If you’re searching for a dish that bridges comfort food with Mediterranean flair, look no further than this Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese. Creamy, salty, and packed with nourishing greens, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that manages to taste both indulgent and wholesome. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing friends at a potluck, this casserole delivers layers of flavor and texture that keep everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s dive in and discover why this dish belongs in your regular rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients can build such incredible flavor. Each ingredient in this Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese plays an important role, adding its own touch of richness, creaminess, or crunch. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Olive oil: The base for sautéing your onions and garlic, bringing a fruity and robust undertone to the casserole.
- Chopped onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth once sautéed, forming the aromatic backbone of the dish.
- Minced garlic: Garlic punches up the savory flavor and gives the casserole a little Mediterranean magic.
- Fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and drained): The star of the show, providing color, nutrients, and bulk to the casserole.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Brings briny, tangy notes and a creamy-yet-crumbly texture that makes each bite pop.
- Ricotta cheese: Softens and mellows the filling, adding moisture and a delicate richness.
- Large eggs (beaten): Help bind everything together so the casserole slices up beautifully.
- Milk: Keeps the casserole custardy and moist without making it heavy.
- Nutmeg: Just a touch enhances the spinach flavor and brings warmth to the whole dish.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors in the mix.
- Black pepper: Adds a little kick and rounds out the seasoning.
- Breadcrumbs: Create that irresistible golden crust on top for satisfying crunch.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Lends a sharp, nutty finish to the topping.
- Melted butter: Helps the breadcrumb topping crisp up into a golden, buttery crown.
How to Make Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) for an even bake. Take a moment to lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish—this helps prevent sticking and makes serving so much easier later on.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Spinach
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook for about a minute until fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn. Next, add the spinach and cook until wilted—if you’re using thawed frozen spinach, just warm it through. Remove from the heat, and let the mixture cool slightly so the eggs don’t scramble in the next step.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled spinach mixture with crumbled feta cheese, creamy ricotta, beaten eggs, milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until evenly combined. This is when the filling really comes together and you get a preview of all those fresh, savory flavors.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the spinach and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. In a separate small bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of your casserole to form a golden, crunchy crust.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the casserole is set in the center and the top is bubbling and golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing—this helps everything stay together nicely when you serve.
How to Serve Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese
Garnishes
Add a final flourish by sprinkling fresh chopped herbs like dill, parsley, or even a hint of oregano over the top before serving. A squeeze of lemon over each slice is also delightful, brightening up the flavors and adding a zesty twist to your Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese.
Side Dishes
This casserole is incredibly versatile. Serve it alongside a crisp Greek salad full of tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives, or pair it with roasted potatoes and a bowl of soup for a heartier meal. It’s just as happy taking center stage as a vegetarian main course or playing a supporting role as a savory side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try spooning the casserole mixture into individual ramekins for single servings, or roll it up in phyllo dough triangles for bite-sized party appetizers. No matter how you present it, Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese is always a conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully! Simply cover your casserole dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and enjoy a quick, delicious meal anytime.
Freezing
If you want to prepare Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese ahead of time, you’re in luck. After baking and cooling, wrap the casserole well in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole loosely with foil to prevent the topping from burning and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Individual slices can be microwaved, but the oven preserves that irresistible golden crust best.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much water as possible from frozen spinach before adding it to your casserole. This keeps the final dish from getting watery.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
While the classic Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese is all about creamy cheeses, you can experiment with dairy-free ricotta and feta alternatives, plus plant-based milk, for a similar texture and flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or shredded zucchini all make fantastic additions. Just be sure to cook off extra moisture so your casserole stays perfectly set.
What makes this dish Greek-inspired?
The combination of spinach and feta cheese is a hallmark of Greek cuisine, reminiscent of spanakopita but much simpler to prepare. The ricotta adds extra creaminess, while the herbs and nutmeg round out the Mediterranean flavor profile.
Can I assemble the casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese a day in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. Just sprinkle on the breadcrumb topping right before baking for the best crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese is the kind of dish you’ll reach for again and again—easy, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. I hope you’ll give it a try and let it brighten up your table, whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or your next gathering. Enjoy every forkful!
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Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese is a delicious Greek-inspired vegetarian dish perfect as a main or side. Made with fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, tangy feta, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, it offers a flavorful and wholesome option for any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or use thawed and drained frozen spinach)
Cheeses
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Binders and Seasoning
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.
- Sauté Aromatics and Spinach: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until wilted if fresh or warmed through if using frozen. Remove from heat and let cool slightly to avoid curdling the eggs when mixed.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooled spinach mixture with crumbled feta, ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, milk, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to create a uniform filling.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the spinach and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly for consistent cooking.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Bake: Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let it set further and make serving easier.
Notes
- This casserole serves nicely as a vegetarian main course or a flavorful side dish.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh dill or parsley to the spinach mixture.
- You can prepare the casserole a day ahead, refrigerate it, and bake just before serving for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
