Mediterranean Spinach and Cheese Squares
These Mediterranean Spinach and Cheese Squares are a simple yet flavorful dish that works well as an appetizer, light lunch, or side. With a mix of fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, tangy feta, and nutty Parmesan, they deliver a perfect balance of richness and freshness. The eggs and flour bind everything together into golden squares that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: 45–50 minutes
Ingredients
Spinach: 1–2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
Cheeses:
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Eggs: 3 large eggs
Flour: ½ cup all-purpose flour
Seasonings:
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Oil: 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Cook spinach: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until light. Add ricotta cheese, crumbled feta, and Parmesan. Mix until well combined.
Add dry ingredients: Stir in the flour, nutmeg, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Incorporate spinach: Fold in the cooled spinach until evenly distributed.
Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown on top and set in the middle.
Cool & cut: Let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing into squares.
Tips
Drain spinach well: If your spinach releases excess water, squeeze it out after cooking. Too much liquid can make the squares soggy.
Don’t overbake: Check at the 30-minute mark. Overbaking can dry them out and make the cheese tough.
Cut neatly: Let the bake cool slightly before cutting into squares so they hold their shape.
Make-ahead friendly: You can bake these a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat gently in the oven.
Variations
Herb boost: Add chopped fresh parsley, dill, or basil for extra freshness.
Spicy kick: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chili for heat.
Protein twist: Stir in some diced cooked chicken or turkey for a heartier version.
Different cheeses: Try goat cheese instead of feta, or mozzarella instead of ricotta, for a new flavor profile.
Gluten-free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A: Yes, just thaw it completely and squeeze out as much water as possible before mixing it in.
Q: Do these squares freeze well?
A: Yes, once baked and cooled, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Q: Can I make this without ricotta?
A: You can replace ricotta with cottage cheese or cream cheese, though the texture will be slightly different.
Q: How do I know when it’s done baking?
A: The top should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Nutrition
(per square, based on 9 servings)
Calories: ~160
Protein: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Fat: 11 g
Fiber: 1 g
Calcium: 18% DV
(Values are approximate and depend on exact ingredients used.)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Spinach and Cheese Squares are a versatile dish you can enjoy for breakfast, as a light lunch, or cut into smaller bites for a party appetizer. They’re rich in flavor, loaded with protein, and easy to prepare ahead of time. With their golden top and cheesy, spinach-filled center, these squares are a crowd-pleaser that brings a Mediterranean touch to the table.