spicy Spinach recipe is so yummy.

We love it with Grilled Chicken, Grilled Steak, Beef Stroganoff and so many other dishes. If you don't have habanero peppers, you can use serrano peppers or add a few teaspoons of cayenne pepper. If you don't want it spicy, leave out the peppers.

Please let us know what you think of this recipe and what kind of pepper you used.

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