Super Spinach Appetizer
A savory spinach and cheese casserole with a creamy, cheesy flavor and tender texture, perfect for brunch, potlucks, or a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease an oblong baking dish.
- Combine spinach, flour, salt, pepper, cottage cheese, grated Cheddar cheese, and beaten eggs in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 1 hour at 350°F.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, you can substitute low-fat cottage cheese and reduced-fat Cheddar. If you don't have frozen spinach, fresh spinach can be used; just sauté it until wilted before adding. To enhance flavor, consider adding minced garlic or onion. This dish can also be made ahead and refrigerated before baking, making it perfect for entertaining or as a part of your vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Super Spinach Appetizer warm, cut into squares, as a delightful starter or side dish. It pairs nicely with a light salad or can be enjoyed alongside the Plains Cheese Ball for a perfect gathering. For an added touch, drizzle with a balsamic reduction or sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the squares in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes, but the oven method helps retain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Super Spinach Appetizer contains roughly 227 calories, with 18g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (83% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (62% of the Daily Value), and protein (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2272mg per serving (99% 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, you can use fresh spinach! Just sauté it in a bit of olive oil until wilted before adding it to the mixture. You'll need about 10-12 ounces of fresh spinach to equal the 10 oz. of frozen spinach.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make the Super Spinach Appetizer gluten-free, simply replace the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. This substitution works well without affecting the overall texture and flavor of the dish.
Can I freeze the spinach appetizer for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked mixture. Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.
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).