Spinach Italienne
A hearty spinach bake layered with cheeses and tomato sauce, topped with buttered bread strips—perfect for a comforting, cheesy vegetarian meal for family or friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Clean the spinach and discard stems.
- Soak the cleaned spinach in hot tap water for 10 minutes; drain.
- Place the spinach in a greased 9 x 12-inch baking dish.
- Lay sliced mozzarella cheese on top of the spinach.
- Spread canned tomato sauce evenly over the cheese.
- Mix the oregano with the melted butter.
- Brush one side of each white bread slice with the oregano butter.
- Cut the bread slices into 1-inch strips.
- Arrange the buttered bread strips, buttered side up, on top of the tomato sauce.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider adding minced garlic or crushed red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce. If you don't have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano makes a great substitute. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread or skip the bread topping altogether. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can enhance the dish's freshness, aligning well with Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is best served hot, straight from the oven. Pair it with a light salad, such as a simple arugula salad, to balance the richness. It also makes a lovely side dish alongside Easter Antipasto or can be enjoyed as a vegetarian main course. For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This helps maintain the texture of the bread while ensuring the cheese melts again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Italienne contains roughly 299 calories, with 13g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (125% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (91% of the Daily Value), and calcium (82% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. It also contributes 25g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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, you can use frozen spinach as a substitute. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the dish. Frozen spinach is convenient and saves time, but fresh spinach provides a better texture and flavor.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make Spinach Italienne vegan, substitute the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses with plant-based alternatives. Nutritional yeast can be used to add a cheesy flavor without dairy. Additionally, replace the butter with a vegan butter alternative or olive oil for brushing the bread.
Is there a way to add more protein to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add cooked chickpeas or lentils to the spinach layer for a protein boost. Alternatively, grilled chicken or tofu can be added on top of the spinach before layering the cheese. This way, you maintain the dish's Mediterranean flair while increasing its nutritional value.
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).