Spinach Polenta Bake

Creamy polenta layered with sautéed spinach and herbs, topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan, baked until golden and bubbling.

Ingredients

  • 150g instant polenta
  • 600ml vegetable broth
  • 400g fresh spinach
  • 100g low-fat mozzarella, shredded
  • 30g parmesan, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C.
  2. Bring vegetable broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in polenta, stirring constantly for 5 minutes until thick. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large pan. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
  4. Add spinach in batches and cook until wilted. Season with oregano, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  5. Spread half the polenta in a greased baking dish. Layer with spinach mixture, then top with remaining polenta.
  6. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly on top.
  7. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking — add 10 minutes to baking time if starting from cold
  • Use a deep baking dish to keep the layers neat and prevent overflow when bubbling
  • Let the polenta cool slightly before layering so it holds its shape better

Variations

  • Swap spinach for Swiss chard or kale for a slightly heartier green
  • Add sun-dried tomatoes between the layers for a Mediterranean twist
  • Stir ricotta into the polenta for extra creaminess
  • Top with a fried egg per person for added protein
  • Use goat cheese instead of mozzarella for a tangier flavour
  • Add sliced cherry tomatoes on top before baking for colour and acidity

Why This Meal Is Good for You

  • Spinach is rich in iron, magnesium, folate and antioxidants like lutein, supporting eye health, energy and cardiovascular function
  • Polenta (corn-based) has a moderate glycaemic response when paired with fat and protein from the cheeses, helping avoid blood sugar spikes
  • Garlic contains allicin, linked to reduced inflammation and cancer prevention
  • Parmesan and mozzarella provide calcium and protein essential for bone density and muscle maintenance
  • Nutmeg in small amounts supports digestion and may have a mild calming effect, beneficial for sleep
  • Low in saturated fat due to low-fat mozzarella, making this a heart-friendly dish suitable for regular meals
Nutrient Estimate Per Serving
Calories ~340 kcal
Protein ~18g
Carbohydrates ~38g
Fat ~12g