This easy and delicious Spinach Casserole recipe will be a winner with even the pickiest eaters. It’s gluten-free, low carb, and vegetarian, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, preparing a potluck dish, or just want a comforting meal at home, this casserole shines with its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This Spinach Casserole can be ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The blend of cottage cheese, feta, and spices creates a delightful taste that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side dish or a main course; it’s adaptable to various meals and occasions.
- Nutrient-Dense: Packed with spinach and protein-rich ingredients, this casserole is not only delicious but also nourishing.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare it in advance and bake it right before serving for an effortless dinner solution.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Spinach Casserole successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 1 & 1/2-quart casserole dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Casserole Dish: A good quality casserole dish ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden top.
- Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl is crucial for combining all the ingredients comfortably without spills.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the best flavor balance in your Spinach Casserole.
Ingredients
To prepare this delightful Spinach Casserole, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and very well drained
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta
- 1/3 cup diced sweet onion
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- dash of nutmeg
How to Make Spinach Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This step is crucial for ensuring even cooking throughout the casserole.
Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Dish
Grease a 1 & 1/2-quart (9-inch square) casserole dish using butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients:
* Add the beaten eggs.
* Stir in cottage cheese, squeezed spinach, crumbled feta, diced onion, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg.
* Mix everything well until fully combined.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish. Bake uncovered for about 40-45 minutes until the center is nearly set.
Step 5: Serve
Let the Spinach Casserole cool for 5-10 minutes after baking. Cut into squares, serve warm, and enjoy!
How to Serve Spinach Casserole
Spinach Casserole is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are serving it as a main course or as a side, these suggestions will help you elevate your meal.
With a Fresh Salad
- A refreshing green salad adds crunch and brightness. Use mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for balance.
As a Breakfast Dish
- Serve the casserole warm with a side of fresh fruit. It makes for an excellent start to the day, packed with protein and flavor.
Paired with Grilled Chicken
- This casserole complements grilled chicken beautifully. The flavors meld, offering a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Alongside Quinoa or Rice
- For a complete meal, serve the casserole next to fluffy quinoa or brown rice. This adds wholesome grains to your plate.
Topped with Avocado Slices
- Enhance your serving with creamy avocado slices on top. They bring richness and healthy fats to each bite.
With Roasted Vegetables
- Pair it with roasted vegetables for a colorful and nutrient-dense plate. Seasonal veggies bring additional flavor and texture.
How to Perfect Spinach Casserole
Creating the perfect Spinach Casserole involves attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips for delicious results every time.
Use Fresh Spinach: If possible, use fresh spinach instead of frozen. It provides a brighter flavor and better texture.
Drain Thoroughly: Ensure the spinach is well-drained before mixing it with other ingredients. Excess moisture can make the casserole soggy.
Experiment with Cheeses: Try different cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese for varied flavors that can enhance your dish.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste the mixture before baking and adjust seasonings. Adding more garlic powder or pepper can amplify the taste.
Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps it set properly, making it easier to cut into squares.
Add Herbs: Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top after baking for an added burst of freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Spinach Casserole
Spinach Casserole pairs wonderfully with numerous side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some excellent options.
Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky goodness of bread is perfect for scooping up casserole pieces.
Roasted Asparagus: This simple yet elegant side adds crunch and balances the creamy texture of the casserole.
Mixed Vegetable Stir-Fry: Colorful stir-fried vegetables introduce additional nutrients and flavors that enhance your overall meal.
Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option that soaks up the flavors from the casserole while adding volume to your plate.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: These vibrant peppers filled with grains or beans make a hearty companion to your Spinach Casserole.
Tomato Salad: A fresh tomato salad dressed lightly with olive oil can cut through the richness of the casserole, creating a nice contrast.
Sweet Potato Wedges: Baked sweet potato wedges offer sweetness that complements the savory aspects of the dish perfectly.
Cucumber Yogurt Dip: This refreshing dip pairs well when served alongside pieces of casserole, providing a cooling element to each bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Spinach Casserole turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.
- Not draining spinach properly: If the spinach is not well-drained, it will make the casserole watery. Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture after thawing.
- Overmixing ingredients: Overmixing can create a dense texture. Gently combine the ingredients until just blended to keep it light and fluffy.
- Skipping the greasing step: Forgetting to grease the casserole dish can lead to sticking. Always use butter or cooking spray to prepare the dish before adding ingredients.
- Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different, so check for doneness around the 40-minute mark. The center should be nearly set for best results.
- Serving immediately: Cutting into the casserole right after baking can cause it to fall apart. Allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Let it cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation inside the container.
Freezing Spinach Casserole
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil for best protection against freezer burn.
Reheating Spinach Casserole
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1 minute, checking frequently until warmed evenly.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and stir occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Spinach Casserole.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Sauté it briefly until wilted, then drain well before adding it to the mixture.
Is this Spinach Casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is gluten-free, making it suitable for those avoiding gluten in their diet.
Can I add other vegetables?
Feel free to customize! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
How do I know when my Spinach Casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the center is nearly set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. It should also be slightly golden on top.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Casserole recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to suit various dietary preferences. You can customize it by adding your favorite veggies or spices. Give it a try for your next meal; it’s sure to impress!
Spinach Casserole
Introducing a delicious and nutritious Spinach Casserole that is sure to delight even the pickiest of eaters! This gluten-free, low-carb, and vegetarian dish combines wholesome ingredients like cottage cheese and feta, creating a creamy texture packed with flavor. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or as a comforting meal at home, this casserole is both easy to prepare and satisfying. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this versatile dish that can be served as a main course or side. Whether enjoyed warm or reheated, this Spinach Casserole promises to be a hit on any table!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach (thawed and drained)
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup diced sweet onion
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 1 & 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine beaten eggs with cottage cheese, drained spinach, feta, onion, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg. Mix until well blended.
- Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until the center is nearly set.
- Allow cooling for 5-10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (about 120g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: For enhanced flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving. Substitute fresh spinach for frozen for an even fresher taste; just sauté until wilted before draining. Feel free to mix in other vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition.