Side Dishes

Irresistible Italian Spinach Bake Recipe

ByClara Caldwell February 16, 2026February 16, 2026

Introduction

This irresistible Italian spinach bake combines creamy cheeses with tender wilted spinach for a comforting, flavorful dish. Perfect as a side or a light main, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

A square piece of baked spinach casserole sits on a white plate, showing two main layers: a top golden brown, crispy, and slightly bubbly cheese crust with textured brown spots, and a thick layer underneath filled with dark green cooked spinach and creamy, pale yellow cheese. The spinach layer looks moist and dense, mixing with melted cheese that glistens slightly. A silver fork holds a bite near the casserole, lifting some of the spinach and cheese mix. The background shows a white marbled surface under the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups fresh spinach
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Step 2: Sauté the fresh spinach in a skillet over medium heat until wilted, about 3 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.
Step 3: In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella (reserve some for topping), Parmesan, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
Step 4: Fold the wilted spinach into the cheese mixture until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the reserved mozzarella evenly on top.
Step 6: Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

For added flavor, try mixing in sautéed onions or minced garlic with the spinach.
You can substitute kale or Swiss chard for spinach for a different texture.
Use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This bake can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The dish is a spinach and cheese casserole served on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. It has two main layers: the top layer is golden brown melted cheese with a bubbly, slightly crispy texture that covers the entire surface, while the bottom layer is a creamy mix of spinach and white cheese, showing rich green leafy texture mixed with smooth, soft white cheese. A portion is scooped out to reveal inside, with a spoon resting on the plate, partly holding some of the creamy spinach mixture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before adding it to the cheese mixture to avoid a watery bake.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this Italian spinach bake contains no gluten ingredients, making it suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Irresistible Italian Spinach Bake Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 788 reviews

This Irresistible Italian Spinach Bake is a creamy, cheesy casserole perfect for a comforting side or a light main dish. Blending fresh sautéed spinach with ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and seasoned eggs, this bake delivers rich flavors and a golden bubbly top that will have everyone coming back for more.

Author: Clara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Spinach Filling

4 cups fresh spinach
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (reserve ½ cup for topping)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
Sauté Spinach: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the fresh spinach and sauté until wilted, about 3 minutes. Drain any excess liquid to avoid a watery bake.
Mix Cheese and Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella (reserving some for topping), grated Parmesan, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until fully blended.
Add Spinach: Fold the sautéed and drained spinach gently into the cheese mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spread evenly, and sprinkle the reserved mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bake to cool slightly before serving to let it set and enhance flavors.

Notes

Make sure to drain the spinach well to prevent excess moisture from making the bake soggy.
You can substitute part of the mozzarella with provolone for a different flavor.
This dish can be served as a side or as a vegetarian main course paired with crusty bread.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta and reduced-fat cheeses.

Keywords: Italian spinach bake, cheesy spinach casserole, ricotta spinach bake, easy vegetarian bake, Italian side dish

Clara Caldwell

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