Italian Spinach Bake Recipe
This Italian Spinach Bake is a hearty, cheesy casserole that combines fresh spinach with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and tangy Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with Italian herbs and a hint of spice. It’s baked to golden perfection with an optional crispy breadcrumb topping, making it a perfect comforting side dish or vegetarian main.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
- 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 another minute until fragrant. Gradually add spinach in batches, cooking each batch down until wilted. Drain any excess liquid from the spinach and allow it to cool slightly.
- 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 create a rich, cohesive filling.
- Combine and assemble: Add the cooled spinach mixture to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined. Transfer this mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for added crunch and texture.
- 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. The breadcrumbs, if used, should be crisp and lightly browned, adding a delightful contrast to the creamy filling.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. It’s delicious hot, but also holds its flavor well at room temperature, making it versatile for various occasions.
Notes
- Be sure to drain the spinach thoroughly after cooking to avoid excess moisture in the bake.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach, thoroughly thawed and squeezed dry.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add chopped jalapeños.
- If you prefer, swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese for a slightly different texture.
- This bake pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or crusty Italian bread for a complete meal.
Keywords: Italian spinach bake, spinach casserole, baked spinach cheese dish, vegetarian casserole, Italian vegetarian recipe, ricotta and spinach bake
Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/italian-spinach-bake-recipe/
