Spinach Squares Recipe (Easy and Cheesy)

Spinach squares, as a name, don’t give you a lot to go on, except for the main ingredient and shape, so let me fill you in. Spinach squares are dense, cheesy squares that are so delicious, we would fight over them as kids. Simply mix spinach, cheese, and some seasonings together and magic is created. Hot or cold there is just something about this side dish that I can’t get enough of. This recipe is great for parties or just for an easy weeknight side dish.

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These spinach squares have had my heart since I was a little girl. My grandma would make them for all holidays and whenever she had to bring a dish to a gathering. The crispy cheese made eating spinach easier to convince us kids to eat. That and the lies that Popeye perpetuated about spinach vis-à-vis muscle growth. 

My grandma’s original recipe had extra things in it like flour to bind and butter for flavor. As I’ve made this recipe my own, I’ve found that the other ingredients are really necessary. The fat in the cheese crisps the spinach up enough without making it excessively greasy. And the flour just isn’t necessary to keep it together; that’s where the egg comes in.

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Ingredient List

Spinach: use frozen spinach that you have thawed. Be careful thawing in the fridge because the spinach bags that I’ve purchased all seem to leak green juice everywhere and it isn’t fun to clean. 

To drain the water: Place thawed spinach in the center of a kitchen towel or paper towels. Make sure it isn’t microfiber or anything that will leave fiber in the spinach, for obvious reasons.

Fold the towel over the spinach like a letter, one half going down, one half going up lengthwise. Twist one end of the towel away from you, twist one side of it towards you, and ring out the water. 

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Cheese: I prefer extra sharp cheddar cheese in all that i do, but you can use whatever cheese you like. Make sure it is a melting cheese for the majority so it can bind everything together. I’ve also made mozzarella, which is delicious. My grandma used to add feta cheese as a flavor enhancer, but it cannot be used alone because it won’t melt and stick everything together. 

How to Make Spinach Squares

1. Preheat oven to 350°
2. Spray an 8 x 8 pan with cooking spray or butter
3. Mix the egg and spices together in a large bowl
4. Put the spinach in a kitchen or paper towels and squeeze to release the water. Refer to photos above for steps on how to do that.
5. Add the spinach to the egg mixture and stir until uniformly mixed
6. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese being sure to get it evenly incorporated
7. Scoop the spinach mixture into prepared pan and press down gently to pack it in
8. Sprinkle a little cheese on top of desired
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes until cheese on top is golden brown
10. Let the spinach squares cool for ten minutes before cutting into them for clean lines and easy removal from the pan

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Storage

Spinach squares will last in the fridge for up to five days. They freeze well too. Bake as directed, let cool, wrap them in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, and store in a freezer safe container or plastic storage bag. They will be good for up to 2 months.

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FAQs