These spinach cheese squares are a delightful and easy-to-make dish that combines the rich flavors of cheddar cheese with the nutritious goodness of spinach. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal, these squares are sure to be a hit at any gathering. The golden-brown crust and cheesy interior make them irresistible.
If you don't usually keep spinach or cheddar cheese at home, you might need to pick these up at the supermarket. Fresh or frozen spinach works well for this recipe, so choose based on your preference. Make sure to get a good quality cheddar cheese or any other shredded cheese you like to ensure the best flavor.
Ingredients For Spinach Cheese Squares Recipe
All-purpose flour: The base ingredient that provides structure to the squares.
Baking powder: Helps the squares rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
Eggs: Acts as a binding agent and adds richness to the squares.
Cheddar cheese: Provides a rich, cheesy flavor and creamy texture.
Spinach: Adds a nutritious element and a pop of color to the squares.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When incorporating the eggs into the dry ingredients, make sure they are at room temperature. This helps them blend more smoothly with the milk and prevents any curdling. Additionally, if using frozen spinach, ensure it is thoroughly thawed and excess water is squeezed out to avoid adding extra moisture to the batter. This will help achieve a better texture in your spinach cheese squares.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may slightly alter the texture.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Provides a different mineral content and flavor profile.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free option.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoon water per egg for a vegan alternative.
cheddar - Substitute with mozzarella: Offers a milder flavor and a different melting quality.
fresh or frozen chopped spinach - Substitute with kale: Provides a similar texture and nutritional benefits, though it has a slightly stronger flavor.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- Allow the spinach cheese squares to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
- For short-term storage, place the squares in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to freeze them, first wrap each square individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This prevents them from sticking together and makes it easy to grab a single serving.
- After wrapping, place the individually wrapped squares in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag with the date to keep track of freshness.
- When you're ready to enjoy a frozen square, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, you can microwave it on a low setting until warmed through.
- To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the thawed squares on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the cheese is melty.
- For a crispier texture, you can also reheat the squares in a toaster oven. This will help maintain the delightful contrast between the soft interior and the slightly crispy exterior.
- Avoid reheating in the microwave if you prefer a crispy texture, as microwaving can make the squares a bit soggy.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the spinach cheese squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the squares with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.
Microwave Method:
- Place the spinach cheese squares on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
- Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
- Place the spinach cheese squares in the skillet and cover with a lid.
- Heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the squares are warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the spinach cheese squares in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don't overcook.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the spinach cheese squares at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the dry ingredients and then mixing in the wet ingredients.
Whisk: Helps to blend the milk and eggs smoothly into the dry mixture.
Spatula: Useful for stirring in the shredded cheese and chopped spinach evenly.
Baking dish: The container where the mixture is poured and baked; it should be greased to prevent sticking.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the flour, milk, and shredded cheese.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the baking powder and salt precisely.
Toothpick: Utilized to check if the spinach cheese squares are fully baked by inserting it into the center.
Knife: Needed to cut the baked mixture into squares once it has cooled slightly.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the spinach cheese squares.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting to save time during the cooking process.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheese to cut down on prep time.
Frozen spinach: Use frozen chopped spinach instead of fresh to skip the washing and chopping.
One-bowl method: Mix all ingredients in one bowl to reduce cleanup time.
Grease the dish ahead: Grease your baking dish before starting to avoid interruptions.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze extra portions for quick future meals.
Spinach Cheese Squares
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Milk
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 cups Shredded cheese Cheddar or your choice
- 1 cup Chopped spinach Fresh or frozen
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the milk and eggs to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Stir in the shredded cheese and chopped spinach.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool slightly before cutting into squares. Serve warm.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts for This Recipe
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