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Spinach & Cheese Baked Squares

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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 firmโ€”perfect for slicing. Ideal for breakfast, lunch, meal prep, or a light dinner.


Servings & Timing

  • Servings:ย 9โ€“12 squares
  • Prep Time:ย 15 minutes
  • Bake Time:ย 35โ€“40 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 8ร—8-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 35โ€“40 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?
Yesโ€”cook 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?
Yesโ€”perfect 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 flavorโ€”this is a recipe youโ€™ll make again and again.