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If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that’s both wholesome and easy to prepare, this Simple Baked Spinach Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful combination of fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, and a golden Parmesan crust that comes together in under an hour. This casserole transforms everyday ingredients into a warm, satisfying meal or side that everyone will love, whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner or a special family gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Simple Baked Spinach Casserole Recipe is straightforward but plays a key role in making this dish truly shine. From the fresh spinach that brings vibrant color and earthiness to the creamy cheeses that add richness and the crispy breadcrumb topping for irresistible texture, every element matters.
- 4 cups Fresh Spinach: Rinsed and roughly chopped to provide a fresh, bright base for the casserole.
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese: Adds a luscious creaminess that binds the casserole together smoothly.
- 2 large Eggs: A natural binder giving structure so every slice holds perfectly.
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese: Grated for sharp, nutty flavor and a deliciously browned crust.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Minced finely to infuse the dish with aromatic depth and warmth.
- 1 medium Onion: Finely chopped and sautéed to soften and lend a gentle sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: For sautéing the onion and garlic to perfection, enhancing flavor.
- Salt: Added to taste to balance and elevate the natural flavors.
- Pepper: Also to taste, giving a subtle, spicy kick.
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs: Sprinkled on top to create a crisp, golden finish that contrasts beautifully with the creamy inside.
How to Make Simple Baked Spinach Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the casserole starts baking right away once the mixture is ready, helping create that perfect golden crust. While the oven warms, get your spinach roughly chopped and have your cheeses and other ingredients ready to go.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet, warm your olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and soft—this will take about five minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until its inviting aroma fills your kitchen. This step forms a flavorful base that makes the casserole so irresistible.
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach
Next, toss the chopped spinach into the skillet. Stir it around as it wilts down in just 3 to 4 minutes. This softening not only mellows the spinach’s natural sharpness but also concentrates its vibrant green color that looks stunning in the finished dish.
Step 4: Combine the Cheese Mixture
Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the spinach mixture to cool just slightly. In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, eggs, and grated Parmesan cheese until creamy and well blended. Add salt and pepper to your liking—seasoning now ensures every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 5: Fold Spinach into Cheese Mixture
Gently stir the cooled spinach, onion, and garlic mixture into the ricotta blend. This combination creates a creamy yet textured filling that forms the heart of this baked delight.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish and spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly inside, smoothing out the top. Then sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the surface; this topping will bake into a crisp, golden layer that contrasts beautifully with the softness beneath. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until it’s set and the top is perfectly browned.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This little rest helps everything set firmly, making serving clean and easy without losing that creamy texture.
How to Serve Simple Baked Spinach Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To highlight the fresh, vibrant characteristics of this Simple Baked Spinach Casserole Recipe, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top right before serving. A light dusting of extra Parmesan can add an elegant, cheesy finish that’s sure to impress.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple roasted chicken or grilled fish for a balanced meal. For vegetarian options, serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to round out the plate with added textures and colors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in small ramekins to make each meal feel special and personalized. You can also layer this casserole with some thin slices of tomato on top before adding breadcrumbs for a fresh twist in both color and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Simple Baked Spinach Casserole Recipe, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s a great option for quick lunches or dinner the next day without extra effort.
Freezing
If you want to keep the casserole for longer, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer it into a freezer-safe container. Frozen leftovers will keep well for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed frozen portions in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, just until warmed through and gently bubbly. This helps preserve that lovely crust while warming the interior evenly. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the crisp topping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach for this casserole?
Yes, frozen spinach works fine! Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the mix to avoid a watery casserole.
Is this casserole vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely! This recipe contains no meat and relies on cheese and eggs for protein and richness, making it an ideal vegetarian comfort food option.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute ricotta and Parmesan with plant-based cheese alternatives and choose a dairy-free egg substitute for binding. The flavor will differ but still be delicious and comforting.
How can I add more flavor to the casserole?
Adding herbs like thyme or nutmeg to the cheese mixture can enhance the depth of flavor. You might also mix in sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a savory twist.
What if I don’t have breadcrumbs? Can I skip the topping?
While breadcrumbs add a wonderful crunchy topping, you can skip them if needed or replace with crushed nuts or panko for a different texture. The casserole will still be delicious without the topping.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Baked Spinach Casserole Recipe is a true kitchen gem—easy to make, packed with wholesome flavors, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish offers a lovely way to enjoy spinach with creamy cheese and a satisfying crunch. I encourage you to try it soon and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple at your table.
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Simple Baked Spinach Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Simple Baked Spinach Casserole is a creamy, savory dish that combines fresh spinach with ricotta and Parmesan cheeses, bound together with eggs and topped with crispy breadcrumbs. Perfect as a comforting side or a light vegetarian main, it features sautéed onions and garlic for added depth of flavor, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups Fresh Spinach (Roughly chopped)
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (Adds creaminess)
- 2 large Eggs (Binding agent for the casserole)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated, for flavor and crust)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced, for flavor)
- 1 medium Onion (Finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For sautéing)
- to taste Salt (For seasoning)
- to taste Pepper (For seasoning)
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs (For topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Onions: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté it until translucent, about 5 minutes, to develop a sweet, savory base.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, enhancing the overall aroma and flavor.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the roughly chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted, approximately 3-4 minutes, softening the greens and integrating the flavors.
- Cool Mixture: Remove the skillet from heat and let the spinach and onion mixture cool slightly to prevent curdling when mixing with the cheese and eggs.
- Mix Dairy and Eggs: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the mixture is creamy and smooth, creating a rich base.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, balancing the savory flavors in the mixture.
- Combine Mixtures: Fold the cooled spinach and onion mixture into the ricotta blend gently to combine all ingredients uniformly without breaking down the texture.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking, then transfer the combined mixture into the dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Add Topping: Evenly sprinkle 0.5 cup of breadcrumbs over the surface to create a crispy, golden crust after baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool a few minutes to firm up before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach; just be sure to thaw and drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- You can add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese mixture for a subtle warm spice note.
- If a crispier top is desired, broil for the last 2-3 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking for convenience.
