Sunday Spinach and Ricotta Bake

Name: Sunday Spinach and Ricotta Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 10 oz fresh spinach, washed and chopped; 15 oz ricotta cheese; 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese; 2 eggs; ½ teaspoon nutmeg; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup bread crumbs

Highlighted under: Everyday Baking Favorites

I absolutely love making this Sunday Spinach and Ricotta Bake on leisurely mornings when family visits. The creamy ricotta pairs beautifully with the fresh spinach and a hint of nutmeg, creating a comforting dish that feels special yet is incredibly simple to prepare. It’s perfect for brunch, followed by a lazy afternoon. My favorite part is how customizable it is; sometimes I throw in some sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for an extra burst of flavor. Everyone always leaves the table happy, and that makes the extra effort worth it!

Created by

Chloe Baker

Last updated on 2026-01-13T07:13:36.442Z

When I first tried making this spinach and ricotta bake, I was amazed at how a few simple ingredients could create such a hearty dish. The blend of flavors is rich yet fresh, and I always enjoy incorporating seasonal spinach for the best taste. I often prepare it a day ahead and just pop it in the oven on Sunday morning, which makes hosting so much easier.

One tip I learned through experimentation is to let the bake rest for a few minutes before serving. This small step allows the filling to set and makes slicing much neater. Plus, the flavors continue to meld together beautifully while it cools slightly!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy ricotta complements the earthy spinach perfectly
Easy to prepare, making it great for family gatherings
A versatile dish that can be customized to your liking

Mastering the Bake Texture

Achieving the perfect texture in your Sunday Spinach and Ricotta Bake hinges on how you incorporate the ingredients. When mixing the ricotta and mozzarella, ensure they are blended until smooth, which will create a creamy base. Avoid over-mixing the spinach into the ricotta mixture; instead, fold it in gently to maintain some texture. This way, when baked, you’ll have creamy pockets of cheese paired with bites of tender spinach, creating a delightful mouthfeel.

If you prefer a crustier top, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Panko will absorb less moisture, resulting in a lighter, crunchier crust. Additionally, for an added flavor twist, you can toss some grated Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs for an extra layer of richness. A sprinkle of paprika can also elevate the complexity of flavors on the crust.

Customizing Your Dish

One of the best aspects of this bake is its versatility. Feel free to swap fresh spinach for frozen; just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent a soggy bake. If you're looking to add a protein boost, crumbled sausage or cooked chicken can be excellent additions. Just sauté these proteins before mixing them into the ricotta blend to ensure they’re fully cooked and infused with flavor.

For those who want to cater to different taste preferences, consider portioning the mixture into individual ramekins before baking. This allows you to customize each one with different ingredients — sun-dried tomatoes in some, sautéed mushrooms in others, or even different cheeses. Baking time may vary if you opt for smaller portions, so check for doneness at around 20 minutes for ramekins.

Ingredients

For the Bake

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
10 oz fresh spinach, washed and chopped
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
2 eggs
½ teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup bread crumbs

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.

Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.

Add the Spinach

Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the ricotta, mozzarella, eggs, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Fold in the cooled spinach mixture.

Bake the Dish

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle bread crumbs on top. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden and set.

Cool and Serve

Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm!

Pro Tips

Feel free to substitute spinach with kale or add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Spinach and Ricotta Bake makes a delightful centerpiece for brunch, especially when paired with a light salad and crusty bread. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette would balance the dish well, offering a bright and refreshing contrast to the creaminess of the bake. You can also serve it as a side alongside grilled meats or as part of a breakfast spread with eggs.

For a more indulgent experience, serve this bake with a dollop of crème fraîche or a light whisked crème, which pairs beautifully with the flavors. If you're feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of chili flakes can add a subtle heat that livens up the dish beautifully.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to let the bake cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. If you're looking to extend its shelf life even further, consider freezing portions. Wrap them tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags. They can be kept frozen for up to three months.

To reheat, simply place the thawed portions in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Cover the dish with foil for the first part to keep it from drying out, then uncover for the last 5-10 minutes to crisp the top. This rewarming method preserves the texture and prevents the bake from becoming rubbery.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it the day before and reheat it when you're ready to serve.

→ Is there any alternative to ricotta cheese?

You can use cottage cheese or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cheese.

→ What can I serve with this bake?

It pairs well with a fresh salad or some crusty bread.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Just ensure it's cooled completely before transferring to an airtight container.