Creamy Spinach Feta Casserole a Taste of the Aegean
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Get Ready for the Best Spinach Casserole Ever!
Fancy a bit of comfort food that's also kinda healthy? I've got you covered! Are you ready to dive into the delightful world of spinach casserole with feta cheese ? Honestly, this recipe is like a warm hug on a plate.
Quick Hook: A Mediterranean Dream
Ever craved a taste of the Mediterranean without all the fuss? Then you're in the right place! This spinach casserole with feta cheese is your answer.
It’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavour, a proper Spanakopita alternative if you ask me.
Brief Overview: Greek Goodness
This isn't just any old casserole. It's a Mediterranean casserole , inspired by the flavours of Greece. Think Greek spinach casserole , super easy to make (we're talking easy spinach recipe level), and ready in about an hour.
This recipe yields six servings. Perfect for a family dinner or a potluck!
Main Benefits: Healthy and Hearty
This casserole is packed with nutrients! Spinach is a powerhouse of vitamins, and feta adds a salty, tangy kick. It's the perfect vegetarian casserole recipe for a weeknight casserole dinner.
What makes this recipe special? It’s that creamy, dreamy spinach and feta pie filling flavour without the hassle of filo pastry a total winner!
Right, let's gather our ingredients.
Ingredients & Equipment: Get Ready to Bake!
Let's talk ingredients for this dreamy spinach casserole with feta cheese . It's so easy, you’ll be making it every week! Honestly, this recipe is like a Spanakopita alternative , without the fuss.
Main Ingredients for Your Masterpiece
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . Use decent stuff, you know? It makes a difference.
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped (1 cup/150g) . Yellow or white, whatever you've got.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced . Fresh is always best, right?
- Spinach: 1 (10 oz/283g) package frozen, chopped, thawed, and squeezed DRY . Seriously, squeeze the life out of it. Soggy spinach = soggy casserole. I learned this the hard way!
- Eggs: 3 large . Free range if you're feeling fancy.
- Sour Cream: 1 cup (240 ml) . Full fat is best for that creamy spinach bake , but low-fat works too.
- Milk: ½ cup (120 ml) . Any kind will do.
- Flour: ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose . This helps it all bind together nicely.
- Salt: ½ tsp (3g) . Seasoning is key!
- Black Pepper: ¼ tsp (1g) . Freshly ground is always better.
- Nutmeg: ¼ tsp ground . Trust me on this one. It adds a little something .
- Feta Cheese: 8 ounces (225g) crumbled . Go for a good quality feta. It’s a Mediterranean casserole so this is important!
- Mozzarella Cheese: ½ cup (50g) shredded . This gives it that lovely, melty top.
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Boosters
The combo of salt, pepper, and nutmeg is essential . It really brings out the flavours of the spinach and feta.
Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. For flavor enhancers think garlic powder or onion powder for a quick kick.
And spice it up with chili flakes!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need a ton of stuff for this easy spinach recipe .
- Large Skillet: For sautéing the onion and garlic.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining everything.
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish: This is the classic size.
- Cheese Grater: Unless you're buying pre-shredded mozzarella.
Honestly, this vegetarian casserole recipe is so straightforward, you can't really go wrong. It’s like Spanakopita without filo but with all the flavour.
Plus, it’s ready to bake in no time at all!. Get ready for a cozy weeknight casserole !
Whip Up the Best Creamy Spinach & Feta Casserole Ever!
Honestly, who doesn't love a good casserole? This spinach casserole with feta cheese recipe is like a warm hug on a plate.
It's my go-to for those nights when I want something comforting but don't feel like slaving away in the kitchen.
I wanted to find a spanakopita alternative that wasn’t so time consuming. This is it!
Prep Like a Pro
- Essential Mise en Place: Chop your onion, mince your garlic, and squeeze the heck out of that spinach. Seriously, get all the water out! This prevents a soggy casserole. Oh my gosh, nobody wants that!
- Time Saving Tips: Thaw the spinach earlier in the day so it’s ready to go when you are. Also, grate your mozzarella cheese ahead of time. Boom.
- Safety First: Watch your fingers when chopping those onions and garlic! Nobody wants a trip to A&E.
Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. You know, so the casserole doesn't stick.
- Sauté chopped onion in olive oil until softened, around 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more. The aroma? Divine!
- In a large bowl, mix the spinach, eggs, sour cream, milk, flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Get it all combined nicely.
- Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese. This is where the magic happens! We're going for that delicious Mediterranean casserole taste.
- Pour mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Loads of it!
- Bake for 35- 40 minutes , until golden brown and set. Check with a knife it should come out clean.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Pro Tips for Casserole Perfection
- Spice it Up : Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Adds personality, innit.
- Avoid Soggy Bottoms : Squeeze that spinach hard . I mean it! It's critical to the success of this easy spinach recipe .
- make-ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready. The next day? Dinner sorted.
This creamy spinach bake is a fantastic vegetarian casserole recipe that’s sure to become a family favourite. It has all the flavours of a spinach and feta pie filling or a Greek spinach casserole , but it’s so much easier to make.
I think it’s the perfect weeknight casserole , ready in about an hour. Give it a go, you won't regret it!
Recipe Notes for Your Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese
Honestly, this spinach casserole with feta cheese is almost foolproof. But here are some tips to make it even more amazing. It's my spanakopita alternative for busy weeknights! You know?
Serving Ideas That'll Wow 'Em
This Mediterranean casserole looks beautiful plated with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.
For drinks, try a crisp white wine. This is a taste of the Aegean. If you wanna go Greek, pair with Horiatiki.
Storage Savvy
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Cover the creamy spinach bake tightly and keep it in the fridge for up to three days.
It may also be known as a greek spinach casserole . For longer storage, freeze individual portions. Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through.
Avoid the microwave, the texture is never the same!
Remix It: Variations for Every Taste
Want a lighter vegetarian casserole recipe ? Use low-fat sour cream and skim milk. For a gluten-free version, swap the flour for a gluten-free blend.
For my Vegan friends, you can substitute the dairy products for vegan substitutes.
Thinking of ingredient swaps? Try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavour. Kale works if you don't have spinach.
It will deliver the similar level of flavour and health benefits. You can call it an easy spinach recipe . It will give you that spinach and feta pie filling without the crust.
It's not just a recipe, it's a feeling.
Nutrition Nuggets
This spinach casserole with feta cheese is a nutritional powerhouse. Each serving has about 280 calories, a whopping 18g of protein, and plenty of vitamins from the spinach.
Feta is full of calcium, great for bones. It's a delicious way to sneak in your greens! Let's get that Mediterranean hug in a dish!
So, get cooking and enjoy! Don't be scared to experiment. Most importantly, have fun with it. This is your chance to make a weeknight casserole that wows!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the spinach casserole with feta cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven, but you might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time as it will be starting cold.
Just think of it as your own personal 'Bake Off' technical challenge, but you've got a head start!
What's the best way to store leftover spinach casserole with feta cheese?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at a lower temperature (around 300°F/150°C) until warmed through.
Think of it like leftovers from Sunday roast; always good for a second showing!
I'm not a huge fan of feta. What can I substitute in my spinach casserole with feta cheese?
No worries, there are options! If you find feta a bit too strong, try using ricotta cheese instead. It'll provide a similar creamy texture but with a milder flavour. You could even use a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for a different, cheesier profile.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen for my spinach casserole with feta cheese?
You certainly can! You'll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach to equal the amount in a 10-ounce package of frozen. Make sure to wash the fresh spinach thoroughly and sauté it until it wilts down before adding it to the casserole mixture.
Remember to still squeeze out the excess water, as fresh spinach contains even more moisture than the frozen kind. It's a bit more work, but the flavour is worth it!
Is there anything I can add to the spinach and feta casserole to make it a complete meal?
Great question! To make it more substantial, consider adding some cooked chicken or sausage to the spinach mixture. You could also add some cooked rice or quinoa for extra texture and nutrients. Adding these ingredients transforms this side dish into a hearty, filling main course.
It's like turning tea and biscuits into a proper afternoon tea with sandwiches upgrade complete!
How can I make this spinach casserole with feta cheese healthier?
There are a few tweaks you can make. Use low-fat sour cream and skim milk to reduce the fat content. You could also increase the amount of spinach and reduce the amount of cheese slightly.
Adding whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose, or adding chopped veggies like mushrooms or zucchini would also boost nutritional value without sacrificing flavour. Small changes can make a big difference!
Creamy Spinach Feta Casserole A Taste Of The Aeg
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 280 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 0g |