If you have ever wanted a cozy, flavor-packed dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. Combining vibrant spinach with the tangy creaminess of feta cheese, this casserole is not only comforting but also incredibly satisfying with its perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or a holiday gathering, it’s a brilliantly easy way to elevate your greens and impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese Recipe plays an important role in creating the dish’s rich flavor, creamy texture, and beautiful golden top. These simple essentials come together to deliver a hearty, luscious casserole that’s as colorful as it is tasty.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps soften the onions perfectly.
- Small onion (finely chopped): Brings mild sweetness and a tender base to the casserole.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses aromatic depth that sings in every bite.
- Fresh spinach or frozen chopped spinach: The star green vegetable that makes this dish hearty and nutrient-loaded.
- Large eggs: Provide the binding structure, helping the casserole set just right.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture for a velvety texture.
- Sour cream: Lends tang and richness, enhancing the casserole’s luscious mouthfeel.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, savory undertone that complements the feta beautifully.
- Crumbled feta cheese: The hero cheese that contributes a distinctive briny tang and creaminess.
- Salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg: Essential spices that bring warmth and balance to the dish.
- Breadcrumbs (optional topping): For a delightful, crunchy golden crust that adds a textural contrast.
How to Make Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, releasing its natural sweetness—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Then, toss in minced garlic and sauté just long enough for its fragrance to bloom, around 30 seconds. This base creates a flavor foundation that makes every bite irresistible.
Step 2: Cook the Spinach
Next, add your spinach to the skillet. If you’re using fresh spinach, cook it until it wilts down and loses most of its moisture. For frozen spinach, simply heat it through after thawing and draining thoroughly to avoid excess water in your casserole. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely in the next step.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Cheese
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Stir in grated Parmesan alongside salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg—this blend of seasoning will gently elevate every component. Fold in the cooled spinach mixture and crumbled feta cheese, ensuring everything is evenly combined for a luscious filling.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish lightly, then pour your spinach and cheese mixture into it, spreading it evenly. If you love a crispy topping, sprinkle half a cup of breadcrumbs evenly over the surface. Pop your dish into the oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is nicely set and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let your casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This pause allows it to firm up a little more and makes it easier to slice and serve without losing any of that creamy goodness. Plus, it gives you a moment to admire the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!
How to Serve Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few crumbles of extra feta cheese can add a burst of color and fresh flavor that complements the dish beautifully. For a bit of zest, a light drizzle of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can awaken the casserole’s natural brightness even more.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as a crisp garden salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted cherry tomatoes for a touch of sweetness. A crusty baguette or warm pita bread also works perfectly, helping to soak up all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, cut the casserole into neat squares and arrange them on a platter garnished with fresh herbs. Alternatively, serve individual portions in ramekins for a charming, personalized touch at your next dinner party—everyone will feel special digging into their own baked treasure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with some leftovers, no worries! Let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for an easy, delicious meal the next day or packed lunch addition.
Freezing
You can freeze this spinach casserole to enjoy at a later time. To do so, prepare and bake the casserole as directed, allow it to cool fully, then wrap it securely in foil or airtight containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through to preserve texture and flavor. If you’re in a hurry, microwave portions on medium power in short bursts, stirring or flipping halfway to heat evenly without drying out the casserole.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh for this casserole?
Absolutely! Frozen spinach works wonderfully as long as you thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming watery, while still delivering that vibrant spinach flavor.
Is there a substitute for feta cheese in this recipe?
If you’re not a fan of feta or can’t find it, try using goat cheese or ricotta as alternatives. They both bring creaminess and tang, though the distinctive salty kick of feta is truly unique.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the milk, sour cream, and cheeses with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk, dairy-free sour cream, and vegan feta-style cheese to keep it wholesome and delicious.
How do I get a crispy top without breadcrumbs?
If breadcrumbs aren’t your thing, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan or even crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans over the top before baking for an equally tasty crunch.
Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese Recipe reheats well and can be portioned out for multiple meals, saving you time and keeping your weeknights simple and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese Recipe is a simple yet impressive dish that brings warmth and wholesome flavor to your table. It’s one of those recipes you keep coming back to because it feels like a little celebration in every forkful. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food that’s as nourishing as it is delicious!
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Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spinach Casserole with Feta Cheese is a creamy, savory Mediterranean-inspired baked dish perfect as a nutritious main course. Featuring tender sautéed spinach combined with tangy feta, Parmesan, and a rich custard base of eggs and sour cream, it delivers comforting flavors with a golden breadcrumb topping for a satisfying texture. Ideal for family dinners or meal prepping, it’s easy to prepare and packed with protein and greens.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound fresh spinach, washed, trimmed, and chopped (or 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained)
Dairy and Eggs
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Seasonings and Toppings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Cook Spinach: Stir in the fresh chopped spinach and cook until wilted, or if using frozen spinach, cook until heated through. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly to avoid scrambling eggs later.
- Mix Custard Base: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, sour cream, grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg until smooth and combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooked spinach mixture and crumbled feta cheese into the custard base, ensuring even distribution.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the blended mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Optionally, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top to add a crunchy texture.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown, indicating it’s cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This allows it to firm up for easier serving.
Notes
- For a dairy-free variation, substitute milk, sour cream, and cheeses with plant-based alternatives like almond milk or cashew sour cream and vegan cheeses.
- Add extra vegetables such as chopped cooked mushrooms or diced red bell peppers to boost flavor and texture.
- Use fresh spinach for best texture, but frozen spinach works well if thawed and thoroughly drained.
- Breadcrumbs are optional but recommended for a delightful crunchy topping.
