This Cheesy Italian Spinach Bake is a warm and comforting dish that combines the creaminess of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan with the fresh flavor of spinach. Infused with Italian seasoning and a touch of garlic, this bake is perfect as a main course or side dish. With a golden, buttery breadcrumb topping, it’s a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 (16 oz) bag of fresh spinach (about 454 g)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (240 g)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (50 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (2 g)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, 1 g)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Optional Topping:
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (25 g)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (15 g)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
- Cook the Spinach : Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Gradually add the spinach to the skillet, cooking until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture : In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well. Stir in the beaten eggs to bind the mixture.
- Combine and Assemble : Fold the cooked spinach mixture into the cheese mixture until evenly combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add the Topping (Optional) : If using the topping, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the spinach mixture.
- Bake : Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let the bake cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Italian Spinach Bake is the perfect blend of creamy cheese and hearty spinach, with a touch of Italian flair. Whether you serve it as a standalone dish or alongside pasta, it’s sure to delight with its rich flavors and comforting texture.
Cheesy Italian Spinach Bake
A creamy spinach bake with ricotta, mozzarella, andparmesan cheeses, enhanced with garlic and Italian herbs. Perfect as a sidedish or a vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil 15 ml
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 16 oz bag of fresh spinach (about 454 g)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese 240 g
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 50 g
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 50 g
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning 2 g
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, 1 g
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
Optional Topping:
- butter
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs 25 g
- 1 tablespoon melted butter 15 g
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
- Cook the Spinach : Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Gradually add the spinach to the skillet, cooking until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture : In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well. Stir in the beaten eggs to bind the mixture.
- Combine and Assemble : Fold the cooked spinach mixture into the cheese mixture until evenly combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add the Topping (Optional) : If using the topping, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the spinach mixture.
- Bake : Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let the bake cool for 5 minutes before serving.