Cheesy Spinach Bake

Day 11 of the 30 Day Tasty Vegetable Challenge

Today's recipe comes from Liz Weiss and Janice Newell Bissex, otherwise known as the Meal Makeover Moms. Liz and Janice are both registered dietitians and moms on a mission to help busy families eat better. Before I started Dinner Together, I had purchased (and used!) a copy of their first cookbook, The Moms' Guide to Meal Makeovers, and through Dinner Together, I've had the great fortune to get to know them. I'm really looking forward to checking out their new cookbook, No Whine With Dinner. Learn more about them and their cookbooks and browse more of their recipes at their website. By the way, I highly recommend their recipe for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins; they were such a hit in my house that I made them twice in one week. Liz and Janice were generous to share a recipe with us for this Challenge from their new cookbook. Thank you Meal Makeover Moms!

Cheesy Spinach Bake

Frozen spinach rocks: It’s inexpensive, nutritious, and a convenience ingredient you can feel good about. On its own, it’s far from appetizing—and one could argue that from a child’s perspective, it’s kind of gross. But combined with Italian bread crumbs, Cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan, this simple side dish takes on a flavor and texture that appeal to kids. With 30 percent bone-building calcium in each serving and a boatload of vitamin A, we hope you’ll add these gooey, cheesy spinach bites to your lineup of favorite family sides.

▪                One 10-ounce box frozen chopped spinach, thawed

▪                2 large eggs

▪                ½ cup 1% low-fat milk

▪                1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or melted butter

▪                ½ cup Italian style seasoned bread crumbs

▪                ½ teaspoon baking powder

▪                1 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese (4 ounces)

▪                ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

▪                Kosher salt

1.  Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly oil or coat an 8 x 8-inch baking pan or dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

2.  Drain the spinach very well by pressing in a colander with the back of a large spoon and using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Set aside.

3.  In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and olive oil until combined. Whisk in the bread crumbs and baking powder. Stir in the spinach, Cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.

4.  Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan. Bake until the mixture is set and the top is golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes.  Slice into 2 x 4-inch rectangles and serve. Sprinkle the tops with a few pinches of salt to taste.


Serves 8.

Nutrition Information per Serving (1 slice): 120 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated), 340mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate, 1g fiber, 9g protein, 90% vitamin A, 20% calcium