Spinach Empire
A savory spinach and cheese baked dish topped on tomato slices, featuring rich flavors of Parmesan, garlic, and herbs, perfect as a healthy appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C.
- Cook spinach according to package directions; drain well.
- Place spinach, bread crumbs, green onion, egg, melted margarine, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, thyme, pepper, and salt in a medium bowl and mix well.
- Arrange tomato slices in a shallow baking dish and sprinkle with garlic salt.
- Spoon one-quarter of the spinach mixture onto each tomato slice.
- Shape the spinach mixture into a dome on top of each tomato slice.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until set and heated through.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of ricotta cheese to the spinach mixture. If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano can be a great substitute. Fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen; just make sure to wilt and drain it thoroughly before mixing. This dish can also be adapted to include other vegetables, making it a versatile option for incorporating more Mediterranean recipes into your diet.
Serving Suggestions
These spinach-topped tomatoes make a delightful appetizer or side dish. Pair them with a light Cucumber-Tomato Salad for a refreshing contrast. They also complement well with grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial meal. For a complete vegetarian dinner, serve alongside a hearty Eggplant Casserole (Greek Mousaka) or other Mediterranean recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the spinach-topped tomato slices in the oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 1-2 minutes, but the oven will help maintain the texture better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Empire contains roughly 779 calories, with 27g protein, 143g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (55% of the Daily Value), iron (46% of the Daily Value), and calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1302mg per serving (57% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, fresh spinach can definitely be used! Just make sure to wilt it down, chop it, and drain any excess moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will help maintain the right consistency in your dish.
What can I use instead of margarine?
If you prefer not to use margarine, you can easily substitute it with olive oil or butter. Both options will add a rich flavor to the spinach mixture and help bind the ingredients together.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the spinach mixture and assemble the tomato slices in advance. Just cover and refrigerate them, then bake just before serving. This makes it a convenient option for entertaining or meal prepping.
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).