Cheesy and Delicious, this Spinach Square recipe is a great way to get your kids to eat spinach! Our kid friendly take on the traditional Greek spinach pie (Spanakopita) is incredibly tasty and relatively simple to make. Instead of using phyllo dough, we make the filling of these Spinach Squares a bit more hearty than the traditional version and use mozzarella cheese to create a cheesy and crusty top.
It’s always a challenge to have our kids eat more green veggies, especially spinach. These Cheesy Spinach Squares is a meal that our girls constantly ask for! It’s the perfect appetizer or a light brunch with a side salad. You can keep this recipe vegetarian as it is, or easily add a protein such as cooked ground beef or sausage.
Why This Recipe Works?
- Super easy to make.
- Comes together easily.
- Kid friendly.
- Readily available ingredients.
- A great way to have your kids eat spinach.
- Perfect as an appetizer or light brunch with a side salad.
- Make ahead meal.
- Freezer friendly.
- Easily adaptable to adding the protein of your choice.
- The Best Cheesy Spinach Squares ever!
Main Ingredients
This recipe uses super easy ingredients that can be purchased from a local grocery store if they are not already in your kitchen. Read the Recipe Card for the measurements.
- Spinach – Using frozen spinach is the best way to go, as its more convenient and faster. Make sure to thaw the spinach completely, and then squeeze out all the excess water prior to getting started. You can substitute with fresh spinach, but you would need to cook the spinach and then let it cool completely before using.
- Cheeses – Our kid friendly version uses mozzarella and parmesan cheese. The mozzarella melts easily and creates that familiar texture from pizza and baked ziti that kids love. The parmesan cheese adds a nutty flavor along with a crusty topping.
- Onion/Garlic/Spices – Cooking the spinach with fresh onion and garlic and incorporating the rustic spices gives the spinach filling a warm, comforting flavor. You can adjust the heat level from the cayenne pepper to your liking.
- Flour – We use all purpose flour. You can substitute whole wheat to make it a little healthier.
- Baking Powder – Helps make the spinach squares rise and become a bit softer and lighter. Make sure to use an aluminum free baking powder.
- Eggs/Milk/Butter – These baking staples contribute to helping the filling stick together and maintain a moist, creamy texture.
How To Make The Best Cheesy Spinach Squares
Step 1: Prep It
- Set the oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 375 degrees F. Lightly spray a 7×10 (about 2.5 quart) baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Prep the veggies: Thaw, then squeeze all of the liquid from the frozen spinach, chop the onion, dice the bell peppers and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Sauté It
- In a large frying pan over medium heat add olive oil and onions. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add in the garlic and continue cooking for 1 additional minute.
- Add the spinach, sweet bell peppers, cumin, coriander and cayenne pepper to the pan and heat through. Remove pan from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Mix It
- In a large bowl, add flour, salt and baking powder; whisk to combine. Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture.
- Add the eggs into the well and beat to break up the yolks. Add the milk and butter. With a spatula stir to incorporate, eliminating any clumps of flour.
- To the same bowl, add the reserved spinach mixture and mozzarella cheese – reserving ½ cup of cheese for later use. Mix to incorporate.
Step 5: Transfer It
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake It
- Bake uncovered, in the preheated 375 degrees F oven for 35 – 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once cool enough to handle, cut and serve immediately.
For a great brunch, combine this with our kale crunch salad.
The Best Cheesy Spinach Squares
Yield:
6 Servings
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
45 minutes
Total Time:
55 minutes
Cheesy and Delicious, these Spinach Squares are a great way to get your kids to eat spinach! Our kid friendly take on the traditional greek spinach pie.
Ingredients
- 2-10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk, (can sub low fat)
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 2 1/4 cups)
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Set the oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 375 degrees F. Lightly spray a 7x10 (about 2.5 quart) baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Prep the veggies: Thaw, then squeeze all of the liquid from the frozen spinach, chop the onion, dice the bell peppers and mince the garlic.
- In a large frying pan over medium heat add the olive oil and onions. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add in the garlic and continue cooking for 1 additional minute. Add the spinach, sweet bell peppers, cumin, coriander and cayenne pepper to the pan and heat through. Remove pan from heat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, add flour, salt and baking powder; whisk to combine. Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture. Add the eggs into the well and beat to break up the yolks. Add the milk and butter. With a spatula stir to incorporate, eliminating any clumps of flour.
- To the same bowl, add the reserved spinach mixture and mozzarella cheese - reserving ½ cup of cheese for later use. Mix to incorporate.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered, in the preheated 375 degrees F oven for 35 - 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once cool enough to handle, cut and serve immediately.