Name: Spinach Ricotta Brunch Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed; 6 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 dash hot sauce (optional); 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped; 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped; 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped

This Spinach Ricotta Brunch Bake is a delightful and savory pastry that’s perfect for a special weekend brunch or a festive gathering! Flaky puff pastry is filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. It’s a beautiful and satisfying dish that’s sure to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Elegant and Delicious: This brunch bake is both elegant and delicious, making it a perfect centerpiece for your next brunch or special occasion gathering. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible.
Easy to Assemble: While this recipe may seem impressive, it’s surprisingly easy to assemble with store-bought puff pastry. The filling comes together quickly, and the baking process is mostly hands-off.
Versatile: You can easily customize this bake to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or even a touch of spice. It’s a flexible recipe that can be adapted to your preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Puff pastry: Thawed puff pastry sheets provide a flaky and buttery base for the bake.
Eggs: Beaten eggs bind the filling and add richness.
Ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavor to the filling.
Hot sauce: Optional, but adds a subtle kick of heat.
Fresh spinach: Chopped fresh spinach adds a boost of nutrients and a vibrant green color.
Bacon: Cooked and chopped bacon adds a smoky and salty flavor.
Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds a sharp and cheesy flavor.
Red bell pepper: Chopped red bell pepper adds sweetness, color, and crunch.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Spinach Ricotta Brunch Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F and spray a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Carefully unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets. Roll one sheet out to an 11-inch square and the other to a 12-inch square. Use the larger sheet to line the bottom of the prepared pan.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Lightly beat the eggs and reserve 1 tablespoon for an egg wash. In a bowl, combine the remaining beaten eggs with the ricotta cheese, hot sauce (if using), and chopped spinach. Mix well.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake

Layer half of the ricotta mixture over the puff pastry in the pan. Top with half of the bacon, cheddar cheese, and chopped red bell pepper. Repeat the layers with the remaining filling ingredients. Cover the filling with the remaining puff pastry sheet and fold the edges in to secure the filling and create a neat edge. Brush the top of the pastry with the reserved egg wash.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

Bake the brunch bake for about 1 hour, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the filling is set. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before running a butter knife around the edges to loosen it. Carefully remove the bake from the pan, slice, and serve warm.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Thaw the Puff Pastry: Thaw the puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours to make it easier to handle.
Use a Springform Pan: A springform pan makes it easy to remove the baked pastry and helps to keep its shape intact.
Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon ahead of time until crispy for the best texture and flavor.
Frozen Spinach: If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the filling.

How to Serve

This Spinach Ricotta Brunch Bake is delicious on its own or with:

Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the bake.
Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds a touch of sweetness and vibrancy to the meal.
Hollandaise Sauce: A drizzle of hollandaise sauce adds a touch of richness and decadence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Spinach Ricotta Brunch Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled but unbaked brunch bake for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Reheating

Reheat leftover slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any type of cheese you like, such as Gruyère, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorites.

2. Can I make this bake vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the bacon or use a vegetarian bacon alternative to make this bake vegetarian.

3. Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of puff pastry?

Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust, but the texture will be different. Puff pastry is lighter and flakier.

4. How can I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?

Make sure the filling is not too wet. If using frozen spinach, be sure to squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the filling. You can also blind-bake the bottom puff pastry crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling to help prevent it from becoming soggy.