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Healthy Cheesy Spinach Squares

  • Author: Avery
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
  4. Pour the egg mixture into the spinach and cheese mixture. Stir until everything is fully incorporated and evenly coated.
  5. Gradually add the whole wheat flour, stirring just until no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing so the squares stay tender.
  6. Pour the mixture into the prepared 8×8-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer with a spatula.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

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Find it online: https://averyrecipes.com/healthy-cheesy-spinach-squares/