Spinach With Two Cheeses
A creamy, cheesy spinach dish featuring ricotta and nutmeg, perfect as a side or light main for spinach lovers seeking rich flavors and smooth textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Trim and wash the spinach.
- Do not dry the spinach. Place in a large pot with just the water clinging to the leaves.
- Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until limp for fresh spinach, or according to package instructions for frozen spinach.
- Drain cooked spinach in a colander, pressing out most of the liquid.
- Chop the spinach finely.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, flour, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg.
- Add the chopped spinach to the mixture and stir well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using ricotta cheese, but cottage cheese works well too. Fresh spinach provides a vibrant flavor, but frozen is a convenient substitute. Ensure you don't dry the spinach after washing; the moisture helps cook it down effectively. Adding a pinch of garlic powder can enhance the flavor profile. You can easily make this a gluten-free dish by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as a hearty side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Oatmeal Marguerites for a lovely brunch spread. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor. This dish is also a great addition to a vegetarian recipes table, satisfying both veggie lovers and meat-eaters alike.
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 cover with foil to retain moisture, warming it at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium power until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach With Two Cheeses contains roughly 1032 calories, with 21g protein, 173g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), calcium (48% of the Daily Value), and protein (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 616mg per serving (27% 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 is a convenient substitute. Make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the cheese mixture. This will prevent excess moisture from affecting the final texture of the dish.
What can I serve with Spinach With Two Cheeses?
This dish goes well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Consider pairing it with an Italian pasta dish or serving it as a side for a holiday meal for a delightful spread.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the spinach and cheese mixture a day in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. This makes it a perfect choice for entertaining or busy weeknights.
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).