Spinach Ricotta Brunch Bake Recipe

If you’re searching for a comforting, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Spinach Ricotta Brunch Bake Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful casserole brings together creamy ricotta, vibrant fresh spinach, and a melty blend of cheeses baked to golden perfection. It’s a perfect way to brighten up any brunch table with a combination of textures and tastes that feel both special and effortlessly homemade.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this dish lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a key role — from the tender spinach adding freshness to the cheeses creating richness and the eggs binding it all into a satisfying bake. Having these essential staples on hand will make crafting this dish straightforward and rewarding.

• Olive oil: Provides a subtle fruity base flavor and helps sauté the vegetables beautifully.
• Small onion, diced: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth when softened.
• Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses an irresistible aromatic punch that elevates the entire bake.
• Fresh spinach, chopped: Brings vivid color and a mild, nutritious earthiness.
• Ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy, velvety texture that melts harmoniously with the other cheeses.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers gooey, mild cheesiness that pulls the bake together.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a salty, nutty richness that enhances the flavor profile.
• Large eggs: Act as the perfect binder, giving the bake structure and fluffiness.
• Milk: Adds moisture for a tender, custardy finish.
• Dried oregano: Introduces a warm, herbaceous note that complements the spinach beautifully.
• Salt and black pepper: Season perfectly for balanced flavor.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Bring a subtle kick for those who love a touch of heat.
• Breadcrumbs (optional): Sprinkle on top for a delightful crispy texture contrast.
• Fresh parsley or basil (optional): Garnish to add a fresh pop of color and flavor.

How to Make Spinach Ricotta Brunch Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s hot and ready to create a delicious golden crust. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with olive oil or a nonstick spray to prevent sticking and help the bake brown evenly.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add your diced onions and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften to a tender, translucent state. Toss in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. This step creates a flavorful base that will elevate the entire bake.

Step 3: Wilt the Spinach

Add the chopped spinach to your skillet. Stir occasionally as it cooks for 2-3 minutes until fully wilted but still vibrant green. Then, remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly — this prevents scrambling your eggs in the next step.

Step 4: Combine Cheeses and Eggs

In a large bowl, whisk together ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, milk, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. This mixture comes together smoothly, setting the stage for creamy, flavorful layers.

Step 5: Mix Spinach with the Cheese-Egg Mixture

Gently fold the cooled spinach and onion mixture into the bowl. Stir carefully just to combine evenly — you want every slice of this brunch bake to have the perfect balance of greens and cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Assemble and Add Topping

Pour your combined batter into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. If you love a little crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for an extra texture contrast that bakes to a golden crisp.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Set

Slide the dish into your hot oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye out for a beautifully golden top and a firm center. You can test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the middle; it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Garnish

Once out of the oven, allow your brunch bake to rest for several minutes to set up. This makes slicing easier and lets the flavors meld. Finish with a fresh sprinkle of parsley or basil if you like a vibrant, herbal note.

Step 9: Serve Warm and Enjoy

This dish is best served warm to showcase its creamy layers and melty cheeses. It’s ready to become the star of any brunch spread or a comforting breakfast treat any day of the week.

How to Serve Spinach Ricotta Brunch Bake Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or basil are the perfect finishing touch for a colorful burst of freshness. If you want some added zing, a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper brings a lovely layered flavor that lifts the whole dish.

Side Dishes

This bake pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh side salads featuring citrus or vinaigrette dressings to contrast its richness. Crusty bread or toasted English muffins are also excellent for mopping up every last bit of cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. Or layer in a clear glass dish so your guests can admire the beautiful layers of cheese and spinach, making it as inviting visually as it is delicious to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making for even more delightful bites the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Simply let it cool completely, then wrap tightly or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat portions gently in the microwave or oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through. Covering with foil helps prevent drying out, ensuring the bake remains creamy and moist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and thoroughly squeeze out any excess water from the frozen spinach before adding it to the skillet, so your bake stays nice and creamy without becoming watery.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

You can try swapping dairy cheeses for plant-based alternatives and using a flaxseed mixture as an egg substitute. However, the texture and flavor will be different, so it might need some experimentation to get just right.

Can I add other vegetables to this brunch bake?

Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes can add exciting flavor and texture variations. Just sauté them along with the onions for best results.

What’s the best way to get a crispy topping without breadcrumbs?

If you prefer to skip breadcrumbs, try sprinkling a small handful of crushed nuts or seeds, like pine nuts or sunflower seeds, for crunch and extra nutrition. A little extra Parmesan on top can also crisp up nicely.

How do I know when the bake is fully cooked?

A fully cooked bake will be golden brown on top and slightly pulled away from the sides of the dish. When you insert a toothpick or knife into the center, it should come out clean without any wet batter clinging to it.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably comforting about diving into a warm slice of the Spinach Ricotta Brunch Bake Recipe. It’s a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious, perfect for leisurely weekend mornings or a simple way to impress brunch guests. Give it a try and discover how easy it is to create a dish that feels both homemade and special every time.

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