Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 Casatella Romagnola cheese (about 1 pound)
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Oven-safe dish
- Skillet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the olive oil and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Season the spinach with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cut the top off the Casatella Romagnola cheese and scoop out some of the cheese to create a hollow center.
7. Fill the hollow center with the cooked spinach and bacon.
8. Place the cheese in an oven-safe dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 280
- Total fat: 22g
- Saturated fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 580mg
- Total carbohydrates: 4g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 16g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baby spinach can be used instead of regular spinach.
- Pancetta or prosciutto can be used instead of bacon.
- Any other type of soft cheese can be used instead of Casatella Romagnola.
Variations:
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the spinach and bacon filling.
- Use different types of cheese, such as brie or camembert.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to scoop out enough cheese from the center of the Casatella Romagnola to create a hollow center for the filling.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover Casatella Romagnola with Spinach and Bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the cheese in an oven-safe dish and bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the Casatella Romagnola with Spinach and Bacon on a wooden board with crackers and sliced bread.
Garnishes:
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil.
Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese.
Suggested side dishes:
- A side salad with mixed greens and a balsamic vinaigrette.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese is not melting, increase the oven temperature to 400°F and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the bacon and spinach thoroughly before filling the cheese.
Food history:
- Casatella Romagnola is a soft cheese from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- The Casatella Romagnola cheese is creamy and slightly tangy, while the spinach and bacon filling adds a savory and smoky flavor.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the Casatella Romagnola with Spinach and Bacon as an appetizer or as a main course with a side salad.
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Region: Italian