Go Back
To make Italian Spinach Bake, gather these fresh ingredients: - 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish) You can swap some ingredients if you like: - Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter option. - Try a different cheese like provolone or gouda instead of mozzarella. - Replace cherry tomatoes with diced bell peppers for a bolder flavor. - Use fresh spinach, or frozen spinach that is well-drained. - If you want a gluten-free option, make sure your marinara sauce is gluten-free. Each serving of Italian Spinach Bake is packed with nutrients: - Calories: Approximately 250 - Protein: 15 grams - Fat: 15 grams - Carbohydrates: 15 grams - Fiber: 2 grams - Sugar: 3 grams - Sodium: 400 milligrams This dish is a healthy, balanced meal that satisfies. Enjoy the flavors and nutrition it brings to your table! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key. A hot oven cooks your dish evenly and helps it rise nicely. In a large bowl, mix 4 cups of fresh spinach with 1 cup of ricotta cheese. Add 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, and 2 large eggs. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Stir everything together until it looks creamy and well-blended. Grab a 9x9 inch baking dish. Spread half of the 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom. This sauce adds a rich flavor. Next, spoon the spinach mixture on top of the sauce. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly. Now, pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the spinach. Scatter 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes on top. Finish by sprinkling the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over everything. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This keeps the moisture in while it bakes. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. After that, carefully take off the foil. Let it bake for another 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Once done, let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. Slice into squares and garnish with fresh basil for a lovely touch. To get that perfect creamy texture, use full-fat ricotta cheese. This adds moisture and richness. Mix in a bit of extra mozzarella cheese for more gooeyness. You can also add some cream cheese for added creaminess. This will make every bite deliciously cheesy. Timing is key for a great bake. Start by covering the dish with foil. This helps steam the spinach and keeps it moist. Bake it for 20 minutes first. After that, remove the foil to let the cheese brown. Keep an eye on it during the last 15 to 20 minutes. You want the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown. For a beautiful presentation, let the dish cool for a few minutes. This helps it set. Cut it into squares and place them on plates. Add fresh basil on top for color and flavor. You can also drizzle some extra marinara sauce around the plate. This makes the dish look fancy and adds more taste. Enjoy your Italian Spinach Bake! Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach provides the best flavor and texture. Avoid using frozen spinach, as it can release excess water and make the dish soggy. Customize the Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese like feta or goat cheese for added flavor. Just ensure the total amount remains the same. Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked ground turkey or chicken to the spinach mixture before baking. Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut into squares. {{image_4}} You can make this dish even heartier by adding proteins. Cooked chicken or sausage works great. Just chop the cooked meat into small pieces. Mix it into the spinach filling. This adds flavor and makes the dish more filling. If you like spice, try adding Italian sausage. It gives a nice kick to the bake. For a vegetarian twist, you can use different vegetables. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini add great taste. Sauté these veggies before mixing them in. They enhance the flavor and texture. You could also swap the marinara for pesto for a fresh taste. This keeps it light and delicious while keeping the vegetarian theme. If you need a gluten-free dish, don't worry! The Italian Spinach Bake is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your marinara sauce is gluten-free. You can also add a layer of gluten-free breadcrumbs on top. This gives a crunchy texture that everyone will love. Enjoy your meal without any worries about gluten! Store your leftover Italian Spinach Bake in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature before sealing. This keeps the dish fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to prevent drying. Heat for about 20 minutes or until it’s warm throughout. You can also microwave it for quicker reheating. However, the oven gives a better texture. For freezing, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This helps keep them fresh. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze the Italian Spinach Bake for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can tell the dish is done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. After baking for 20 minutes covered with foil, remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. The cheese should melt and brown nicely. If you insert a knife in the center, it should come out clean. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Just follow all the steps until the baking part. Cover the dish and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Then, bake as directed. This dish pairs well with a fresh side salad or garlic bread. A simple salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette adds a nice crunch. You could also serve it with pasta if you want a heartier meal. Absolutely! To make it dairy-free, you can use vegan ricotta and dairy-free cheese. There are many brands that offer great dairy-free cheese options. You can also use almond milk or coconut milk for a creamy texture. Just make sure to check the labels for dairy-free options. This blog post covered how to make Italian Spinach Bake from start to finish. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and useful tips. We explored various options like proteins, vegetarian swaps, and storage details. In my experience, this dish is great for any meal. It’s easy to share, too. With the right balance of flavors and textures, you're set for a delightful dining experience. Enjoy creating your Italian Spinach Bake!

Italian Spinach Bake

A delicious and creamy spinach bake layered with marinara sauce and topped with cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus additional for topping)
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot when the dish is ready to bake.
  • Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped fresh spinach with ricotta cheese, 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a spatula or spoon to mix the ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
  • Layer the marinara sauce: Take a baking dish (approximately 9x9 inches) and spread half of the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom. This creates a flavorful base for your spinach bake.
  • Add the spinach mixture: Carefully spoon the spinach mixture over the marinara sauce, using a spatula to smooth the top for an even layer.
  • Top with more sauce and tomatoes: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the spinach mixture, then scatter the halved cherry tomatoes evenly across the top. Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the tomatoes for a delightful cheesy topping.
  • Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture, and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld together.
  • Uncover and brown: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil to let the cheese brown. Continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Let it cool and garnish: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing into squares. Garnish with freshly chopped basil just before serving to add a burst of flavor and color.

Notes

Serve warm, with additional basil sprigs on each plate for a touch of elegance, or drizzle with a bit of extra marinara on the side.
Keyword bake, cheese, spinach, vegetarian