Irresistible Italian Spinach Bake Recipe You’ll Love Recipe

Introduction

This irresistible Italian Spinach Bake combines creamy cheeses and tender spinach into a warm, comforting dish perfect for any meal. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a delightful way to enjoy greens with a cheesy twist.

A round serving of creamy spinach casserole sits on a white plate, showing two main layers: the top layer is golden brown melted cheese with a bubbly and slightly crispy texture; the bottom layer is a mix of soft, cooked spinach and creamy white cheese filling, which looks rich and moist. Part of the casserole is scooped out, revealing the inside layers clearly. A shiny silver spoon rests on the right side of the plate, partially inside the casserole. The whole setting is on a white marbled surface. 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

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

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or some fresh chopped basil to the cheese mixture.
  • Try using part-skim cheeses to reduce fat without sacrificing creaminess.
  • Add cooked mushrooms or sautéed onions for a heartier bake.
  • Serve with a side of crusty Italian bread for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the texture and flavor. This dish does not freeze well due to its creamy texture.

How to Serve

A thick square slice of spinach and cheese casserole sits on a white plate, showing two main layers: a dense, creamy white base with visible spinach leaves in dark green forming the middle layer, and a top layer of golden brown, crisp, and bubbly baked cheese crust with darker browned spots. At the front, a fork holds a bite-sized piece revealing the creamy, soft texture inside, contrasting with the crunchy top. The background features a white marbled surface. 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, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before adding it to the cheese mixture to prevent a watery bake.

Is this dish suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, this recipe contains no meat and is perfect for vegetarians who consume dairy and eggs.

Print

Irresistible Italian Spinach Bake Recipe You’ll Love Recipe

This Irresistible Italian Spinach Bake is a delicious and comforting dish perfect for a main course. Featuring fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, it’s baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

  • Author: Clara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Sauté Spinach: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the fresh spinach until it wilts, about 3 minutes. Drain any excess liquid thoroughly to avoid a watery bake.
  3. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella (reserve some for topping), grated Parmesan, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  4. Fold in Spinach: Gently fold the cooked spinach into the cheese and egg mixture until evenly distributed.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Pour the spinach and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved shredded mozzarella evenly on top.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Be sure to drain the wilted spinach well to prevent excess moisture in the bake.
  • You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach, thawed and thoroughly drained, if fresh is unavailable.
  • To add more flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese mixture.
  • This dish pairs well with a light salad or crusty Italian bread.
  • Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: Italian spinach bake, spinach casserole, baked spinach recipe, ricotta spinach bake, cheesy spinach dish, Italian vegetarian main course

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating