Manicotti With Spinach And Cheese Crepes(12 Entree Crepes)
Creamy spinach and cheese-filled crepes rolled to perfection, baked with melted cheese for a savory, crowd-pleasing Italian-inspired dish suitable for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put spinach in a mixing bowl with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, Ricotta cheese, eggs, 1 1/2 cups Jack cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Stir to mix well.
- Divide the mixture evenly among the crepes and roll up.
- Place the filled crepes in a single layer in a greased shallow baking dish.
- Cover the dish with foil.
- Refrigerate if necessary before baking.
- Bake in a 375°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
- Remove foil and sprinkle with the remaining Jack cheese.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider substituting half of the Ricotta cheese with a blend of cream cheese and sour cream. If you're short on time, pre-made crepes available in stores can save you effort. You can also add cooked mushrooms or artichokes to the filling for extra flavor. Pairing with a fresh salad can enhance the meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the manicotti warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. A side of marinara sauce complements the dish perfectly. This recipe pairs beautifully with Italian Spaghetti With Olive Oil for a hearty meal or can be accompanied by a light arugula salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer to freeze them, wrap individually and store for up to two months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Manicotti With Spinach And Cheese Crepes(12 Entree Crepes) contains roughly 283 calories, with 13g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 749mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
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?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Just sauté it until wilted, then chop and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the filling mixture. This will provide a fresher taste and vibrant color to your manicotti.
What can I substitute for Jack cheese?
If you can't find Jack cheese, you can substitute it with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of Italian cheeses. Each option will provide a slightly different flavor profile, enhancing your manicotti in unique ways.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the manicotti ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just cover the baking dish tightly with foil. When you're ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they're heated through.
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).