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Cheesy Italian Spinach Bake

Cheesy Italian Spinach Bake
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★★★★★

4.8 from 12 reviews

A warm, comforting Cheesy Italian Spinach Bake featuring fresh spinach blended with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with Italian herbs and a hint of heat, then baked to bubbly perfection with an optional crunchy breadcrumb topping. Perfect as a savory side dish or a vegetarian main course.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bake:

  • 2 lbs fresh spinach, washed and trimmed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Optional Topping:

  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
  2. Cook the spinach: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Gradually add spinach in batches, cooking each batch down until wilted. Drain any excess liquid from the spinach and set it aside to cool slightly to avoid excess moisture in the bake.
  3. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir in the lightly beaten eggs until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined to help bind the bake.
  4. Combine and assemble: Add the cooled spinach mixture to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top to add a crisp, golden crust.
  5. Bake the dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. If breadcrumbs are used, they should be crisp and lightly browned, indicating a perfect bake.
  6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish is delicious hot but also retains great flavor at room temperature, making it versatile for any meal.

Notes

  • Be sure to thoroughly drain the spinach after cooking to prevent a watery bake.
  • Breadcrumbs are optional but add a lovely crunchy topping; you can substitute with crushed nuts for a gluten-free option.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking for convenience.
  • Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated easily.
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the cheese mixture.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach bake, cheesy spinach casserole, Italian spinach recipe, vegetarian bake, ricotta spinach bake

Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/cheesy-italian-spinach-bake/