Description
This Simple Baked Spinach Casserole is a creamy, savory dish that combines fresh spinach, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese with a delightfully crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect as a comforting side or a light main, it’s easy to prepare and bakes to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups Fresh Spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
Dairy & Eggs
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 2 large Eggs
Others
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs (for topping)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes, to release sweetness and soften.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, adding depth of flavor.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and stir continuously until it wilts, about 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy and smooth for a rich texture.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to the cheese mixture according to your taste preferences and mix well.
- Combine Ingredients: Fold the cooled wilted spinach mixture into the ricotta mixture gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish and pour the combined mixture in, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula.
- Add Breadcrumb Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crispy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the casserole is golden brown on top and set in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing into portions and serving warm.
Notes
- You can use frozen spinach if fresh is unavailable; just be sure to thaw and drain it well before cooking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese mixture.
- Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- This casserole pairs well with grilled chicken or as a hearty vegetarian main dish.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.
