Spinach
A creamy, cheesy spinach casserole combining frozen spinach, eggs, cottage cheese, and Cheddar, baked to perfection—ideal for family dinners or gatherings craving comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Thaw and drain excess water from frozen chopped spinach.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, eggs, plain flour, cottage cheese, grated Cheddar cheese, melted margarine, and salt.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until golden and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of ricotta cheese or sour cream to the mixture. If you prefer a different cheese, mozzarella or feta would work well in place of Cheddar. Make sure to thoroughly drain the spinach to avoid excess moisture, which can make the dish watery. If you're short on eggs, you can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce as a binder.
Serving Suggestions
This spinach bake is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Aunt Lila'S Creamed Potato Soup for a comforting dinner. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach contains roughly 819 calories, with 16g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 630mg 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 fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! You'll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach, which should be cooked and chopped before combining it with the other ingredients. Make sure to thoroughly drain any excess moisture to prevent a watery dish.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Ensure all other ingredients, especially cheese and cottage cheese, are gluten-free as well.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply pour it into the greased dish and bake as directed. This will also enhance the flavors as they meld together overnight.
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).