Spinach & Cottage Cheese Casserole Recipe – Easy Dinner Recipe

This creamy and cheesy casserole brings together the goodness of fresh spinach, creamy cottage cheese, and a blend of savory cheeses, all baked to perfection! Whether you’re in need of a comforting weeknight dinner, a delicious side dish for a gathering, or a flavorful addition to your meal prep repertoire, this recipe is a surefire winner. Join us as we dive into the simple steps to create this comforting and satisfying dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

If you’re seeking a delicious and easy-to-make dish, consider trying a baked spinach cottage cheese casserole. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home and also impressive enough to bring to a potluck. It combines the best of both worlds—healthy ingredients and rich, cheesy flavors!

Picture this: a cozy evening at home, the aroma of bubbling cheese and fresh spinach wafting from your oven, and the anticipation of a hearty, homemade meal that brings everyone together! That’s the magic of this baked spinach cottage cheese casserole! It’s not just about feeding your body; it’s about feeding your soul with comfort and joy!

Now, let’s talk about why this recipe is a game-changer! It’s simple enough for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for special occasions. Plus, it’s packed with nutritious ingredients that won’t weigh you down!

Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, food enthusiasts, or just yourself, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that always hits the spot! So, grab your ingredients, turn up the tunes, and let’s create some delicious memories in the kitchen!

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Why You’ll Love This Spinach & Cottage Cheese Casserole?

• Healthy and Nutritious: The casserole incorporates fresh spinach, a nutrient-rich vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Combined with protein-rich cottage cheese, it creates a wholesome and balanced meal!

• Creamy and Comforting Texture: The combination of spinach and cottage cheese results in a creamy and comforting texture that’s satisfying to eat. It’s like having a warm hug in every bite!

• Easy Preparation: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require fancy cooking skills or equipment. Sauté the spinach, mix it with cottage cheese, eggs, and seasoning, then bake—simple yet delicious.

• Versatile: The casserole can be enjoyed as a standalone main dish or as a side alongside other proteins. It’s also a great option for meal prep as it reheats well and maintains its flavor and texture.

• Customizable: You can personalize the recipe by adding ingredients like garlic, onions, or additional cheese to suit your taste preferences. It’s adaptable to different flavor profiles.

• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike tend to enjoy the cheesy goodness of this casserole. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for picky eaters.

• Golden-Brown Crust: The golden-brown crust and vibrant green color make this casserole visually appealing. It’s perfect for serving guests or bringing to gatherings.

• Leftovers Are Delicious: If there are any leftovers (which is rare!), they taste just as good or even better the next day. The flavors have time to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.

Ingredients You Need

1. Fresh Spinach: Ensure to chop it roughly for better distribution and texture in the casserole.
2. Cottage Cheese: Opt for a creamy variety to enhance the richness of the dish.
3. Grated Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for a more robust and savory flavor. You can also use some other melting cheese instead.
4. Large Eggs: Make sure they are at room temperature for easier mixing with other ingredients.
5. Sour Cream: Adds a tangy creaminess; choose a full-fat version for the best texture.
6. Small Onion: Finely chop for even distribution of onion flavor throughout the casserole.
7. Garlic Cloves: Mince finely to release their aromatic flavors into the dish.
8. Salt and Pepper: Season to taste, but remember that Parmesan cheese is salty, so adjust accordingly.

Optional Ingredients

1. Garlic Powder: Enhances the garlic flavor; use sparingly to avoid overpowering other ingredients.
2. Onion Powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor and complements the fresh onion.
3. Optional Nutmeg: Adds a warm, slightly sweet note; use a small amount for a hint of flavor without being overpowering.

How To Make: Step-By-Step

This recipe is quite straightforward and shouldn’t be difficult to make! It involves basic cooking techniques like sautéing spinach, mixing ingredients in a bowl, and baking the casserole in the oven. As long as you follow the steps and measurements, you should end up with a delicious baked spinach cottage cheese casserole without much hassle!

Step 1: Preparation:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a baking dish (8×8 inches or similar size) (20×20 cm) with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Cooking the Spinach:

• Heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chopped spinach, diced onion, and garlic and sauté until spinach has wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Mixing the Ingredients:

• In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, sour cream, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and optional seasoning. Mix everything well until evenly combined.
• Mix everything well until evenly combined.

Step 4: Combining Spinach and Cheese Mixture:

• Add the sautéed spinach, sautéed diced onion, and minced garlic to the cottage cheese mixture in the mixing bowl. Also, add 1-2 tablespoons of flour (I used whole wheat) to help thicken it a bit.
• Stir until the spinach is evenly distributed throughout the mixture, and everything is well incorporated.

Step 5: Baking:

• Pour the combined mixture into the greased baking dish.
• Spread it out evenly in the dish.
• Add more grated Parmesan on top.

Step 6: Final Steps:

• Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes.
• Check for a golden-brown top and a set center to ensure it’s done.
• Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
• Slice and serve your delicious baked spinach cottage cheese casserole!

Tips & Ideas For The Best Spinach & Cottage Cheese Casserole

Here are some tips to make your baked spinach cottage cheese casserole even better:

1. Drain Excess Liquid: After sautéing the spinach, make sure to drain any excess liquid. This prevents the casserole from becoming too watery during baking.
2. Seasoning: Taste the cottage cheese mixture before baking and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or other herbs and spices to suit your taste.
3. Mix-Ins: Feel free to add extra ingredients like cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and texture.
4. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese for added depth of flavor. Try using sharp cheddar, feta, or Gruyere cheese in place of or in addition to the Parmesan and mozzarella.
5. Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley, basil, or thyme on top before serving for a pop of freshness and color.
6. Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing and serving. This helps the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to cut into neat portions.
7. Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. This is convenient for meal prep or when you want to save time on busy days.
8. Serve with a Side: Pair the casserole with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to make a complete and satisfying meal.

Additional Questions

Do I Have To Sautee Spinach?

Sautéing the spinach before adding it to the casserole is recommended for a few reasons:

1. Reduce Moisture: Sautéing helps remove excess moisture from the spinach, preventing the casserole from becoming too watery during baking.
2. Enhance Flavor: Sautéing with a bit of olive oil, garlic, and seasoning can enhance the flavor of the spinach, making it more flavorful in the casserole.
3. Texture: Sautéed spinach has a softer texture compared to raw spinach, which can improve the overall texture of the casserole.

However, if you prefer to skip this step, you can certainly use fresh spinach directly in the casserole without sautéing it first. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid from the fresh spinach before adding it to the casserole to prevent it from becoming too watery during baking.

Can I Use Less Spinach For This Recipe?

The amount of spinach can vary depending on personal preference and the desired texture of the casserole. In this recipe, 10 oz of fresh spinach is used, which is roughly equivalent to one standard package of fresh spinach.

If you prefer a less spinach-heavy casserole, you can reduce the amount to 8 oz or even 6 oz. Keep in mind that spinach wilts and reduces in volume when cooked, so what may seem like a large amount at first will shrink down significantly during the cooking process.

Adjusting the amount of spinach allows you to tailor the recipe to your taste preferences. If you prefer a more prominent spinach flavor and a denser texture, you can stick with the 10 oz. If you prefer a milder spinach flavor or a lighter texture, feel free to reduce the amount.

Why Is Flour Needed?

You can add 1 tablespoon of flour to the baked spinach cottage cheese casserole mixture to help thicken it. This can be especially helpful if the mixture seems too runny or if you prefer a thicker consistency in your casserole. Here’s how you can incorporate the flour:

After mixing all the ingredients together in step 3 of the instructions, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour over the mixture and gently fold it in until well combined. The flour will help to absorb excess moisture and thicken the casserole as it bakes. Adjust the amount of flour based on your desired consistency, adding more if needed for a thicker casserole.