Best 2 Parmesan Spinach Bake Recipes

Indulge in a culinary masterpiece that seamlessly blends the delicate flavors of spinach, the nutty richness of Parmesan cheese, and the satisfying texture of pasta. This Parmesan Spinach Bake is a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Dive into a creamy spinach filling embraced by tender pasta sheets, all enveloped in a golden Parmesan crust. As you take your first bite, the spinach filling bursts with freshness, complemented by the sharp, salty notes of Parmesan cheese. The pasta sheets provide a soft, chewy contrast, while the crispy Parmesan crust adds a satisfying crunch. This delightful dish is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal. Accompany it with a crisp green salad and a glass of your favorite white wine for an unforgettable dining experience.

In addition to the main recipe, this comprehensive article offers a versatile collection of variations to cater to different preferences and dietary restrictions. For those seeking a vegetarian alternative, the recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating a meatless version. Health-conscious individuals can rejoice in a lighter variation that incorporates whole-wheat pasta and reduced-fat cheese, resulting in a guilt-free indulgence. Furthermore, this article caters to busy individuals by presenting a make-ahead option, allowing you to prepare the dish in advance and effortlessly reheat it when ready to serve.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

KITTENCAL'S SPINACH PARMESAN RICE BAKE

Kittencal's Spinach Parmesan Rice Bake image

This is a wonderful easy side dish to chicken or meat and any leftovers freeze wonderful, it may also be baked in a 10-inch deep-dish pie plate and cut into wedges, this may be doubled but I would still only use one package or spinach or maybe 1-1/2 packages adding in too much spinach will overpower all other ingredients, prep time does not include cooking the rice --- FOR FREEZING prepare recipe as directed but do not bake, wrap pan in plastic wrap then tightly in foil and freeze, to serve thaw over night in refrigerator, remove wrapping bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until hot.

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories Vegetable

Time 40m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach (cooked according to package directions then hand squeezed dry to remove excess moisture)
2 cups cooked white rice (use cold rice for this) or 2 cups brown rice (use cold rice for this)
1/3 cup melted butter
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (can use feta but reduce to only 1/4-1/3 cup crumbled) or 2 cups swiss cheese (can use feta but reduce to only 1/4-1/3 cup crumbled)
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (or to taste)
1/3 cup chopped onions or 2 large green onions, chopped
1 -2 garlic clove, minced (or 1/2-1 teaspoon garlic powder)
3 large eggs, beaten
3/4 cup milk or 3/4 cup half-and-half cream
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste (optional)
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)
seasoning salt (to taste or can use white salt)
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, for topping
grated mozzarella cheese (add on the last 5 minutes of baking) (optional)

Steps:

Set oven to 350°F.
Generously grease a 11 x 7-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients with a wooden spoon, mixing very well to combine.
Season with salt, pepper and cayenne to taste.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake uncovered or covered for 25 minutes or until set (over baking will cause a heavier denser texture if you prefer a lighter texture then bake just until set).
Top with mozzarella cheese the last 5 minutes of baking (if using).
Note: for a more fluffier texture casserole, 4 eggs may be used.

CREAMY PARMESAN SPINACH BAKE

Creamy Parmesan Spinach Bake image

My creamy, comforting side dish wonderfully rounds out any holiday dinner. Just a little of this rich casserole goes a long way. -Jennifer Bley, Austin, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Side Dishes

Time 55m

Yield 12 servings (1/2 cup each).

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

3 packages (9 ounces each) fresh baby spinach
1 small red onion, chopped
1 tablespoon butter
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup half-and-half cream
1/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cans (14 ounces each) water-packed artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained and chopped
1 tablespoon snipped fresh dill
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
8 butter-flavored crackers, coarsely crushed

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. Place half of the spinach in a steamer basket; place in a large saucepan over 1 in. of water. Bring to a boil; cover and steam for 3-4 minutes or just until wilted. Transfer to a large bowl. Repeat with remaining spinach; set aside., In a large saucepan, saute onion in butter until tender. Reduce heat to low; stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, half-and-half, 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, garlic and pepper. Cook and stir until cream cheese is melted. Stir in the artichokes, dill, seasoned salt and spinach. , Transfer to an ungreased 2-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with cracker crumbs and remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes or until edges are bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 196 calories, Fat 14g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 45mg cholesterol, Sodium 394mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

Tips:

To save time, use frozen chopped spinach. Thaw it and squeeze out excess water before using.
If you don't have heavy cream, you can use milk instead. However, the sauce will be thinner.
Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Top the casserole with extra Parmesan cheese before baking for a golden crust.
Serve this casserole with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion:

Parmesan Spinach Bake is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. It is also a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. With its creamy sauce, tender spinach, and cheesy topping, this casserole is sure to be a hit with the whole family.