How to Make an Italian-Style Spinach and Cheese Bake
If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine, an Italian-style spinach and cheese bake is the perfect choice. This comforting recipe is packed with flavor, making it ideal for family dinners or even as part of a potluck feast. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a mouth-watering bake that everyone will love.
Ingredients
To make this delightful spinach and cheese bake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your spinach and cheese bake cooks evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Spinach
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Combine Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Add the sautéed spinach, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a greased baking dish. Pour the spinach and cheese mixture over the sauce. Smooth it out evenly. Top with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle the rest of the Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 6: Serve
Once the bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This dish can be served as a main course or as a delightful side. Garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan if desired.
Tips for Your Italian-Style Spinach and Cheese Bake
- Variations: Feel free to add other ingredients, such as mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or bell peppers, to customize the bake to your taste.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it in the oven when ready to serve.
- Freezing: If you have leftovers, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in airtight containers.
This Italian-style spinach and cheese bake is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy a slice of Italy right from your kitchen by following this simple recipe!