Spinach Squares

“Don’t wait for perfect conditions to move forward.”   Laying on my yoga mat last night my teacher began class with these words. I hadn’t been to the studio in several weeks and she seemed to be speaking directly to me! How does she always do that?  I spent the hour working through poses and re-introducing them to my body. Some felt familiar and had been missed, others that had become comforting were once again a struggle. And yet, I made it there, and I completed the class, and I feel reinvigorated to revive my practice.

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It’s amazing how a short break from something can make it feel like such an uphill journey to get back into the habit. This same feeling has happened here with writing on the blog as this recipe has been sitting in my drafts for WEEKS! I think this is due to the bustling nature of this season, but I also know that it’s due to the special place that this recipe holds in my heart. But here I go, I’m not going to let perfect get in the way of moving ahead.

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These spinach squares were a staple in our household.  My mother put them out at Thanksgiving and Christmas as pre-dinner finger food.  We typically ate them cold but they can also be enjoyed warm. They can be described as crustless quiche bites – but to my palate they are so much more. The taste of these brings back memories of my mom laying out tables full of appetizers from spinach squares to port wine cheese to liver pate to shrimp cocktail to meatballs to cheese and crackers and more! I think my stomach was bottomless as I remember circling the table again and again devouring every treat.

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This recipe was such a family favorite that my mom gave me the recipe in my wedding recipe box where she wrote out many of our family favorites and had all shower guests bring a family recipe of their own.  It’s such a gift to have these recipes written out in her handwriting and with her notes.

 

To make these you cook down fresh spinach, then add well beaten eggs and tons of shredded yummy extra sharp cheddar cheese. It goes into a large baking dish with some butter then cooks for 45 minutes at 350.  After setting for 5 minutes they are ready to cut up and serve. If you don’t like spinach then these aren’t for you, but I would venture to guess that they would be well loved by all!

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Bringing this recipe to Fiesta Friday which is hosted this week by Liz @ Spades, Spatulas, and Spoons and Mila @ Milkandbun.

Spinach Squares

  • Servings: 8-10
  • Print

These make ahead finger food treats are packed with spinach and cheese. Served hot or cold they will please your crowd!

Ingredients

  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 lbs fresh spinach
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 lb cheddar cheese – shredded (ideally extra sharp)
  • 4 teaspoons butter

Steps & Notes

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
  2. Add the spinach to a large pot with a bit of water. Cover and cook down until wilted. Drain well, then chop. Pat dry with paper towel if necessary
  3. Beat the eggs well and add the milk
  4. Mix the dry ingredients together than add to the eggs and milk.
  5. Next add the spinach and cheese
  6. Melt butter and pour into a 9 x 13 baking pan
  7. Bake for 45 minutes in a 350 degree oven
  8. Let set for 5 minutes before eating. Serve cold or hot

Recipe from http://www.pantryportfolio.com

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14 comments

  1. Your recipe sounds delicious! I love the story behind your recipe box.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Oh thank you so much. I cherish the recipe box and love just opening it up and re-reading all of the recipes that everyone shared.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Your post inspired me to dig out and go through my Mom’s recipes!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. This absolutely made my day! I hope that you’ve enjoyed reading through them and all of the memories that they bring up.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. I haven’t looked at them for years, so this is fun going through them.

        Like

  2. Lovely healthy recipe and I feel your experience getting back into something after time out – it’s my second day at work after an 8 month career break and it’s been exhausting!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Wow – I hope that your reentry has been good to you! Are you taking time for self-care I hope?

      Like

  3. I am looking forward to making these over Christmas. Sounds like a perfect addition to an appy tray.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. They are indeed the perfect addition to a finger food feast! Happy Holidays.

      Like

  4. I remember these as well, plus all the other treats that were part of your mother’s spread. Sometimes my mom made these from canned artichoke hearts as well. Thank you so much for the trip down memory lane, for reminding me of a beloved recipe, and for bringing them to FF.

    Liked by 2 people

  5. I want these now, they look so good. Great step-by-step instructions.Thanks for sharing on Fiesta Friday group.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Some people do not like spinach, and never want to give a try for a meal made with spinach, but actually your recipe looks very inviting and i like it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I highly recommend this recipe! It’s basically cheese and spinach – I agree that most would enjoy! Thanks for stopping by. Let me know what you think if you try it!

      Liked by 1 person

  7. […] comfort food – Either Chicken Piccata, Mom’s Spinach Squares, or Cauliflower Shepards […]

    Like

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