If you’re looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish with layers of cheesy goodness and wholesome greens, my Baked Spinach Casserole is here to make your dinner table shine. This classic recipe transforms simple ingredients into a warm, bubbling bake that’s both satisfying and comforting. With creamy cheeses, fragrant aromatics, and a golden topping, this casserole works beautifully as a side or a main course. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight family dinner or a festive gathering, you’ll want to come back to Baked Spinach Casserole again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Spinach Casserole relies on everyday staples that come together for maximum flavor and delightfully creamy texture. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s adding moisture, richness, or a little crunch on top. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Olive oil: For sautéing the onion and garlic, lending a savory foundation to the casserole.
- Onion: A small onion, finely chopped, brings sweetness and depth to every bite.
- Garlic: Minced cloves add a gentle, aromatic kick that makes the spinach sing.
- Frozen chopped spinach: Thawed and well-drained, this is the star of the show with minimal prep and bold color.
- Eggs: These bind the casserole, creating a custard-like, fluffy texture that holds everything together.
- Cottage cheese: Adds creamy moisture and a protein boost—plus, it melts beautifully with the other cheeses.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella delivers gooey, melty goodness and just the right amount of stretch.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan introduces a salty, nutty note and helps the topping turn golden.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for rounding out the flavor and enhancing all the cheesy richness.
- Ground nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg provides subtle warmth and makes spinach casseroles irresistible.
- Plain breadcrumbs (optional): For a classic crispy topping—totally optional but always delicious.
- Nonstick cooking spray or butter: Greases the baking dish to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
How to Make Baked Spinach Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter—this not only prevents sticking but also helps create those golden edges we all love in a baked spinach casserole.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium flame. Toss in the chopped onion and let it sizzle for three to four minutes, just until it turns soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute, stirring frequently to avoid any burning. The kitchen will fill with the most mouthwatering aroma—don’t skip this step, as it’s the key to deep flavor!
Step 3: Combine the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, add your well-drained spinach (squeeze out as much liquid as possible for the best texture). Into the same bowl, add the sautéed onion and garlic, followed by the eggs, cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Give everything a thorough stir until the mixture is fully combined and even—a little muscle here ensures every bite has creamy, cheesy spinach goodness.
Step 4: Assemble and Top
Spoon the spinach mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula so it bakes evenly. If you love a crispy bite on top, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the surface. This step is optional but adds a fantastic golden crust and a bit of texture to the finished Baked Spinach Casserole.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for a lightly golden top and a set (but still moist) center. When it’s done, let the casserole rest for five to ten minutes—this makes it easier to slice and allows the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
How to Serve Baked Spinach Casserole
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill add a pop of color and brightness that complements the richness of the baked spinach casserole. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top gives it a nutty, restaurant-style finish. If you’re after something a little fancy, try a few shavings of lemon zest or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole is super versatile. For a well-balanced meal, serve it alongside roasted potatoes, grilled chicken, or even as a side to your favorite fish. Crusty bread is wonderful for soaking up the extra cheesy goodness, and a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides welcome contrast to the creamy casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Baked Spinach Casserole into neat squares for elegant plating at brunches or parties. Individual ramekins are a charming way to serve at smaller gatherings. For potlucks, bring the casserole in its baking dish and let everyone dig in family-style—just watch it disappear!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Baked Spinach Casserole tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps in the fridge for up to three days. The leftovers actually taste even better the next day, as the flavors have even more time to develop!
Freezing
If you want to freeze this casserole, let it cool completely. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil, or place slices in airtight containers. It will stay fresh for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results—this preserves the creamy texture.
Reheating
For a quick warm-up, individual slices can be reheated in the microwave until hot, but reheating in a 350°F oven will maintain the best texture and crisp up any topping. Cover loosely with foil to avoid over-browning, then uncover for the last few minutes to restore the golden crust.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Simply sauté about two pounds of fresh spinach until wilted, then drain and squeeze out excess moisture. Proceed with the recipe as written—the flavor is wonderful either way, and it’s a great way to use up an abundant harvest.
Is Baked Spinach Casserole gluten-free?
It certainly can be! Just omit the optional breadcrumbs or choose a gluten-free version to keep the casserole gluten-free. All the main components of the recipe are naturally gluten-free, so it’s easy to adapt for special diets.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If cottage cheese isn’t your thing, you can swap in ricotta for a similar creamy texture, or blend some cream cheese with a splash of milk. Either of these options will make your Baked Spinach Casserole extra rich and luscious.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, prepping in advance is a breeze. You can mix the casserole filling and refrigerate it, covered, for up to a day before baking. Or, bake it fully, cover, and refrigerate—then simply reheat when you’re ready to serve, making hosting a meal seamless and stress-free.
What’s the best way to drain spinach so my casserole isn’t watery?
Use your hands to squeeze out as much liquid as possible, or press the thawed spinach into a fine mesh strainer. This little bit of extra effort ensures your Baked Spinach Casserole comes out perfectly set, never soggy.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try this Baked Spinach Casserole as I am to share it. With its undeniable comfort, cheesy layers, and nourishing greens, it’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug every single time. Grab those simple ingredients and get ready for rave reviews—you might just find a new favorite for your regular dinner rotation!
Print
Baked Spinach Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Baked Spinach Casserole is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect as a side or a main course. Packed with spinach, cheeses, and flavorful seasonings, it’s a satisfying and comforting meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (10 oz) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- Nonstick cooking spray or butter (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similar-size baking dish.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté the chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Prepare Spinach Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the drained spinach, sautéed onion and garlic, eggs, cottage cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until well incorporated.
- Bake the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, smooth the top, and sprinkle with breadcrumbs if desired. Bake for 35–40 minutes until set and golden on top.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can use fresh spinach—just sauté it until wilted and drain well.
- This dish reheats well and makes a great make-ahead side.
- For extra richness, add 1/4 cup sour cream or cream cheese to the mix.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
