If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s bursting with flavor and creamy goodness, this Cheesy Baked Spinach Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Loaded with tender spinach, a delightful blend of cheeses, and just the right touch of seasoning, this casserole transforms simple ingredients into a warm, luscious dish perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave a cheesy, savory treat. It’s easy to prepare but offers a rich depth of taste that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the vibrant spinach to the blend of cheeses and the hint of spice, these components come together to make a dish that’s both nutritious and irresistible.
- 1 lb frozen spinach: The star green ingredient that brings earthiness and a vibrant splash of color, packed with nutrients.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder, holding all the casserole’s ingredients together perfectly.
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the delicate spinach.
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang that lifts the flavor profile beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg: Picks up on the earthy undertones of the spinach and provides a warm, aromatic touch.
- 1/2 cup shredded low-fat sharp cheese: Offers melty goodness and a sharp bite to make the casserole cheesier and more flavorful.
- 2 tbsp plain breadcrumbs: Create a light, crispy topping that contrasts the creamy casserole inside.
- 1 large garlic clove, grated: Infuses the dish with a subtle, savory depth that ties all the flavors together.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Spinach Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by setting your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to get it nice and hot. While it’s heating up, lightly grease a 9-inch oval baking dish (or an equivalent size) with non-stick cooking spray. This step ensures your cheesy spinach masterpiece won’t stick and will come out with a beautiful golden crust every time.
Step 2: Defrost and Drain the Spinach
The frozen spinach needs to be fully defrosted before mixing. You can quickly thaw it in the microwave or rinse it under warm water until it softens. Then, use your hands to squeeze out every bit of excess moisture—this prevents the casserole from becoming watery and helps achieve the perfect creamy texture.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients
Transfer your spinach to a medium-sized mixing bowl and add the egg, kosher salt, cottage cheese, nutmeg, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, and grated garlic. Mix everything thoroughly until all flavors are evenly blended. This mixture is the heart of the Cheesy Baked Spinach Casserole Recipe, bringing creamy, cheesy, and savory notes all in one bowl.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Slide it into your oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot throughout and bubbling delightfully on top. You’ll know it’s done when the surface has a lovely golden brown crust and the aroma fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering promise.
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Spinach Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a bit of chopped fresh parsley adds a bright finish to each serving. These simple garnishes don’t just elevate the presentation—they add a fresh note that balances the rich cheesiness with a hint of herbal brightness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even a simple serving of garlic mashed potatoes. The creamy texture and cheesy flavor complement proteins and starches alike, making it a wonderfully versatile dish to serve alongside your favorite main courses.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Cheesy Baked Spinach Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for personal portions that look as good as they taste. You could also try scooping it onto toasted baguette slices for an elegant appetizer or layering it into a warmed tortilla wrap with some grilled chicken for a hearty lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, leftover casserole should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for about 3 to 4 days, making it convenient for quick lunches or dinners during the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes very well. Just place individual portions or the whole casserole in a freezer-safe container or tightly wrap the baking dish with foil and plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator if possible. Warm them in a 350-degree oven until heated through and bubbly again, about 20 minutes for individual portions and up to 40 minutes for a full casserole. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that beautiful cheesy crust intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just be sure to cook and drain the fresh spinach thoroughly to remove excess moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients. About 1½ pounds of fresh spinach, cooked down, would be equivalent to 1 pound frozen.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like vegan cream cheese, nutritional yeast instead of shredded cheese, and dairy-free cottage cheese if available. Keep in mind it will change the flavor slightly but remain delicious.
Can I add other veggies to this casserole?
Definitely! Try mixing in sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or caramelized onions for extra flavor and texture variations. Just be sure to keep the moisture levels balanced to avoid sogginess.
How can I make this dish lower in calories?
Using low-fat or part-skim cheeses and cottage cheese, as called for in the recipe, already helps reduce the calorie count. You can also reduce the breadcrumbs or use whole wheat varieties for added fiber.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix all the ingredients and keep the mixture covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to bake it fully before serving for that perfect cheesy finish.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Baked Spinach Casserole Recipe is a fantastic way to bring comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance to your table with minimal fuss. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug, loaded with cheesy delight and nutritional goodness. I can’t wait for you to try it—prepare to fall in love with this easy yet impressive favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your home cooking rotation!
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Cheesy Baked Spinach Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting and nutritious Cheesy Baked Spinach Casserole combining tender spinach with creamy cottage cheese, sharp cheddar, and a hint of nutmeg, baked to bubbly perfection. This easy-to-make dish is perfect as a side or light main.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Eggs
- 1 lb frozen spinach
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded low-fat sharp cheese
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large garlic clove, grated
Dairy & Cheese
Seasonings & Other
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9-inch oval baking dish, or an equivalent-sized dish, with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the spinach: Defrost the frozen spinach either in the microwave or by rinsing under warm water. Once thawed, use your hands to thoroughly squeeze out all excess moisture from the spinach, then place it in a medium mixing bowl.
- Mix ingredients: Add the egg, kosher salt, cottage cheese, ground nutmeg, shredded low-fat sharp cheese, plain breadcrumbs, and grated garlic to the spinach. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Bake the casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly throughout.
Notes
- Ensure you squeeze out as much water as possible from the spinach to avoid a watery casserole.
- You can substitute the low-fat sharp cheese with full-fat cheddar for a richer flavor.
- The breadcrumbs help add texture; you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs if desired.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of black pepper or some chopped onions.
- This dish reheats well in the oven or microwave and can be served as a side or light main.
