Spinach And Cheese Squares
Creamy spinach and cheese squares with a savory blend of cottage, Cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, perfect as a savory snack or side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the bread crumbs.
- Add the defrosted, drained spinach, cottage cheese, Cheddar cheese, chopped onion, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
- Let stand about 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs such as dill or parsley to the mixture. If you don't have cottage cheese, ricotta can be a good substitute. You can also use different cheeses like feta for a tangy twist. Ensure the spinach is thoroughly drained to prevent a soggy texture. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Serving Suggestions
These spinach and cheese squares are great as a main dish or a side. Pair them with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. They also make a delicious appetizer when cut into smaller squares. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a bowl of soup or with a side of K~F~C Coleslaw.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quick reheating, but this may soften the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach And Cheese Squares contains roughly 503 calories, with 25g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value), calcium (48% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1521mg per serving (66% 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! You'll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach, sautéed until wilted and then drained, to replace the frozen chopped spinach. Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture to keep the squares from becoming soggy.
Can I make these squares ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and assemble the dish a day in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate before baking. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Can I add other vegetables to the mixture?
Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to enhance the flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to sauté and drain any extra moisture from them before adding to the cheese mixture.
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).