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Cheesy Italian Spinach Bake

Cheesy Italian Spinach Bake
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★★★★★

5.2 from 10 reviews

A deliciously creamy and flavorful Cheesy Italian Spinach Bake that combines fresh spinach with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with Italian herbs and a touch of heat. Perfect as a comforting vegetarian main dish or savory side, topped with optional breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch.

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.
  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.
  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.
  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 using, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for added crunch.
  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.
  6. 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.

Notes

  • To save time, use pre-washed baby spinach but reduce cooking time as it wilts faster.
  • For a gluten-free version, omit breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level or omit entirely for a milder dish.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
  • This dish pairs well with a light salad or crusty bread.

Nutrition

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

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