Name: Baked Feta Spinach Casserole: Delicious and Easy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh spinach, thoroughly washed and dried; 8 ounces feta cheese, preferably a block, not crumbled; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese, whole milk; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup olive oil, extra virgin; 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon butter, for greasing the baking dish

Baked Feta Spinach Casserole: Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly simple yet utterly delicious dish that's about to become your new weeknight staple! Imagine a creamy, cheesy, and vibrant casserole bursting with fresh spinach and the tangy goodness of feta cheese. It's a flavor explosion in every bite, and the best part? It requires minimal effort and ingredients.

While casseroles have a long and varied history, often associated with resourceful home cooking and making the most of available ingredients, the combination of feta and spinach has roots in Mediterranean cuisine. Think of the classic Greek spanakopita, where these two ingredients shine. This Baked Feta Spinach Casserole takes that beloved pairing and transforms it into a comforting and satisfying baked dish.

People adore this casserole for several reasons. First, the taste is simply divine – the salty feta perfectly complements the earthy spinach, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Second, the texture is wonderfully creamy and comforting. Finally, it's incredibly convenient! Whether you're looking for a quick and easy dinner or a potluck dish that's sure to impress, this casserole ticks all the boxes. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more!

Ingredients:

1 pound fresh spinach, thoroughly washed and dried
8 ounces feta cheese, preferably a block, not crumbled
1/2 cup ricotta cheese, whole milk
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil, extra virgin
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon butter, for greasing the baking dish

Preparing the Spinach and Feta Mixture

Okay, let's get started! First things first, we need to prep our spinach. Even if it says pre-washed, I always give it a good rinse just to be sure. Make sure it's really dry, because we don't want a watery casserole. A salad spinner works wonders for this!

Sauté the Spinach: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the spinach to the skillet in batches, allowing each batch to wilt before adding more. This will take a few minutes. You'll be surprised how much it shrinks!
Drain Excess Moisture: Once the spinach is wilted, transfer it to a colander and press out as much excess moisture as possible. You can use the back of a spoon or your hands (carefully, it will be hot!). Getting rid of the extra water is crucial for preventing a soggy casserole.
Chop the Spinach: Roughly chop the drained spinach and place it in a large mixing bowl.
Prepare the Feta: If you're using a block of feta, crumble it into the bowl with the spinach. I prefer using a block because it tends to be creamier and less dry than the pre-crumbled kind.
Add the Remaining Ingredients: Add the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten eggs, remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, chopped dill, chopped parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the bowl.
Season to Taste: Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Be careful with the salt, as feta cheese is already quite salty. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. I usually start with a small amount and add more gradually.
Thoroughly Combine: Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Make sure the feta is evenly distributed throughout the spinach mixture.

Assembling and Baking the Casserole

Now for the fun part – putting it all together and baking it to golden perfection! This is where the magic happens.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your oven rack is in the middle position for even baking.
Grease the Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make it easier to serve. You can also use cooking spray if you prefer.
Transfer the Mixture: Pour the spinach and feta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Bake the Casserole: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set. The edges should be bubbly and slightly browned.
Let it Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set up a bit and makes it easier to cut.

Tips and Variations

Want to jazz things up a bit? Here are a few ideas to customize this casserole to your liking!

Add Some Protein: Cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef would be a great addition to this casserole. Just brown the meat before adding it to the spinach mixture.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to the spinach mixture, such as chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Sauté them along with the garlic before adding the spinach.
Cheese Options: If you're not a fan of ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cream cheese or sour cream. You can also use a different type of cheese for the Parmesan, such as Pecorino Romano.
Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spinach mixture.
Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
Individual Portions: For individual servings, bake the casserole in ramekins. This is great for portion control and makes for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

This baked feta spinach casserole is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

Serve with a Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich and savory casserole.
Serve with Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the cheesy goodness.
Serve as a Side Dish: This casserole makes a great side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
Serve for Brunch: This casserole is perfect for a weekend brunch. Serve it with fresh fruit and yogurt.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a winner because it's simple, flavorful, and satisfying. The combination of spinach, feta cheese, and ricotta cheese creates a creamy and delicious filling that's packed with nutrients. The lemon zest and fresh herbs add a bright and refreshing flavor, while the red pepper flakes (if using) provide a subtle kick. The casserole is also easy to customize, so you can add your favorite ingredients to make it your own.

The key to a successful baked feta spinach casserole is to make sure you drain the spinach thoroughly. This will prevent the casserole from becoming watery and ensure that the filling is nice and creamy. Also, don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and herbs to find your perfect combination.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! It's a family favorite that I make often. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think!

Conclusion:

This Baked Feta Spinach Casserole is more than just a recipe; it's a culinary hug in a dish, a vibrant celebration of flavors, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Seriously, if you're looking for a simple yet sophisticated dish that delivers on both taste and ease, look no further. The creamy feta, the earthy spinach, the subtle garlic notes – they all come together in perfect harmony to create a symphony of deliciousness that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Why is this a must-try? Because it's incredibly versatile! Need a hearty brunch option? This casserole is your answer. Looking for a satisfying vegetarian dinner? Look no further. Want a flavorful side dish to complement your main course? This Baked Feta Spinach Casserole shines. And the best part? It's ridiculously easy to make. We're talking minimal prep time and maximum flavor payoff. You don't need to be a seasoned chef to whip up this masterpiece. Trust me, if I can do it, you can too! But the fun doesn't stop there! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations. For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken or sausage to the casserole before baking. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts on top adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. If you're feeling adventurous, try incorporating different types of cheese, such as ricotta or goat cheese, for a unique twist. A dash of red pepper flakes can also add a subtle kick of heat. Serving-wise, this casserole is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and some crusty bread for dipping into all that cheesy goodness. You could also serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete and balanced meal. And don't forget the wine! A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, would be the perfect complement to the flavors of the casserole. I'm absolutely confident that you'll love this recipe as much as I do. It's become a staple in my kitchen, and I'm always excited to share it with friends and family. It's a dish that's guaranteed to impress, without requiring hours of slaving away in the kitchen. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of this Baked Feta Spinach Casserole. I promise you won't be disappointed. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your thoughts, photos, and tips in the comments below. I'm always eager to learn from your culinary adventures and see how you've made this recipe your own. Happy cooking! Let me know what you think of this Baked Feta Spinach Casserole!