Spinach Cheese Pie(Tortiera Di Spinaci)
A savory spinach and cheese pie featuring a crispy crust, creamy ricotta, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, perfect as an appetizer or light lunch for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bake the pie crust for 5 minutes.
- Cook the frozen spinach just until thawed.
- Drain and pat dry the spinach.
- Combine the spinach with Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, parsley, black pepper, salt, beaten eggs, and cooked rice.
- Pour the mixture into the pre-baked pie crust.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until set and firm.
- Serve hot or cold as an appetizer or luncheon.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat ricotta and reducing the Parmesan. If you have fresh spinach, you can substitute 10 oz. of fresh spinach, cooked down and drained. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the flavor. This Spinach Cheese Pie can also be made with a whole wheat crust for added nutrition. If you're short on time, a store-bought crust works well too.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spinach Cheese Pie warm or at room temperature, sliced into wedges. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a fresh tomato salad. Consider serving it alongside a light pasta dish, such as Light Fettucine Alfredo, for a complete meal. This dish is also ideal for brunch or as an appetizer at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This dish can also be enjoyed cold, making it perfect for lunchboxes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Cheese Pie(Tortiera Di Spinaci) contains roughly 273 calories, with 16g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (55% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and calcium (46% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1206mg per serving (52% 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 10 oz. of fresh spinach. Cook it down until wilted, then drain and pat dry before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will give your pie a fresh taste and vibrant color.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pie a day in advance, refrigerate it before baking, and then bake it when you're ready to serve. Alternatively, you can bake it ahead of time, let it cool, and then reheat it before serving.
What can I serve with Spinach Cheese Pie?
This pie pairs well with a light side salad or a refreshing tomato salad. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it with a pasta dish like Pasta With Asparagus And Creamy Lemon Sauce. You can also enjoy it on its own as a tasty snack!
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).