This Creamy Spinach and Cheese Delight is the perfect comfort food that brings together the earthy goodness of fresh spinach with a trio of rich, melted cheeses. This hearty casserole makes an excellent side dish for family dinners or can stand alone as a satisfying vegetarian main course. The golden, crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy, cheesy interior.

Ingredients:

4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture into the spinach and cheese mixture, stirring until fully combined.
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil. Pour the spinach and cheese mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and red pepper flakes (if using). Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center.

Variation

Mushroom Spinach Casserole – Add 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms (cremini or button mushrooms) to the spinach mixture for an earthy, umami-rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheese.
Mediterranean Style – Replace the mozzarella with crumbled feta cheese and add 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) and 2 tablespoons fresh basil for a Greek-inspired twist.
Herb-Crusted Version – Mix fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, and parsley into the breadcrumb topping, and substitute half the ricotta with cream cheese for an extra rich and aromatic casserole.

Cooking Notes

Moisture Control – Always squeeze excess water from fresh spinach using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to prevent the casserole from becoming watery during baking.
Even Cooking – Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow it to set properly before cutting, which will help maintain clean slices and prevent it from falling apart.
Doneness Test – The casserole is ready when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown with slightly crispy edges around the baking dish.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Dinner Pairing – Serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish with a fresh garden salad and crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
Brunch Delight – Cut into squares and serve warm as part of a weekend brunch spread with fresh fruit, yogurt, and herbed roasted potatoes.
Light Lunch Option – Pair a smaller portion with a crisp Caesar salad and soup for a nutritious, filling lunch that’s perfect for meal prep throughout the week.

Tips

Make-Ahead Magic – Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, refrigerate, and add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Freezer-Friendly – This casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months; wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating at 350°F until warmed through.
Leftover Love – Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the whole dish covered in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

Prep Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 20g
Sodium: 480mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? – Yes, you can substitute with 10 oz of frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess water using a clean kitchen towel before adding to the recipe.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked? – The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be slightly pulling away from the sides of the dish.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free? – While this recipe is cheese-focused, you can substitute with dairy-free ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan alternatives, though the texture and flavor will be different from the original.
How long will leftovers keep and how should I reheat them? – Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the whole dish covered in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Creamy Spinach and Cheese Delight proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or comfort. The combination of nutrient-rich spinach with three types of cheese creates a satisfying dish that works beautifully as either a hearty side or a standalone vegetarian meal. With its golden, crispy top and creamy interior, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a dinner party, this versatile recipe delivers both nutrition and indulgence in every bite.

Spinach and Cheese Casserole

Author: Avery
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture into the spinach and cheese mixture, stirring until fully combined.
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil. Pour the spinach and cheese mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and red pepper flakes (if using). Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center.

Notes

For best results, make sure to thoroughly drain any excess moisture from the spinach before mixing. You can substitute frozen spinach (thawed and drained) if fresh isn’t available. The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Side Dish/Vegetarian Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American/Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: spinach casserole, cheese casserole, vegetarian, comfort food, family dinner