Spinach and Cheese Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Spinach and Cheese Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal or a hearty side. Combining tender spinach with a blend of cheeses and simple seasonings, it bakes to golden perfection and melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

• 2 (10 oz) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for greasing dish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish with olive oil or melted butter to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed and well-drained spinach, cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and sour cream. Mix well until evenly blended.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Pour this egg mixture into the spinach and cheese blend, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
4. Step 4: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform cooking.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the top turns lightly golden brown.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to help it set and make slicing easier.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or a handful of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture before baking.
• Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the thawed spinach to avoid a watery casserole.
• Serve with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
• For a vegetarian version, ensure your cheeses do not contain animal rennet.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh spinach. You will need about 1 pound of fresh spinach, which should be wilted, drained well, and chopped before using to match the texture of frozen spinach.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. Just be sure to check your spices and cheese labels to confirm.

Spinach and Cheese Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 146 reviews

A creamy and savory spinach and cheese casserole featuring a blend of cottage cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and sour cream baked to perfection. This wholesome dish is perfect as a comforting side or a light main course, packed with rich flavors and nutrient-dense ingredients.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 (10 oz) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 3 large eggs

Seasonings

• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder

Other

• 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for greasing dish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish with olive oil or melted butter to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Cheeses and Spinach: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed and well-drained chopped spinach, cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and sour cream. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy base.
3. Mix Eggs and Seasonings: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs along with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well incorporated.
4. Incorporate Eggs into Spinach Mixture: Pour the egg and seasoning mixture into the spinach and cheese bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are fully combined and evenly distributed.
5. Transfer and Bake: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top turns lightly golden.
6. Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the casserole set further and enhances flavor.

Notes

• Ensure the spinach is well drained to avoid excess moisture making the casserole watery.
• You can substitute the cottage cheese with ricotta for a slightly different texture and flavor.
• For a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
• Serve as a side dish with grilled meats or enjoy as a vegetarian main course.

Keywords: spinach casserole, cheese casserole, baked spinach, vegetarian casserole, spinach and cheese bake