Italian Spinach Bake

$- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish) For this Italian Spinach Bake, fresh spinach is a must. It gives the dish a bright green color. Ricotta cheese adds creaminess, while mozzarella gives that stretchy, melty goodness. Parmesan cheese brings a nice sharp flavor. You’ll need two large eggs to bind it all together. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning add that classic flavor. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance the taste. Marinara sauce adds moisture and a rich tomato flavor. Cherry tomatoes are sweet and juicy, adding a pop of color. Finally, fresh basil brightens the dish and makes it look pretty. Gather all these ingredients before you start cooking. It makes the process smooth and fun. You’ll love how simple and tasty this dish is! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for cooking. While the oven warms up, prepare your baking dish. I usually use a 9x9 inch glass dish. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the roughly chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, and 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix it all well until it becomes a smooth mixture. Now it’s time to build your dish. Start by spreading half of the marinara sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. This helps the bake stay moist. Then, spoon the spinach mixture over the marinara sauce. Smooth it out with a spatula. Next, layer the rest of the marinara sauce over your spinach mix. Top this with halved cherry tomatoes and the remaining mozzarella cheese. This adds color and flavor to your bake. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake it in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. This keeps the steam in for a tender bake. After 20 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. Look for that golden brown, bubbly top. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. You can garnish it with fresh basil for a nice touch. Enjoy your Italian Spinach Bake! To get the right spinach texture, use fresh spinach. Wash it well and chop it roughly. Cook it in a pan for a few minutes to wilt it. This helps keep it from being too watery in the bake. If you use frozen spinach, make sure to squeeze out all the extra water. For the best cheese melt, use high-quality mozzarella. Shred it yourself for better meltability. Mix the mozzarella into the spinach mixture, but save some for the top. This creates a cheesy, gooey layer when baked. Pair this dish with a simple side salad. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. Garlic bread also works well, adding texture and flavor. The Italian Spinach Bake is perfect for family dinners. It also shines at potlucks or gatherings. Serve it warm, and let the cheese stretch as you slice it. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach gives the best flavor and texture. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique twist on flavor. Just keep the total cheese amount consistent. Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble it and store in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking, making it a great option for meal prep. Perfect Baking: For a perfectly bubbly and golden cheese topping, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but watch closely to prevent burning. {{image_2}} You can change this dish to fit your taste. Use different cheeses or greens. - Cheese Options: Try feta for a tangy twist. Goat cheese adds creaminess. - Greens: Kale or Swiss chard work well too. Mix in some arugula for a peppery bite. Adding proteins can make this bake heartier. - Proteins: Cooked chicken or sausage adds great flavor. You can also add beans for a vegetarian boost. - Other Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms are great additions. Just chop them small and mix them in. You can easily adapt this dish for different diets. - Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free too. - Vegan Options: Replace eggs with flax eggs. Use tofu or cashew cheese instead of dairy cheese. For those watching carbs, make a few changes. - Low-Carb: Skip the marinara sauce. Use a low-carb sauce or just olive oil. Add more cheese and veggies for flavor. To store your Italian Spinach Bake, first let it cool completely. This step keeps moisture in check. You can use an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy it later without losing flavor. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. Cut the bake into portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This method helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When it's time to eat your leftovers, you have two options: the microwave or the oven. If you're in a hurry, the microwave works well. Just place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it for about one to two minutes, checking to make sure it warms evenly. For the oven method, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. This method helps keep the dish moist, so the cheese stays melty. If you like a crispy top, remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking. Enjoy your delightful meal! Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just thaw it first and squeeze out extra water. This helps prevent a soggy bake. Frozen spinach is a great time-saver, and it still tastes good. How do I make it ahead of time? You can prepare the dish a day in advance. Just follow the steps to mix everything. Cover it and store in the fridge. When ready to bake, add extra time if it’s cold from the fridge. Can I make substitutions for dairy-free options? Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese like almond or coconut-based options. You can also swap ricotta for a tofu mix. Just blend tofu with lemon juice for a creamy texture. What's the best way to reheat leftovers? The oven is best for reheating. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cover the dish with foil. This keeps the top from burning while warming the inside. Bake for about 15 minutes or until hot. This Italian Spinach Bake is easy to make with fresh ingredients and simple steps. Start by prepping your ingredients and follow the assembly instructions for a delicious dish. Use tips to perfect your bake and consider the variations to suit your taste or dietary needs. Don’t forget proper storage for leftovers. Enjoy cooking, and make this meal your own! Embrace the joy of sharing it with family and friends.$

A delicious baked dish featuring spinach, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese, topped with marinara sauce and cherry tomatoes.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste Salt and pepper
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Spread half of the marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish (approximately 9x9 inches).
Spoon the spinach mixture over the marinara sauce, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Layer the remaining marinara sauce over the spinach mixture, followed by the halved cherry tomatoes and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil just before serving.

Notes

Let the dish cool for a few minutes before slicing for easier serving.

Keyword bake, cheese, Italian, spinach, vegetarian