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Cheesy Italian Spinach Bake

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The Cheesy Italian Spinach Bake is a creamy, comforting dish that blends the richness of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses with the earthy freshness of spinach. Perfect as a main course or a hearty side, this bake is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. With its golden breadcrumb topping and luscious cheese filling, it’s a versatile recipe that combines classic Italian flavors with a modern twist. Whether served alongside crusty bread or a light salad, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

For the spinach mixture:

  • 2 pounds fresh spinach, washed and trimmed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the cheese mixture:

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Optional topping:

  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Gradually add the spinach in batches, cooking until wilted. Drain any excess liquid from the cooked spinach and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well. Stir in the beaten eggs to bind the mixture.
  4. Fold the cooked spinach mixture into the cheese mixture until evenly combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  5. If using the topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the spinach mixture.
  6. 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.

Notes

  • Spinach Options: Fresh spinach is recommended for optimal flavor, but frozen spinach can be used as a time-saving alternative. Be sure to drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
  • Cheese Substitutions: Feel free to experiment with Gruyère, Fontina, or even a sharp cheddar for unique flavor profiles. For a lighter option, use part-skim cheeses.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed nuts for a crunchy, gluten-free topping.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the bake a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Customizable Additions: Add cooked chicken, sausage, or mushrooms for a heartier version. Alternatively, layer in marinara sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

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