Baked Spinach Casserole Recipe
When you’re craving comfort food that brings both nutrition and a hug-in-a-dish vibe, this Baked Spinach Casserole is truly a gem. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with spinach, it’s a vegetarian side that makes everyone go back for seconds. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, the lovely golden top and rich, savory flavor of this casserole have a special way of stealing the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about how easy it is to put this together! Every ingredient in this Baked Spinach Casserole does something important— from adding creaminess and flavor to ensuring you get that beautiful, bubbling finish. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- Olive oil: Adds luscious richness and keeps the casserole moist while sautéing the aromatics.
- Onion: Gives a gentle sweetness and depth; finely chop for even distribution.
- Garlic: Infuses the entire dish with lovely, aromatic flavor—don’t skip it!
- Frozen chopped spinach: Makes this simple and quick; just be sure to squeeze out all the excess liquid.
- Cottage cheese: Gives the casserole that signature creamy texture and added protein.
- Sour cream: Lends tang and extra creaminess for a balanced flavor profile.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers sharp, nutty notes that liven up every bite.
- Eggs: Act as the binder, helping the casserole set so it cuts into perfect squares.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Ground nutmeg: The secret spice! Just a touch adds warmth and depth to the spinach.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a golden, bubbly crust that’s simply irresistible.
How to Make Baked Spinach Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish—this little step keeps everything from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze! Next, make sure your spinach is thawed and (very important!) squeezed dry so the casserole bakes up fluffy, not watery.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a medium skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and let it get warm. Toss in your finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and let it bloom for just 30 seconds—your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 3: Mix the Spinach Mixture
In your largest mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion and garlic with the well-drained spinach, cottage cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan, eggs, salt, pepper, and that whisper of nutmeg. Stir everything together until the mixture is well blended and every spoonful is speckled with green and gold.
Step 4: Assemble and Top
Spoon the spinach mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth out the top for even cooking. Now sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over everything, covering every nook and cranny for that perfect bubbly topping.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your Baked Spinach Casserole into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and the top is enticingly golden. Pull it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes—just enough time for the flavors to meld and for slicing perfection!
How to Serve Baked Spinach Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or freshly chopped parsley on top is all you need to add sparkle and a hint of freshness. You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of color and subtle heat, just for fun!
Side Dishes
Baked Spinach Casserole pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even a plate of simple buttered pasta. If you want to keep it totally vegetarian, serve with herbed rice, quinoa, or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, try baking this casserole in individual ramekins for adorable, personalized servings. Or cut the casserole into neat squares and stack them on a platter lined with greens for a potluck-friendly presentation. It even makes a lovely, unexpected brunch centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Spinach Casserole stores quite well. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer individual slices to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this casserole. Allow it to cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic, then foil, and stash in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before baking or right after baking and cooling, then thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
Reheating is easy! Warm individual portions in the microwave, or refresh the whole casserole in a 325°F oven, covered, for about 20 minutes until heated through. If you want the top extra bubbly, uncover for the last few minutes of reheating.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Sauté about 20 ounces of fresh spinach until wilted, roughly chop it, and ensure you squeeze out any excess liquid before mixing it in—just like you would with frozen.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
Ricotta is an excellent swap for cottage cheese if you prefer a smoother texture or a slightly different flavor. It keeps the casserole nice and creamy.
Is Baked Spinach Casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, which makes Baked Spinach Casserole a wonderful choice for guests with gluten sensitivities.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. This makes entertaining so much easier!
How do I prevent a watery casserole?
The key is to thoroughly drain and squeeze the thawed spinach before mixing it in. Too much liquid will keep the casserole from setting properly, so don’t rush this step!
Final Thoughts
This Baked Spinach Casserole has a way of winning hearts with every creamy, savory bite. It’s cozy, nourishing, and unbelievably simple to pull together. I hope you give it a try soon—you just might find yourself making it again and again!
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Baked Spinach Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Baked Spinach Casserole is a delicious and satisfying vegetarian side dish that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with spinach, cheeses, and flavorful seasonings, this casserole is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (10 oz) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained
For the Casserole Mixture:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Sauté onion and garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the onion until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked onion and garlic with the drained spinach, cottage cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well.
- Bake: Spread the mixture in the baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake for 30-35 minutes until set and golden.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Ensure to squeeze out excess liquid from the spinach to avoid a watery casserole.
- Ricotta can be used instead of cottage cheese for a different flavor.
- Pair this dish with roasted chicken or grilled fish for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
