Feta and Spinach Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish that combines the richness of feta cheese with the freshness of spinach, all baked into a cheesy, savory casserole. The creamy texture of the spinach blends beautifully with the tangy feta, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful. Topped with breadcrumbs or a sprinkle of parmesan, this casserole offers a crispy golden finish that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
I first made this casserole when I was looking for a way to turn spinach into a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish, and it quickly became a favorite. The feta added just the right amount of saltiness, while the spinach became soft and tender in the casserole, absorbing all the flavors. Each bite was rich, creamy, and full of comforting flavors, with just the right touch of crispness from the topping.
What’s great about Feta and Spinach Casserole is how easy it is to prepare and how versatile it can be. You can add extra vegetables like mushrooms or peppers, or even mix in some cooked chicken for a heartier meal. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a side dish, or even as a brunch option. This casserole will definitely become a staple in your recipe collection!
Perfect for:
- Weeknight dinners
- Family gatherings
- Holiday meals
- Vegetarians and cheese lovers
- Meal prepping
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Feta and Spinach Casserole will become a family favorite:
- Delicious Flavor Combo: The tangy feta pairs perfectly with the mild, earthy spinach.
- Comforting and Hearty: This casserole is filling, making it perfect for a cozy meal.
- Rich and Creamy: The feta cheese melts into a creamy, savory sauce that coats the spinach beautifully.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to prepare and doesn’t take much time to bake.
- Perfectly Balanced: A great combination of protein, vitamins, and flavors for a complete meal.
- Great for Leftovers: It reheats wonderfully, making it ideal for meal prep or as leftovers.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This casserole is meat-free, yet still hearty enough to satisfy.
- Customizable Ingredients: You can add extra veggies or swap the feta for other cheeses like ricotta or mozzarella.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze one for later use.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors make it a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 14g, Carbs: 12g, Fat: 18g
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra crumbled feta
Ingredient Highlights
- Fresh Spinach: Packed with vitamins and minerals, spinach adds a vibrant and nutritious touch to the casserole.
- Feta Cheese: Offers a tangy and creamy element that blends wonderfully with spinach.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the casserole, making it comforting and indulgent.
- Mozzarella: Provides meltiness and stretchiness, enhancing the casserole’s texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Spinach:
- Cook the Spinach: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Drain Excess Liquid: Press the spinach mixture into a fine mesh sieve to remove excess moisture, ensuring the casserole doesn’t become too watery.
Prepare the Casserole:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or non-stick spray.
- Mix Eggs and Cream: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Combine Spinach and Cheese: Add the cooked spinach mixture and crumbled feta cheese to the egg mixture. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is golden and set in the center.
Serve:
- Garnish and Slice: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional crumbled feta, if desired. Serve warm.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Feta and Spinach Casserole:
- With a Side Salad: Serve with a light green salad for a balanced meal.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted carrots or zucchini for added color and flavor.
- As a Side Dish: Perfect alongside grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal.
- For Breakfast: Serve with a side of fresh fruit and toast for a delicious breakfast option.
- With Garlic Bread: Pair with crusty garlic bread to scoop up any leftover creamy sauce.
- As a Make-Ahead Meal: Prepare the casserole ahead of time and reheat it for an easy dinner.
- With Yogurt Sauce: Serve with a cooling yogurt or tzatziki sauce for added freshness.
- With Quinoa or Rice: Serve over quinoa or rice for a complete meal.
- As a Light Lunch: Great as a light, vegetarian lunch with some fresh veggies on the side.
- For Brunch: Serve alongside other breakfast foods like scrambled eggs or beef bacon.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Spinach: While frozen spinach works well, fresh spinach gives a more vibrant flavor and texture to the casserole. Just make sure to sauté it until it wilts before adding to the dish.
- Mix Cheeses: In addition to feta, try adding a bit of ricotta or mozzarella for a creamy texture and extra cheesy goodness.
- Add Garlic: Sauté garlic with the spinach to infuse a rich, savory flavor into the casserole.
- Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: For a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat breadcrumbs or gluten-free alternatives to top the casserole.
- Season Well: Make sure to season the spinach mixture with a pinch of nutmeg, pepper, and a little salt to balance the flavors.
- Add a Protein: To make the dish more filling, add cooked chicken, turkey, or even crumbled sausage for a hearty option.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge. Simply bake it the next day for a quick meal.
- Try Adding Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of umami and a pop of color to the casserole.
- Use a Casserole Dish with a Tight-Fitting Lid: This will help keep the moisture in, making the casserole tender and preventing it from drying out while baking.
- Top with Pine Nuts or Walnuts: Add a bit of crunch by sprinkling some toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts on top before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan Option: Use a plant-based cheese and substitute the cream with coconut cream or non-dairy milk.
- Herb Infused: Add fresh or dried herbs like basil or thyme to enhance the flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Add Protein: Include cooked chicken, turkey, or chickpeas to make it more filling.
- Cheesy Variation: Use more different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a richer casserole.
Special Equipment
- Baking Dish: A 9×9-inch dish works perfectly for this recipe.
- Large Pan: To cook the spinach and onions.
- Whisk: To blend the eggs and cream smoothly.
- Fine Mesh Sieve: To drain any excess liquid from the spinach.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works well. Be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water. - Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve. - Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months and reheat when ready to serve. - What can I substitute for feta cheese?
Goat cheese or ricotta cheese can be used as alternatives. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. - Can I add meat to this casserole?
Yes, adding cooked chicken or turkey works wonderfully in this casserole. - Can I make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check that your ingredients are certified gluten-free. - How can I make this spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper to the spinach mixture for some heat. - Can I skip the cheese on top?
Yes, but the cheese adds a lovely golden crust and extra flavor. - Can I serve this cold?
While best served warm, this casserole can also be enjoyed cold, especially as a leftover.
Conclusion
Feta and Spinach Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the creamy richness of feta with the earthiness of spinach, all baked together in a delicious, cheesy casserole. The creamy feta melts into the dish, creating a luscious texture that pairs perfectly with the vibrant, slightly bitter spinach. It’s seasoned with garlic, herbs, and a touch of nutmeg to enhance the flavors, making it a satisfying meal for any time of day.
What makes this casserole so special is its balance of flavors—rich and creamy yet light with the spinach. You can add extras like sautéed onions, mushrooms, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor. It’s an ideal side dish, but hearty enough to stand alone as a main, and it pairs wonderfully with a variety of proteins or as a vegetarian meal.
I can’t wait to see how your Feta and Spinach Casserole turns out! Snap a photo and share it on Instagram, tagging me so I can admire your comforting creation. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made it your own—I’d love to hear how you personalized it!