Spinach Casserole

This easy and delicious Spinach Casserole recipe will be a winner with even the pickiest eaters. It’s gluten-free, low-carb, and vegetarian, making it a fantastic choice for various occasions. Whether you need a side dish for a family gathering or a hearty main for a cozy dinner, this casserole checks all the boxes. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it truly stand out!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish ready to bake in no time.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with spinach and cottage cheese, this casserole is nutritious and guilt-free.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or enjoy it as a light main course—perfect for any meal!
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this flavorful and satisfying dish.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients, it’s easy on your wallet while still being delicious.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having the right equipment makes preparing your Spinach Casserole even easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 1 & 1/2-quart casserole dish
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts

Importance of Each Tool

• Casserole Dish: A good quality casserole dish ensures even cooking and easy serving of your Spinach Casserole.
• Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl allows for easy combining of all ingredients without any mess.
• Whisk or Fork: These tools help achieve well-beaten eggs and evenly mixed ingredients for the perfect texture.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 10 ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and very well drained
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta
• 1/3 cup diced sweet onion
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• dash of nutmeg

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

this recipe

How to Make Spinach Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This step ensures that your casserole cooks evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Dish

Grease a 1 & 1/2-quart (9-inch square) casserole dish. This prevents sticking and makes serving easier.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients:
* Add the beaten eggs, cottage cheese, thawed spinach, crumbled feta, diced onion, melted butter, Parmesan, black pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg.
* Mix everything until well combined.

Step 4: Transfer to Dish

Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure even baking.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Bake uncovered for about 40-45 minutes. The center should be nearly set when finished.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let cool for about 5-10 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Spinach Casserole!

How to Serve Spinach Casserole

Spinach Casserole is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as a main dish or a side, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Family Style

• Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish for a casual family meal. This allows everyone to help themselves and encourages sharing.

Individual Portions

• For a more refined presentation, cut the casserole into squares and serve on individual plates. This makes it easy to portion out for guests.

With a Side Salad

• Pairing Spinach Casserole with a fresh side salad adds crunch and freshness. Consider a simple vinaigrette dressing to complement the flavors.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each serving with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. This not only enhances the dish visually but also adds an aromatic touch.

Accompanied by Bread

• Serve alongside crusty bread or dinner rolls for a heartier meal. This works well for soaking up any leftover sauce.

With Dipping Sauces

• Offer dipping sauces such as tzatziki or salsa on the side for added flavor. These can bring a fun twist to your serving style.

How to Perfect Spinach Casserole

To ensure your Spinach Casserole turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Spinach: If possible, substitute frozen spinach with fresh spinach for better texture and flavor.
• Drain Thoroughly: Make sure to drain spinach well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the casserole watery.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheese like mozzarella or cheddar for varied flavors.
• Add More Veggies: Incorporate diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and taste.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Use a toothpick to check if the center is set; it should come out clean when done.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to cool slightly before slicing helps maintain its shape when serving.

Best Side Dishes for Spinach Casserole

Spinach Casserole pairs beautifully with several side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some recommendations to enhance your meal.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping and adds a savory crunch.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted veggies brings color and health benefits to your plate.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad offers protein and texture, making it an excellent healthy pairing.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity that balances the richness of the casserole.
5. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and pair wonderfully with this dish.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate and add natural sweetness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Spinach Casserole can be easy, but there are common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Using wet spinach: If your spinach isn’t well-drained, it can make the casserole watery. Always ensure the spinach is thoroughly thawed and squeezed dry.
• Skipping the eggs: Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients together. Omitting them will result in a crumbly texture instead of a cohesive dish.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can affect cooking time and texture. Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking.
• Overbaking: Cooking too long can dry out your casserole. Keep an eye on it after 40 minutes and check for doneness.
• Ignoring seasoning: Spinach can be bland if not seasoned properly. Make sure you include salt and spices to enhance flavor.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Spinach Casserole can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Spinach Casserole

• Use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Spinach Casserole

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat slices over low heat in a skillet, covering with a lid, for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Just sauté it first until wilted and then drain before adding it to the recipe.

Is this Spinach Casserole gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is gluten-free as it does not contain any flour or breadcrumbs.

How can I customize my Spinach Casserole?

Feel free to add other ingredients like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor. You could also swap feta cheese with goat cheese or mozzarella.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients! Just make sure to use a larger baking dish.

How long does it take to cook from frozen?

If cooking from frozen, extend the baking time by about 10-15 minutes. Make sure it’s heated through before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Spinach Casserole is not only delicious but also versatile enough to fit various dietary needs. It’s perfect as a side dish or even a satisfying main course. Feel free to customize with additional veggies or different cheeses to suit your taste! Give this easy recipe a try; it’s bound to impress both family and friends.

Print

Spinach Casserole

---

• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 33 minute
• Yield: Serves approximately 8

Description

Indulge in this easy and delicious Spinach Casserole that’s sure to win over even the pickiest eaters. This gluten-free, low-carb, and vegetarian dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a side dish at family gatherings or a hearty main course for cozy dinners. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, this casserole stands out as a nutritious option made with wholesome ingredients like spinach and cottage cheese.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 10 oz frozen chopped spinach (thawed and drained)
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 cup diced sweet onion
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan
• black pepper
• garlic powder
• dash of nutmeg

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Grease a 1 & 1/2-quart casserole dish.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine beaten eggs, cottage cheese, spinach, feta, onion, melted butter, Parmesan, black pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg.
4. Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish evenly.
5. Bake uncovered for about 40-45 minutes until nearly set in the center.
6. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving warm.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: For enhanced flavor and texture, consider using fresh spinach instead of frozen. You can substitute feta with mozzarella or goat cheese for different taste profiles. Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to boost nutritional value.

Find it online: https://thetastybites.com/spinach-casserole/