Spinach Cheese Squares: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Spinach cheese squares are a delightful and versatile dish, perfect as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a light lunch. They combine the earthy flavor of spinach with the creamy richness of cheese, all baked to golden perfection in a flaky or savory crust. This recipe is not only incredibly tasty but also surprisingly easy to make, making it a winner for both experienced cooks and kitchen novices. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing a potluck dish, or simply looking for a healthy and satisfying snack, these spinach cheese squares are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

This article will guide you through a detailed, step-by-step recipe for creating these delectable squares. We’ll explore different crust options, cheese variations, and helpful tips to ensure your spinach cheese squares turn out perfectly every time. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant dish!

## Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can adjust the ingredients to your liking and dietary needs. Here’s a basic list to get you started:

**For the Crust (Choose One):**

* **Option 1: Puff Pastry:** 1 sheet (about 14 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
* **Option 2: Pie Crust:** 1 pre-made pie crust or homemade pie crust
* **Option 3: Savory Crust (from scratch):**
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 1/4 cup cold shortening, cut into cubes
* 5-7 tablespoons ice water

**For the Filling:**

* 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
* 1 cup ricotta cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese (optional, but adds great flavor)
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup chopped onion or shallots
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Pinch of nutmeg (optional, but enhances the spinach flavor)
* Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* 9×13 inch baking dish or square baking pan
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cheese grater
* Knife and cutting board
* Fork or whisk
* Rolling pin (if making homemade crust)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the spinach cheese squares! Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results.

### 1. Prepare the Spinach

This is a crucial step to prevent soggy squares. Thaw the frozen spinach completely. The best way to remove excess moisture is to place the thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Gather the ends of the towel and squeeze firmly to extract as much water as possible. You’ll be surprised at how much water comes out! This step ensures that your filling isn’t watery and that the crust stays crisp.

### 2. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion or shallots. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. These aromatics add a depth of flavor to the filling that complements the spinach and cheese perfectly.

### 3. Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed-dry spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Gruyere cheese (if using). Add the sautéed garlic and onion mixture to the bowl. Pour in the beaten eggs. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. The filling should be smooth and evenly distributed.

### 4. Prepare the Crust

**If using Puff Pastry:**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish.
* Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Gently roll it out to fit the size of your baking dish. Carefully transfer the puff pastry to the prepared dish, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. You can trim any excess pastry with a knife or crimp the edges for a decorative look.

**If using Pie Crust:**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish.
* If using a pre-made pie crust, simply unroll it and place it in the prepared baking dish, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess pastry. If using a homemade pie crust, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to fit the size of your dish and transfer it carefully.

**If making Savory Crust (from scratch):**

* In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
* Cut in the cold butter and shortening using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to keep the butter and shortening cold, as this will create a flaky crust.
* Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this will develop the gluten and make the crust tough.
* Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.
* After chilling, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit your baking dish. Carefully transfer it to the prepared dish, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess pastry.

### 5. Assemble and Bake

Pour the spinach cheese filling evenly into the prepared crust. Spread it out to ensure it reaches all the edges. If desired, you can sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and browning.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

### 6. Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the spinach cheese squares from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan before cutting them into squares. This will help the filling to set further and prevent them from falling apart. Serve warm or at room temperature. These squares are delicious on their own or with a side salad.

## Tips and Variations

* **Cheese Variations:** Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Feta cheese adds a salty tang, while provolone cheese offers a milder flavor. You can also add a touch of goat cheese for a creamy and slightly tangy flavor. Consider adding a sharp cheddar for a more pronounced flavor.
* **Vegetable Additions:** Add other vegetables to the filling, such as sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or chopped artichoke hearts. Sautéed zucchini or yellow squash would also be delicious additions. Remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
* **Herb Infusion:** Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor of the spinach cheese squares. Try adding chopped fresh dill, parsley, or chives to the filling. A touch of fresh basil would also be a great addition.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free pie crust or puff pastry to make this recipe gluten-free. You can also make a gluten-free savory crust using gluten-free flour blend.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicier kick.
* **Egg Wash for a Golden Crust:** Before baking, brush the crust with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water) for a glossy, golden-brown finish.
* **Preventing a Soggy Crust:** Besides squeezing the spinach dry, you can also blind bake the crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling. This will help to create a barrier and prevent the filling from soaking into the crust. To blind bake, line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10-15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and continue with the recipe.
* **Freezing Instructions:** These spinach cheese squares freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then cut them into squares. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake the squares just before serving.
* **Serving Suggestions:** Serve these spinach cheese squares as an appetizer at a party, a side dish with a main course, or as a light lunch with a side salad. They are also great for brunch or potlucks.

## Savory Crust Recipe (Detailed)

For those who prefer a homemade savory crust, here’s a detailed recipe with tips to ensure a flaky and delicious result:

**Ingredients:**

* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 1/4 cup cold shortening, cut into cubes
* 5-7 tablespoons ice water

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
2. **Cut in the Fat:** This is the most important step for creating a flaky crust. Add the cold butter and shortening to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter and shortening should be cold – this prevents them from melting into the flour and creating a tough crust. If using your fingertips, work quickly to avoid warming the fat.
3. **Add Ice Water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Use a fork to incorporate the water. Add just enough water until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to add too much water, as this will make the crust tough. The dough should be slightly shaggy but not sticky.
4. **Form and Chill:** Gently gather the dough into a ball. Flatten it into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, which will result in a more tender crust. It also helps the fat to solidify, which contributes to flakiness.
5. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle (or large enough to fit your baking dish). Rotate the dough frequently and add more flour as needed to prevent sticking. If the dough becomes too warm or sticky, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes.
6. **Transfer to the Dish:** Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to your prepared baking dish. Gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the dish. Trim any excess dough with a knife or crimp the edges for a decorative look. If you are pre-baking the crust, prick the bottom with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.

**Tips for a Perfect Savory Crust:**

* **Keep everything cold:** Use cold butter, cold shortening, and ice water. This is crucial for creating a flaky crust.
* **Don’t overmix:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough crust. Mix the dough just until it comes together.
* **Chill the dough:** Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and the fat to solidify, resulting in a more tender and flaky crust.
* **Use a pastry blender or your fingertips:** These tools help to cut the fat into the flour without warming it too much.
* **Handle the dough gently:** Avoid overworking the dough when rolling it out.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* **Calories:** Approximately 250-350 per serving (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* **Fat:** 15-25 grams
* **Protein:** 10-15 grams
* **Carbohydrates:** 20-30 grams

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

Spinach cheese squares are a fantastic addition to any meal or gathering. Their ease of preparation, combined with their delicious flavor and versatility, makes them a go-to recipe for many. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheese and vegetable combinations to create your own signature version. With a little practice, you’ll be whipping up these delightful squares in no time. Enjoy!