Simple Baked Spinach Casserole Recipe

If you have been hunting for a comforting yet fuss-free dish to brighten your dinner table, this Simple Baked Spinach Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with fresh spinach, creamy cheeses, and a crispy topping, this casserole brings together textures and flavors that are both nourishing and delightfully satisfying. It’s a versatile and crowd-pleasing recipe that’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping ingredients straightforward and wholesome is what makes this casserole so approachable and delicious. Each element plays an essential role, whether it’s building creamy layers, adding a savory punch, or creating that irresistible crunch on top.

• 4 cups Fresh Spinach: Roughly chopped for freshness and vibrant green color.
• 1 cup Ricotta Cheese: Adds creamy richness that binds the casserole beautifully.
• 2 large Eggs: Work as a natural binder to hold everything together.
• 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese: Grated to infuse a sharp, salty flavor and create a golden crust.
• 2 cloves Garlic: Minced for a lovely aromatic lift.
• 1 medium Onion: Finely chopped to add a gentle sweetness after sautéing.
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing the onion and garlic to perfection.
• Salt, to taste: To enhance the natural flavors of all ingredients.
• Pepper, to taste: Adds a subtle kick and balances the dish.
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs: Sprinkled on top for a crunchy, golden finish.

How to Make Simple Baked Spinach Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Having the oven ready ensures a steady heat that will bake your casserole evenly to a perfect golden brown.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it turns translucent, about 5 minutes. This step softens the onion and brings out its natural sweetness, forming a flavorful base.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in minced garlic and sauté for one more minute until the kitchen fills with its irresistible aroma. Be careful not to let it brown too much so the garlic flavor stays bright and fresh.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach

Toss in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it wilts down. This removes excess moisture and concentrates that lovely green, leafy flavor without overpowering the dish.

Step 5: Cool the Mixture

Remove the skillet from heat and allow the spinach mixture to cool slightly. This prevents the eggs and cheeses from scrambling when mixed in the next step.

Step 6: Combine Cheeses and Eggs

In a separate mixing bowl, blend ricotta cheese, eggs, and Parmesan cheese until creamy and smooth. This mixture is the heart of your casserole’s texture — velvety, rich, and wonderfully cohesive.

Step 7: Season to Taste

Add salt and pepper to the cheese mixture, seasoning carefully. Remember, Parmesan already brings saltiness, so taste as you go to keep the balance just right.

Step 8: Blend Spinach with Cheese Mixture

Gently fold the cooled spinach and onion mixture into the ricotta blend, being careful not to overmix. You want everything to combine evenly while preserving some texture.

Step 9: Transfer to Baking Dish

Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish and spread the mixture evenly inside. Smooth the surface to create a nice even layer that will bake uniformly.

Step 10: Add Breadcrumb Topping

Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. These will transform into a delightfully crunchy crust that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.

Step 11: Bake Until Golden

Bake in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set. Your kitchen will smell amazing as it bakes!

Step 12: Cool and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This resting period helps it settle so each slice holds together beautifully when served.

How to Serve Simple Baked Spinach Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few shavings of Parmesan right before serving adds a fresh, vibrant visual touch. A drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even a crispy green salad. For a comforting meal, serve alongside warm crusty bread to soak up every bit of the creamy spinach goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, bake the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for personalized servings. You can also add nuts like toasted pine nuts on top for extra texture and nuttiness. It’s a versatile dish that lends itself easily to elegant plating or casual family dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or a comforting next-day meal.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish before baking by covering it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve the crispy topping. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power, but the crust will soften slightly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thoroughly thaw and squeeze out all excess water from frozen spinach before cooking to avoid a watery casserole.

Is it possible to make this casserole vegan?

Yes! Substitute ricotta and Parmesan with vegan cheese alternatives, and replace eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer to keep the texture similar.

Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! Diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can be sautéed with the onion and garlic for extra flavor and nutrition.

How can I make the topping extra crispy?

Mix your breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter or olive oil before sprinkling on top, which will help them brown evenly and add richness.

What should I do if the casserole is too watery?

Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the cooked spinach. Also, avoid overloading the mixture with wet ingredients and consider increasing the breadcrumbs in the filling slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Simple Baked Spinach Casserole Recipe is a treasured go-to whenever you need a dish that feels both homey and special without requiring complicated steps. Its creamy texture combined with that crispy topping makes it a winner every time. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this casserole just like I do with friends and family—it’s the kind of recipe that sparks smiles and satisfies deeply. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite easy comfort foods!

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