Quick Description
Theseย Spinach & Cheese Baked Squaresย are soft, fluffy, and packed with savory goodness. Made with eggs, creamy cheese, and well-drained spinach, they bake up golden and firmโperfect for slicing. Ideal for breakfast, lunch, meal prep, or a light dinner.
Servings & Timing
- Servings:ย 9โ12 squares
- Prep Time:ย 15 minutes
- Bake Time:ย 35โ40 minutes
- Total Time:ย ~55 minutes
Nutritional Info (Per Square โ Approximate)
- Calories:ย 180
- Protein:ย 9g
- Fat:ย 13g
- Carbohydrates:ย 6g
- Fiber:ย 1g
(Values vary based on cheese and flour used.)
Ingredients List
- 10 oz (300 g) frozen spinach, thawed &ย very well squeezed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup ricotta cheeseย (or cottage cheese)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ยฝ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ยผ cup all-purpose flourย (or almond flour for low-carb)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ยฝ teaspoon salt
- ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
- ยฝ teaspoon paprikaย (optional)
- ยฝ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven toย 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
Line anย 8ร8-inchย pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Prepare the Spinach
Squeeze the spinachย extremely wellย to remove all excess moisture.
(This step is crucial for firm, non-watery squares.)
Step 3: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs.
Add ricotta, olive oil (or butter), garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Add Cheeses & Spinach
Fold in the spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, and flour.
Mix gently until everything is evenly combined.
Step 5: Bake
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake forย 35โ40 minutes, until golden on top and fully set in the center.
Step 6: Cool & Slice
Let rest forย 10 minutes, then slice into squares and serve.
Additional Notes
- Squeezing spinach thoroughly prevents soggy results
- Letting it rest helps the squares set cleanly
- Tastes great warm or cold
Dietary Info
- Vegetarian
- Can beย low-carbย (use almond flour)
- Gluten-free if using almond flour
- High-protein breakfast or snack
Flavor Tips & Variations
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives
- Swap mozzarella for feta for a Mediterranean twist
- Add red chili flakes for gentle heat
- Mix in chopped green onions or herbs
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ricotta:ย Cottage cheese or cream cheese
- Spinach:ย Fresh spinach (sautรฉ and drain well)
- Flour:ย Almond flour or gluten-free blend
- Cheese:ย Cheddar, gouda, or Swiss
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh salad
- Pair with eggs for breakfast
- Enjoy as a lunchbox item
- Great as a light dinner with soup
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerator:ย Store up to 4 days
- Freezer:ย Freeze slices up to 2 months
- Reheat:ย Oven or microwave
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh spinach?
Yesโcook it first and squeeze out all moisture.
Q: Why are my squares soft?
Spinach may not have been squeezed enough or bake time was short.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yesโperfect for meal prep.
Q: Is this good cold?
Yes, it slices beautifully and tastes great chilled.
Conclusion
Theseย Spinach & Cheese Baked Squaresย are easy, nourishing, and endlessly versatile. Soft on the inside, golden on top, and packed with flavorโthis is a recipe youโll make again and again.