Sunday Creamy Spinach Tomato Bake

Name: Sunday Creamy Spinach Tomato Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

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I love making this Sunday Creamy Spinach Tomato Bake because it brings comfort and warmth to our family table. The blend of creamy cheese and fresh spinach, layered with juicy tomatoes, creates a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for a leisurely Sunday dinner with loved ones. Plus, the vibrant colors and flavors are sure to impress any guest. I can’t wait to share this delightful recipe with you!

Created by

Maeve Colchester

Last updated on 2026-01-14T05:38:35.486Z

When I first made this Sunday Creamy Spinach Tomato Bake, I wanted something indulgent yet simple. The combination of creamy ricotta and fresh spinach took me by surprise, as it created a velvety base that pairs perfectly with the juicy tomatoes. I recommend using fresh spinach whenever possible to enhance the flavor and texture.

After several attempts, I discovered that baking it at a higher temperature allows the top to brown beautifully while keeping the inside creamy. I've even experimented with adding herbs like basil or oregano for an extra kick. This dish is now a staple in our home!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy cheese blends perfectly with fresh spinach
Vibrant and colorful presentation on the table
Perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners

      

A Perfect Harmony of Flavors

The rich blend of cheeses in this dish elevates its flavor profile significantly. Ricotta adds a smooth, creamy texture that balances beautifully with the sharpness of the parmesan. This combination ensures each bite is filled with a medley of flavors without being overwhelming. The mozzarella, when melted, contributes a gooey stretch that makes this bake feel indulgent. Pay attention to the cheese ratios; too much mozzarella can overpower the other flavors, so stick to the recipe for the best results.

Tomatoes are not just a decorative element in this dish; they add essential acidity that cuts through the creaminess of the cheeses. Using cherry tomatoes is particularly advantageous, as their natural sweetness caramelizes during baking, enhancing the overall taste. If you only have regular tomatoes, feel free to substitute, but remember to remove excess moisture to prevent the bake from becoming too watery. A quick salt and drain method before layering can help achieve a better consistency.

Tips for Success

For the perfect cheese mixture, ensure that your ricotta is dry. If it appears watery, you can place it in a cheesecloth and let it drain before combining it with the other cheeses. A dry ricotta will prevent the filling from becoming soupy during baking. Additionally, folding the sautéed spinach slowly into the cheese blend prevents it from clumping, giving you a more consistent flavor throughout the dish.

When it comes to baking, keep an eye on your dish during the last few minutes. The cheese should bubble and turn a lovely golden color, which takes about 25-30 minutes in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). If it’s not browning as desired, you can briefly place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.

Serving and Storing Ideas

This bake is a fantastic centerpiece for family gatherings, but don’t hesitate to experiment with serving ideas. Pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. If you want to make it even more indulgent, consider drizzling some balsamic reduction over the top before serving. This adds a tangy contrast that complements the dish wonderfully.

For leftovers, store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also freeze this dish after baking; just ensure it cools completely before wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap. Frozen, it can last for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for the best results.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare your Sunday Creamy Spinach Tomato Bake:

Ingredients

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Once you have everything ready, you’re all set to start cooking!

Instructions

Here’s how to make the Sunday Creamy Spinach Tomato Bake:

Prepare the Vegetables

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add chopped spinach and cook for another 3-4 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.

Mix the Cheese

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. Stir in the sautéed spinach and mix well to combine all ingredients.

Assemble the Dish

In a baking dish, layer half of the cherry tomatoes at the bottom. Spread the cheese and spinach mixture over the tomatoes, and top it with the remaining tomatoes. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the dish for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Serve

Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy your delicious creation!

Enjoy your delicious Sunday Creamy Spinach Tomato Bake!

Pro Tips

For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture. Additionally, feel free to substitute kale for spinach if you prefer a stronger taste.

Ingredient Variations

While spinach is a star ingredient here, you can easily swap it out for other greens based on preference and seasonality. Kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula can provide a different flavor profile and create an interesting twist on the recipe. If you opt for sturdier greens like kale, consider sautéing them slightly longer to ensure they soften before mixing them with the cheese.

For a boost of flavor, consider adding ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts to the mix. These can bring an additional layer of depth and are particularly delicious when combined with the existing cheese mixture. Just remember to chop them finely so they distribute evenly throughout the dish.

Make-Ahead Tips

This creamy spinach tomato bake can be made ahead of time, making it an excellent option for meal prep or entertaining. You can prepare the dish up to the baking step in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator for one day. Just ensure that you bring it to room temperature before popping it into the oven to allow for even cooking.

If you plan to freeze it, assemble the bake but do not bake it beforehand. Instead, wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as per the instructions. This way, you can enjoy a fresh-tasting dish with minimal preparation time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess water in the dish.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the bake ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all of the ingredients listed are gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.