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Spinach Ricotta Bake

This spinach ricotta bake combines tender, wilted spinach with creamy ricotta cheese, baked until bubbling and golden on top. The dish is assembled quickly and baked to a soft, cheesy finish with a slight crispy crust, offering a comforting, versatile meal perfect for busy weeknights. Its rich aroma and smooth texture make it feel both hearty and elegant.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced finely
  • 1 tbsp olive oil good quality
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese preferably full-fat
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • ½ cup grated cheese mozzarella or Parmesan
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg freshly grated
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for drizzling on top

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • 20cm (8-inch) baking dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease an 8-inch baking dish with a little olive oil and set aside.
  2. Wash the spinach thoroughly. If using fresh, roughly chop it; if frozen, thaw completely and squeeze out excess moisture. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then toss in the spinach. Cook until wilted and any excess moisture has evaporated, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, grated nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Fold in the cooled spinach mixture until everything is evenly incorporated.
  5. Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the top for a cheesy crust.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling with a slight crust forming around the edges. The aroma of melted cheese and cooked spinach will fill your kitchen.
  7. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the top for extra flavor and shine.
  8. Slice into squares and serve warm, perhaps with a side salad or crusty bread. The inside should be creamy and tender, with a crisp, golden top.

Notes

Feel free to add a splash of lemon zest or swap out the cheese for feta or goat cheese to customize the flavor. Resting the bake helps it set for cleaner slices.