Imagine a dish so creamy, so irresistibly delicious that it transforms humble spinach into a culinary masterpiece. Our Baked Spinach with Cheese is not just another side dish – it's a flavor explosion that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds! Combining the earthy richness of spinach with luxurious cream cheese and melted mozzarella, this recipe is about to become your new comfort food obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked spinach
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- If using fresh spinach, wash the leaves thoroughly and steam or blanch them until wilted. If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and drain excess water by pressing with a clean kitchen towel.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach with cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until the spinach is evenly coated with the cream cheese.
- Add the ground nutmeg to the spinach mixture and stir well to distribute the spice evenly. The nutmeg will add a subtle warm, aromatic flavor to the dish.
- Transfer the spinach and cream cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the spinach, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Distribute the breadcrumbs uniformly over the cheese layer, which will create a crispy, golden-brown topping when baked.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs turn golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot as a side dish or light vegetarian main course. Can be garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- Moisture is Key: Always ensure your spinach is well-drained to prevent a watery dish. If using frozen spinach, squeeze out excess liquid thoroughly.
- Cheese Selection: While the recipe calls for cream cheese and mozzarella, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gruyère or parmesan for added depth of flavor.
- Breadcrumb Trick: For an extra crispy topping, mix your breadcrumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling on top.
- Temperature Matters: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving – perfect for meal prep or entertaining!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 245kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 45mg
