These Healthy Cheesy Spinach Squares are a lightened-up, protein-packed twist on a classic cheesy bake. Fresh spinach, cottage cheese, and a trio of flavorful seasonings come together in soft, savory bites with just enough gooey cheese to feel indulgent perfect as a snack, appetizer, or easy make-ahead lunch.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (packed cups)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Nonstick spray or a little oil, for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a little oil and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheeses and spinach are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture into the spinach and cheese mixture. Stir until everything is fully incorporated and evenly coated.
- Gradually add the whole wheat flour, stirring just until no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing so the squares stay tender.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared 8×8-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer with a spatula.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the spinach bake to cool in the pan for at least 5–10 minutes, then slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Variation
- Swap mozzarella for shredded cheddar, Colby Jack, or pepper jack for a sharper or spicier flavor.
- Stir in 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper or green onion for extra color and crunch.
- Make them gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the whole wheat flour.
Cooking Notes
- The batter should be thick but spreadable; if it seems extremely thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk to loosen slightly.
- Bake just until set; overbaking can dry out the squares and make them rubbery instead of soft and tender.
- If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out as much moisture as possible, then measure 2 cups loosely packed and chop if needed.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a side of marinara, ranch, or Greek yogurt dip for dunking.
- Pair 2–3 squares with a simple green salad or bowl of soup for a light but satisfying meal.
- Cut into smaller bite-size pieces and serve on a party platter as a protein-packed appetizer or brunch side.
Tips
- Line the baking dish with parchment paper with a slight overhang for easy lifting and cleaner slicing.
- Let the squares cool slightly before cutting; they firm up as they cool and hold their shape better.
- Double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch dish for a crowd just keep an eye on the bake time and add a few extra minutes if needed.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes. Thaw the spinach completely, then squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Measure about 2 cups loosely packed and use as directed. - How do I store Healthy Cheesy Spinach Squares?
Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven, or enjoy cold. - Can I freeze these squares?
Yes. Freeze cooled squares in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 325°F oven until warmed through. - Can I make them dairy-free?
You can experiment with dairy-free cottage-style cheese and shredded plant-based cheeses, but texture and melting may vary. Use a dairy-free Parmesan-style topping as well.
Conclusion
Healthy Cheesy Spinach Squares deliver all the cheesy, savory satisfaction of a classic baked snack with a lighter, protein-rich twist. Packed with spinach and cottage cheese, they’re simple to mix, easy to bake, and perfect for meal prep ideal as a grab-and-go snack, appetizer, or light meal any day of the week.
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Healthy Cheesy Spinach Squares
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings (9 squares) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian (contains eggs and dairy)
Description
These Healthy Cheesy Spinach Squares are a lightened-up, protein-packed twist on a classic cheesy bake. Fresh spinach, cottage cheese, and a trio of flavorful seasonings come together in soft, savory bites with just enough gooey cheese to feel indulgent perfect as a snack, appetizer, or easy make-ahead lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (packed cups)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Nonstick spray or a little oil, for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a little oil and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheeses and spinach are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture into the spinach and cheese mixture. Stir until everything is fully incorporated and evenly coated.
- Gradually add the whole wheat flour, stirring just until no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing so the squares stay tender.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared 8×8-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer with a spatula.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the spinach bake to cool in the pan for at least 5–10 minutes, then slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- If your spinach is very wet, pat it dry with paper towels after washing to avoid watering down the batter.
- Low-fat cottage cheese works well here, but full-fat will give the richest, creamiest texture.
- Taste your cheeses saltiness can vary. You can slightly reduce or increase the added salt based on how salty your Parmesan and cottage cheese are.
- These squares are great warm, but they’re also delicious chilled straight from the fridge for a quick, high-protein snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Light Meal
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (1/9 of recipe)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g (approx.)
- Sodium: 260 mg (approx., varies by cheese and cottage cheese)
- Fat: 8 g (approx.)
- Saturated Fat: 4 g (approx.)
- Unsaturated Fat: 3–4 g (approx.)
- Trans Fat: 0 g (approx.)
- Carbohydrates: 8 g (approx.)
- Fiber: 1 g (approx.)
- Protein: 12 g (approx.)
- Cholesterol: 95 mg (approx.)
Keywords: healthy cheesy spinach squares, baked spinach bites, high protein snack, cottage cheese recipes, easy appetizer, make-ahead snack