Crustless Ricotta Pie
A light, cheesy crustless spinach and ricotta pie with subtle herbs, perfect for brunch, vegetarian meals, or a healthy side dish, offering creamy texture and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine spinach and chopped onion in a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Cover and microwave for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring once during cooking.
- Drain the spinach and onion mixture well.
- In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with a fork.
- Stir in ricotta cheese, salt, pepper, dried dill weed, garlic powder, and flour.
- Blend in the drained spinach and onion mixture.
- Spread the mixture in a 9-inch pie plate.
- Sprinkle the top with paprika.
- Microwave on high for 4 minutes, rotating every 2 minutes.
- Reduce microwave power to 50% (medium) and microwave for 3 to 11 minutes longer, or until the center is set.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using whole milk ricotta instead of low-fat. You can also substitute fresh spinach for frozen, just be sure to sauté it first to remove excess moisture. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the flavors. If you're short on time, pre-chopped frozen onion can save some prep work.
Serving Suggestions
This crustless ricotta pie is excellent as a light lunch or dinner option. Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables or a zesty salad for a complete meal. It also makes a fantastic brunch dish, especially when served with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For a quick meal, serve the pie cold or at room temperature alongside a fresh salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crustless Ricotta Pie contains roughly 273 calories, with 7g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (24% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach instead of frozen. Just make sure to sauté it first to reduce moisture before adding it to the mixture. This will help maintain the pie's structure and prevent it from becoming watery.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble and microwave it when you're ready to serve. It also freezes well; just thaw and reheat when needed.
What can I serve with the crustless ricotta pie?
This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a slice of crusty bread or pairing it with dishes like Foolproof Brownies for dessert.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).