Cheesy Spinach Squares Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: Approximately 9-12 squares
Category: Vegetable
Description: If you’re a fan of spinach, this delightful dish will soon become one of your favorites. These Cheesy Spinach Squares are packed with flavor and a perfect blend of spinach, cheese, and spices, offering a delicious savory snack or side dish. You can even add a bit of extra shredded cheese on top right after baking for that extra cheesy touch.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 3 large |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Half-and-half cream | 1 1/2 cups |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Parmesan cheese | 1 cup |
| Green onions, chopped | 1/3 cup |
| Seasoning salt | 1 tsp |
| Fresh ground black pepper | 1 tsp |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Cheddar cheese, grated | 2 1/2 cups |
| Mozzarella cheese, grated | 1 cup |
| Frozen spinach, thawed and drained | 2 – 3 cups |
| Additional butter (for topping) | 1 tbsp |
| Additional Parmesan cheese (optional) | To taste |
| Additional Cheddar or Mozzarella cheese (optional) | 1 cup (for topping) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 593.9 kcal |
| Fat Content | 46.5 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 28.3 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 233.3 mg |
| Sodium Content | 673.1 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 22.6 g |
| Fiber | 2.4 g |
| Sugar | 1.2 g |
| Protein | 23.3 g |
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with butter, ensuring the bottom and sides are evenly coated.
- Melt the Butter: Place the butter in the prepared baking dish and put it in the oven until the butter is melted. Once melted, remove the pan from the oven and set it aside.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until fully blended and frothy.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the flour, half-and-half cream, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, seasoning salt, black pepper, and baking powder. Mix everything until smooth and well combined.
- Add Cheese and Spinach: Fold in the 2 1/2 cups of grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese, the chopped green onions, and the thawed, drained spinach. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
- Combine with Butter: Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, on top of the melted butter, and level it off with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Top with Butter and Parmesan: Drizzle the top of the mixture with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Then, sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the squares are set.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the squares to cool for 40-45 minutes. This cooling time helps the squares set properly and makes them easier to cut.
- Optional Final Touch: If you’d like, sprinkle an additional 1 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top right after baking while the dish is still warm for an extra cheesy finish.
- Cut into Squares: Once the dish has cooled, slice into squares of your desired size.
- Freezing Option: These squares freeze very well. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for later enjoyment. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.
Note: These Cheesy Spinach Squares are an excellent make-ahead dish for busy weeks. You can prepare them in advance, freeze them, and then reheat them when needed for a quick and delicious snack or side dish.
Enjoy your flavorful, cheesy spinach squares, perfect for gatherings, meal prep, or even as a tasty addition to your next holiday feast!
