Transform your frozen spinach into delicious and nutritious dishes! Discover an array of recipes, from scrumptious baked goods to refreshing smoothies. Dive into the mouthwatering and sensational frozen spinach possibilities.
Quick Reference Frozen Spinach Recipe Overview
| Recipe | Dietary Preference | Key Ingredients |
| Spanakorizo – Greek Spinach Rice | Vegetarian | Defrosted spinach, basmati rice, vegetable broth, feta cheese |
| One-pot Creamy Spinach Parmesan Orzo | Vegetarian | Defrosted spinach, orzo pasta, chicken or vegetable stock, parmesan cheese |
| Spinach Artichoke Pasta | Vegetarian | Frozen spinach, artichokes, mozzarella, parmesan, jalapeno |
| Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Sweet Peppers | Vegetarian/Optional Italian sausage | Defrosted spinach, sweet peppers, Italian cheeses and herbs |
| Stuffed Tomatoes with Spinach | Vegetarian | Defrosted spinach, whole tomatoes, garlic-and-herb Boursin cheese |
| Spanakopita – Greek Spinach Pie | Vegetarian | Defrosted spinach, phyllo pastry, dried herbs, feta |
| Spinach Puffs | Vegetarian | Defrosted spinach, puff pastry, cream cheese, mozzarella, feta |
| Spinach Artichoke Dip | Vegetarian | Defrosted spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, parmesan, mayonnaise |
| Spinach Mushroom and Feta Crustless Quiche | Vegetarian | Frozen spinach, mushrooms, feta, |
| Spinach and Bacon Quiche | Meat-based | Defrosted spinach, heavy cream, cheddar, swiss cheese |
| Strawberry and Spinach Smoothie | Vegan | Frozen spinach, strawberry, banana, chia seeds, plant-based milk |
Can you imagine your weekly menu without spinach?
Spinach is a hardy, fast-growing vegetable that brings flavor and color to several family-favorite recipes.
It is incredibly versatile and can be eaten raw or cooked. When raw, it makes an excellent leafy base for fresh summer salads, and adding it to power-packed green smoothies is a norm.
That said, spinach freezes exceptionally well and offers several uses in its frozen and defrosted form.
So, let’s reveal what to do with frozen spinach with our list of enticing recipes.
Secret Disclaimer: Be prepared for some super cheesy indulgences!
What to do with Frozen Spinach
Whether you purchase a ready bag of frozen spinach from the grocery store or freeze it yourself, defrosting it for preparation is easy.
Here is a table displaying the best ways to defrost spinach.
| Thawing Method | Time Required | Additional Notes |
| Refrigerator | Overnight | Place the bag of frozen spinach on a plate |
| Room Temperature | Approximately 3 – 6 hours | Depending on the quantity you need to defrost |
| Microwave | 1 – 2 minutes | Remove the frozen spinach from the bag and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Using the defrost setting, microwave until defrosted. Check at minute intervals. |
| Quickest way: Warm water | Few minutes | Place the frozen spinach in a colander. Run warm water over the spinach, turning the leaves continuously until the ice melts. |
Remember that defrosted spinach has a slightly wilted consistency and more concentrated flavor than its fresh counterpart. In other words, the concentrated flavor works favorably in several recipes.
Beneficial Related Article: Does Spinach Go Bad?
Okay, now that you have your defrosted spinach ready to go. Let’s jump into the best frozen spinach recipes.
Note: recipes that call for fresh spinach can be replaced with defrosted spinach.
11 Best Frozen Spinach Recipes
Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach Rice) – Vegetarian
Take basmati rice up a notch with this zesty and flavorsome Mediterranean-inspired recipe.
The combination of spinach, dill, and chives works tasty wonders.
Also, the lemon juice and zest bring a spritely and refreshing touch. We love the creamy feta, as it adds to the overall texture of this recipe.
Serve as a side dish with roast chicken, lamb, or vegetables. Alternatively, enjoy it as a main alongside baby leaf salad. Either way, this fresh and light rice dish is delicious!
Pro Tip: you can substitute the vegetable broth with chicken broth, yielding the same tasty result.
Allergy information: dairy
One-pot Creamy Spinach Parmesan Orzo – Vegetarian
If you love risotto, this recipe is the one!
While risotto is gluten-free, it needs close attention when cooking. So, if you enjoy pasta, this dish requires a less watchful eye and cooks more speedily.
The recipe calls for chicken or vegetable broth, enhancing flavor and nutritional value.
Moreover, the whole milk and parmesan cheese brings a creamy and robust cheesy taste.
Serve as a main meal with a fresh baby-leaf side salad.
Pro Tip: add ½ a teaspoon (2.5ml) of red chili flakes for a subtle hot bite
Related Beneficial Articles:
Where is Chicken Broth in the Grocery Store
What can I use Instead of Vegetable Stock Concentrate
Allergy information: dairy, gluten
Spinach Artichoke Pasta
Keeping with pasta dishes, this rich and creamy recipe with a jalapeno pop will surely be a hit!
We understand artichoke is an acquired taste, so if you have fussy eaters around the table, you can leave it out and add extra spinach.
At the same time, it brings pleasing earthy and nutty notes.
You can choose any short pasta from your pantry and play with the cheese combination of mozzarella and parmesan.
If you prefer subtle cheese, opt for more mozzarella. Should you love strong cheese, be generous with the parmesan.
Whatever you decide, remember to keep the overall quantity in balance.
Scrumptious and satisfying, this pasta dish may earn a spot on your weekly menu.
Pro Tip: serve with freshly ground black pepper and garnish with nutrient-packed microgreens.
Related Beneficial Article: Jalapeno vs. Fresno – What is the Difference
Allergy information: dairy, gluten
Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Sweet Peppers – Vegetarian/Optional Italian sausage
Take your palate on a journey to Italy!
This recipe is packed with Mediterranean flavor – fresh basil and oregano, dry Italian herbs, a variety of Italian cheeses, and mushrooms, all stuffed into sweet peppers and smothered in a tangy marinara sauce.
Sound delicious? It is!
You can opt to add spicy Italian sausage and choose any three Italian cheeses you like.
We suggest mozzarella, mascarpone, and parmesan. That said, the recipe includes ricotta. So it will be perfect if you have one of the others available.
Decidedly, one of the best frozen spinach recipes!
Serve with a garden green salad and freshly baked sourdough bread.
Pro Tip: garnish with finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
Related Beneficial Article: Is Herbs de Provence the Same as Italian Seasoning
Allergy information: dairy, egg
Stuffed Tomatoes with Spinach – Vegetarian
We know that tomatoes serve well in salads and make terrific sauces. Yet, this bright red and tangy vegetable can be a meal in its own right.
For this easy frozen spinach recipe, we suggest you choose sun-ripe tomatoes. The riper they are, the sweeter and more delicious!
The recipe uses pantry-ready ingredients alongside sour cream, garlic-and-herb Boursin cheese, and parmesan, making this dish morish.
Serve with Spanakorizo (Green Spinach Rice) and baby-leaf salad.
Pro Tip: garnish with finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
Allergy information: dairy
Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) – Vegetarian
We know that working with phyllo pastry is a delicate and lengthy process.
Even so, the tasty result of this recipe is worth all the effort.
As with the Spanakorizo recipe, you can expect the Greek-inspired flavors of parsley, dill, and crumbled feta to shine through.
Although the recipe does not call for lemon juice or zest, we recommend you add a teaspoon (5ml) of lemon zest to the spinach mixture while cooking. Doing so adds a subtle sour tang.
All this Mediterranean goodness is topped with buttery golden and flaky phyllo pastry layers.
These delightful pastries add pazaz to platters and make excellent afternoon snacks or lunchbox savory treats.
Allergy information: dairy, gluten, eggs
Spinach Puffs – Vegetarian
Bite-size puffs make an excellent addition to party platters and healthy lunchbox snacks.
This easy frozen spinach recipe goes to town with cream cheese, mozzarella, and crumbled feta.
Certainly, it is a tasty and creamy combination of cheese, and we know how children love to watch mozzarella stretch.
All this dairy decadence is mixed with spinach and enclosed in a golden puff pastry.
These little guys will undoubtedly fly off the platters and have the children returning for more!
Pro Tip: brush the inside of the pastry with melted butter before baking. This method adds to the creamy indulgence.
Allergy information: dairy, gluten, eggs
Spinach Artichoke Dip – Vegetarian
Every puff deserves a complementary dip, and this recipe is a must to serve alongside the spinach puffs.
It is bursting with dairy delights, including mozzarella, parmesan, cream cheese, and sour cream.
The mayonnaise brings a pleasant tang, and the artichokes complement the spinach perfectly.
Suppose you don’t like artichokes; you can leave them out, and the dip will be just as tasty.
Serve this versatile dip with crackers, tortilla chips, and, of course, the spinach puffs at your next gathering.
Related Beneficial Article: What is a Good Substitute for Mayonnaise
Allergy information: dairy
And it doesn’t stop there!
Undoubtedly, spinach is a popular ingredient in freshly baked quiche. Check out our favorites!
Spinach Mushroom and Feta Crustless Quiche – Vegetarian
Spinach, mushroom, and feta make a harmonious trio!
We love a crustless quiche. Indeed, you save time, and those following a gluten-free diet can tuck in.
This super cheese frozen spinach recipe is a delight with every bite. Adding grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella uplifts the creamy elements and flavor.
Baked to golden perfection, this light meal is ideal for brunch with the ladies or book club (wine club for some!)
Whichever way you enjoy this recipe, include a crisp garden salad on the side.
Pro Tip: whip up a tahini-based salad dressing and drizzle over the quiche and side salad. The perfect finishing touch!
Related Beneficial Article: What Does Tahini Taste Like
Allergy information: dairy, eggs
Spinach and Bacon Quiche – Pork-based
Don’t worry; we have not forgotten to include something for meat diets.
Bacon and spinach are a heavenly match. The sweet and slight bitterness of spinach pairs perfectly with the saltiness in bacon, especially if it is extra crispy.
Although this recipe includes a crust, you can leave it out for a crustless option.
In our experience, adding heavy cream to quiche adds creamy richness. Furthermore, the cheddar and Swiss cheese ingredients offer a robust flavor.
This quiche makes a superb brunch meal or light dinner. Remember to serve it with a fresh garden salad and your favorite vinaigrette.
Pro Tip: garnish with finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
Related Beneficial Article: Is Buttermilk the Same as Heavy Cream?
Allergy information: dairy, gluten, eggs
Strawberry Spinach Smoothie
Last but certainly not least is this easy frozen spinach smoothie recipe.
Smoothies make a nutritious meal in a glass. When you feel the morning rush or need a healthy afternoon “pick-me-up” snack, aim for a smoothie.
This recipe is high in protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Therefore, it fills you up, boosts your immunity, and keeps you sustained for a few hours.
The recipe calls for fresh spinach. However, you can use frozen spinach straight from the freezer without defrosting it.
We love the strawberry and banana; just the right amount of sweetness with added vitamin C and potassium.
Pro Tip: add a handful of fresh garden mint
Related Beneficial Articles:
What to do with Frozen Strawberries
Allergy information: none
FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I freeze spinach for smoothies?
You can freeze spinach for smoothies by washing it thoroughly and placing it in zip-lock bags. When you need it, take how much you need and add it to the other smoothie ingredients.
Can frozen spinach go bad?
Frozen spinach lasts in the freezer for up to 12 months, and some leave it for longer. Ensure you have frozen it correctly and the zip-lock is securely sealed to avoid freezer burn. For optimal results, use frozen spinach within 6 months of freezing.
Does frozen spinach lose nutrients?
In general, eating fresh vegetables provides a higher nutritional value. In the case of frozen spinach, most of the nutrients remain intact, except for folate and Vitamin B, which are higher in fresh spinach.
Final Frozen Thoughts
So, here’s the deal.
When you wonder what to do with frozen spinach, we have you covered!
Of course, we appreciate the flavor and crunchy texture of fresh spinach.
In the same way, frozen spinach offers a more concentrated flavor, ensuring whatever recipe you choose yields a tasty result.
Which recipe did you put on your weekly menu? Let us know.
We would love to hear from you.
