Imagine a dish so irresistibly creamy, so packed with flavor, that it transforms ordinary spinach into a culinary masterpiece. Our Baked Spinach with Three Cheeses is not just a side dish – it's a gourmet experience that will elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Combining the earthy richness of fresh spinach with the luxurious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort food that's both elegant and incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly under cold running water. Drain well and chop the spinach into medium-sized pieces, removing any tough stems.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts and releases its moisture. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Add the cooked spinach to the cheese mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the spinach and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the spinach mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot as a side dish or light vegetarian main course, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Always use fresh spinach and wash it thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
- Make sure to drain the spinach well after cooking to prevent a watery final dish.
- Don't rush the garlic sautéing – 30-45 seconds is perfect for releasing flavor without burning.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some fresh herbs like basil or thyme.
- Use high-quality cheeses for the best flavor – freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or can be enjoyed as a vegetarian main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg
