If you’re on the lookout for a comforting dish that brings together vibrant greens and creamy, tangy cheese, this Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a luscious blend of tender spinach, savory feta, and delicate ricotta, all baked to golden perfection with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Whether you want a wholesome vegetarian main or a dazzling side, this casserole hits all the right notes, making every bite irresistibly flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple but essential, each adding its unique touch to the final dish’s texture, flavor, and color. From the silky cheeses to the fresh spinach, every component works harmoniously to create that classic Greek-inspired magic in your kitchen.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A fragrant base that softens the onion and garlic while adding a rich, fruity flavor.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Adds mild sweetness and depth to the spinach mixture.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Gives an aromatic kick that elevates the entire casserole.
- 16 oz fresh spinach (roughly chopped, or frozen thawed and drained): The star green powerhouse that brings freshness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese: Delivers a tangy, salty creaminess that’s utterly addictive.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: Adds soft, mild creaminess for a luscious texture.
- 2 large eggs (beaten): Binds everything together, creating that classic casserole firmness.
- 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the mixture moist and tender without weighing it down.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: A subtle warm spice that enhances the spinach’s natural flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and brightens all the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: For a perfectly crunchy, golden topping that contrasts the creamy filling.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses a sharp, savory note into the topping.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter: Helps the breadcrumbs brown beautifully and adds richness.
How to Make Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to ensure your casserole won’t stick and will come out effortlessly once baked. This sets you up perfectly for a stress-free experience.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until it starts to soften and become translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. This step infuses your casserole with a beautiful fragrant base that the spinach and cheeses will meld with.
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach
Add your fresh or thawed, drained spinach to the skillet. Cook until the spinach is fully wilted and any moisture is mostly evaporated. This step concentrates the flavors and prevents the casserole from becoming watery. Then, remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly — this will make mixing in the cheeses and eggs a breeze.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach and onion mixture with the crumbled feta, ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, milk, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until fully incorporated. This combination is where the magic happens, creating a creamy yet structured filling that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Pour the spinach and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and melted butter until the crumbs are well coated. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of your casserole, adding that inviting golden and crunchy crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You want the casserole to be set in the center and the topping beautifully golden brown. Once baked, let it cool slightly before serving so it firms up just right and is comfortable to eat.
How to Serve Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill can brighten your Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese Recipe beautifully. Adding a few lemon zest curls also provides a fresh contrast, making the flavors pop with each bite.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with light, crispy salads or warm, crusty bread to mop up every delicious crumb. Roasted vegetables or a simple tomato salad would also be fantastic side choices that complement the creamy, savory casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions. Alternatively, consider layering it into a baking dish with thin slices of roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes for an extra twist on the traditional Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes quite well! To freeze, bake the casserole first and let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power, but baking preserves that lovely crispy topping best.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure you thaw and drain it very well to avoid excess water in the casserole, which can make it soggy. The flavor remains just as delightful either way.
Is this casserole suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the recipe is completely vegetarian friendly, especially since it uses cheese for richness instead of meat. Just ensure your Parmesan is vegetarian if you are strict.
Can I add other cheeses to this casserole?
Definitely! While feta and ricotta are traditional, shredded mozzarella or a bit of goat cheese can add delicious melty or tangy variations to the dish.
How spicy is this casserole?
This dish isn’t spicy at all—it’s more about savory, creamy, and warm flavors. You can add a pinch of crushed red pepper if you want a slight kick.
What can I serve with this casserole for a full meal?
Pair it with a fresh green salad, roasted potatoes, or grilled vegetables for a satisfying and balanced meal that keeps the Mediterranean vibe going.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple to prepare yet impressively flavorful and perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen, too!
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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 that combines fresh spinach, creamy cheeses, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect as a main course or a flavorful side dish, it’s easy to prepare and bakes to a golden brown perfection, delivering a comforting and nutritious 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 frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
Cheeses and Dairy
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
Spices and Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until it softens. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its fragrance.
- Cook the spinach: Add the fresh or thawed spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted or warmed through. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly to prevent curdling in the next step.
- Combine the filling: In a large bowl, mix the spinach mixture with the crumbled feta, ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly incorporate all ingredients.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the spinach and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the surface of the casserole to create a satisfying crunchy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set in the center when gently shaken.
- Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to help it set further and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- This casserole works wonderfully as a hearty vegetarian main dish or as a flavorful side.
- Enhance the flavor by adding fresh dill or parsley to the filling mixture.
- You can prepare this dish a day ahead and refrigerate it; simply bake it just before serving for maximum freshness.
