Cook rice according to packaging instructions. If desired, cook with chicken or vegetable broth (instead of water). Set aside.
1 cup wild rice blend, 2½ cups chicken broth
Preheat oven to 375°F.
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft, about 4 minutes. Stir in the thyme and nutmeg and cook another minute.
¼ cup olive oil, 1 medium onion, 1 tbsp thyme, ½ tsp nutmeg
Add the spinach and cook until completely wilted, about 3 minutes.
8 oz spinach
Sprinkle the flour over the spinach and stir, cooking for another minute.
¼ cup all-purpose flour
Carefully whisk in the milk and 1 cup of broth. Continue whisking and then stirring with a wooden spoon until the sauce has thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Season with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper.
1 cup milk, Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
Stir in the rice, sun-dried tomatoes, and ½ of the cheese (½ cup).
⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1 cup Fontina cheese
Lightly grease the baking dish with cooking spray.
cooking spray
Transfer mixture to dish and top with remaining ½ cup of cheese and then sprinkle on the almonds.
¼ cup almonds
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until lightly browned on top.
Let the casserole rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving.