Spinach & Cheese Bake recipe 

This Spinach and Cheese Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. Whether you serve it as a main or a side, it’s packed with flavor and nutrients from fresh spinach and a delicious blend of cheeses. The rich ricotta and mozzarella cheese, combined with savory Parmesan and a hint of garlic, create the ultimate comfort food. It’s easy to prepare and makes for great leftovers, too!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

10 oz fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

2 large eggs

1/4 cup milk (or cream for a richer flavor)

1/4 cup onion, finely chopped (optional)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little kick)

1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

2 tbsp butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions:

Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish with butter.

Prepare Spinach:

If using fresh spinach, wash it well and remove any thick stems. In a large pan, sauté spinach with a little olive oil or water over medium heat until wilted (about 3-5 minutes). If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s thawed and well-drained. After cooking, set it aside to cool.

Sauté Garlic and Onion (Optional):

In the same pan, sauté the chopped onion and garlic in a bit of oil or butter until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This step is optional but adds great flavor.

Mix the Cheese Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg/red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth and well-combined.

Combine Spinach with Cheese Mixture:

Add the cooled spinach (and sautéed onion and garlic, if using) to the cheese mixture. Mix well until evenly combined.

Transfer to Baking Dish:

Pour the spinach and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

Top with Breadcrumbs:

Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top. You can also drizzle a bit of melted butter on top for extra crispiness.

Bake:

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Serve:

Let the bake cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs well with a side salad or can be enjoyed on its own.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 250-300 kcal

Protein: 14-16 g

Carbohydrates: 15-18 g

Fiber: 3-4 g

Sugars: 3-4 g

Fat: 18-22 g

Saturated Fat: 9-11 g

Cholesterol: 85-100 mg

Sodium: 350-450 mg

Calcium: 300-400 mg

Iron: 2-3 mg