These Baked Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Crepes are a delicious and elegant dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a special brunch. The combination of fresh spinach and creamy ricotta cheese, all wrapped in delicate crepes and baked to perfection, makes this recipe a sure winner. Let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients
For the Crepes:
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Pinch of salt
For the Filling:
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach
- 1 cup (250 g) ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (to bind the filling)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup (240 ml) marinara sauce (optional)
- 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crepes
- Make the crepe batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 2 eggs. Gradually add 1 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of water while whisking until the mixture is smooth. Add 2 tablespoons of melted butter and a pinch of salt, and whisk again until everything is well incorporated. - Cook the crepes:
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. Pour about 1/4 cup of the batter into the pan, swirling it around to cover the bottom evenly. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the crepe is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side for another minute. Repeat with the remaining batter, stacking the cooked crepes on a plate.
2. Prepare the Filling
- Wilt the spinach:
Heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add 2 cups of fresh spinach and 1 clove of minced garlic. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat and allow the spinach to cool slightly. - Mix the filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the wilted spinach, 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and the beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
3. Assemble the Crepes
- Fill the crepes:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Take one crepe and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the spinach and ricotta mixture onto the center. Fold the sides of the crepe over the filling, then roll it up tightly. Place the filled crepe seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Repeat with the remaining crepes and filling.
4. Bake the Crepes
- Top and bake (optional):
If desired, pour 1 cup of marinara sauce over the filled crepes in the baking dish and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. This adds a delicious, cheesy topping that complements the savory filling. - Bake the crepes:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crepes are heated through.
5. Serve
- Garnish and enjoy:
Once baked, remove the crepes from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired. Serve the crepes warm, either on their own or with a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
- Servings: Approximately 4 servings
- Calories per serving: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 4 g
- Protein: 16 g
Conclusion
These Baked Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Crepes are a savory and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy ricotta, flavorful spinach, and the delicate texture of the crepes creates a dish that’s both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re serving this for a special breakfast, brunch, or dinner, these crepes are sure to impress. Enjoy the rich flavors and the delightful textures in every bite!
