Spinach Cheese Appetizer
A savory spinach and cheese appetizer with crispy edges, perfect for gatherings or snacking, offering rich flavors of cheddar and tender spinach in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and melt butter on a cookie sheet.
- Grease the pan with melted butter and allow it to blend into the surface.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
- Add flour, milk, salt, and baking powder to the eggs and mix thoroughly.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped spinach until evenly distributed.
- Spread the mixture onto the prepared cookie sheet evenly.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes until golden and set.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before cutting into 1 1/2-inch squares.
- Can be frozen for later use.
- To reheat, bake at 325°F (160°C) for 12 minutes until warmed through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the mixture. If you don't have sharp Cheddar, mild Cheddar or a blend of cheeses can work well. Fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen; just sauté it briefly before chopping to reduce moisture. You can also spice things up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or garlic powder.
Serving Suggestions
These spinach cheese squares make a delightful appetizer for gatherings and pair beautifully with a light salad or a dip, like a garlic aioli. For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside a bowl of soup or as part of a brunch spread including dishes like Granola Carrot Cake or Blueberry Yum-Yums.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the spinach cheese squares to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, bake from frozen at 325°F (160°C) for 12 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Cheese Appetizer contains roughly 480 calories, with 9g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 560mg per serving (24% 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 frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works perfectly! Just ensure it's thoroughly drained and chopped after thawing to avoid excess moisture in the dish. This will help maintain the desired texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for the eggs?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, consider using a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture (1 tablespoon of seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg). Alternatively, unsweetened applesauce or silken tofu can be used to achieve similar binding effects.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make the spinach cheese appetizer gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, especially the baking powder, are gluten-free as well.
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).