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Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly Recipe

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 13 reviews

This Cheesy Italian Spinach Bake is a warm, comforting casserole combining fresh spinach with a rich blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Infused with garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning, it makes a perfect vegetarian side dish or light main course that’s flavorful, creamy, and topped with a crunchy breadcrumb crust.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 2 lbs fresh spinach, washed and trimmed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cheeses

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Others

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside to prepare for assembling the spinach bake.
  2. Cook the spinach: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Gradually add the spinach in batches, letting each batch wilt before adding more. Drain any excess liquid from the cooked spinach and allow it to cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir in the lightly beaten eggs until the mixture becomes smooth and fully combined.
  4. Combine and assemble: Fold the cooled spinach mixture into the cheese mixture, ensuring thorough incorporation. Transfer this combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly on top for a crunchy crust.
  5. Bake the dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden, bubbly, and if breadcrumbs were added, crisp and lightly browned.
  6. Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. It tastes wonderful served hot and maintains its flavor well at room temperature.

Notes

  • To reduce moisture, ensure spinach is thoroughly drained and squeezed before mixing.
  • Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice texture contrast.
  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
  • This bake can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
  • Gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used to make this recipe gluten free.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach bake, cheesy spinach casserole, Italian vegetarian bake, ricotta spinach bake, healthy spinach recipe

Find it online: https://delishfamilyrecipe.com/place-the-baking-dish-in-the-preheated-oven-and-bake-for-2530-minutes-or-until-the-top-is-golden-and-bubbly-recipe/