Golden Cheesy Spinach Bake

Embark on a delightful culinary journey with our Golden Cheesy Spinach Bake. This dish is a harmonious blend of tender spinach, creamy cheese, and a golden, crispy topping. It's a comforting, flavorful side dish that will steal the show at any dinner table, especially during festive gatherings.

Preparation and Cooking Times

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings and Size

Servings: Serves 6-8 people
Serving Size: 1 portion

Ingredients

Fresh spinach, chopped (1 kg or 2.2 lbs)
Cream cheese (1 cup or 227g)
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup or 113g)
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup or 113g)
Large eggs, beaten (2)
Garlic, minced (3 cloves or 9g)
Salt (1 teaspoon or 5g)
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon or 1g)
Grated Parmesan cheese for topping (1/2 cup or 55g)
Optional: Bread crumbs for topping (1/2 cup or 60g)

Detailed Method of Preparation

Preheat Oven and Prep Spinach:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and squeeze out excess water.

Mix Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, eggs, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Stir in the spinach.

Assemble and Top:

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs if using.

Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serve:

Let it cool slightly before serving.

Tips for Culinary Success

Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina.
Spinach Substitute: Frozen spinach can be used, just thaw and drain well.
Crispy Topping: For extra crunch, mix the bread crumbs with a bit of melted butter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
How to store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I add other vegetables? Yes, try adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for variation.