Christmas Eve Spinach-and-Cheese Manicotti

Name: Christmas Eve Spinach-and-Cheese Manicotti
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 2 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 0.25 cup Butter; 10 oz Chopped Spinach; 3 oz Cream Cheese; 1 tsp Dried Oregano; 4 whole Eggs; 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley; 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese; 3 tbsp Green Onion; 2 cups Marinara Sauce; 2.25 cups Milk; 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese; 1 tbsp Onion Powder; 15 oz Ricotta Cheese; 0.25 tsp Salt; 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil

Dinner 🍽️Lunch 🥪 Italian 🇮🇹 High-Protein 💪Sugar-Free Vegetarian 🥦Halal 🕌Comfort-Food

Christmas Eve Spinach-and-Cheese Manicotti layers tender crêpe-style manicotti with a creamy ricotta, spinach, and Parmesan filling, baked under bright marinara and melty mozzarella. The balance of herby oregano, green onion, and a touch of cream cheese makes each bite rich yet light. Ideal for a festive holiday dinner or a cozy winter gathering alongside a crisp salad.

Prep1 min
Cook1 min
Serves8
DifficultyMedium

1

Whisk 4 eggs with 1/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl; gradually whisk in the flour, alternating with the milk, until smooth. Whisk in the melted butter; refrigerate the batter for at least 1 hour.
2

Heat a small skillet over medium heat; brush the skillet with vegetable oil using a pastry brush. Pour in about 1/4 cup batter (just enough to lightly coat the bottom) and immediately swirl the skillet to spread the batter to fully cover the bottom. Cook until the crêpe is lightly golden on the bottom; flip and cook until the other side has small brown spots. Transfer the crêpe to a plate; layer with waxed paper between crêpes. Repeat with the remaining batter, brushing the skillet with oil as needed to prevent sticking.
3

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
4

Gently mix the ricotta cheese, spinach, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, parsley, green onion, 2 eggs, onion powder, oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl until the filling is thoroughly combined.
5

Spread 1 cup marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place 1 crêpe on a work surface; spoon about 3 tablespoons filling, or more as needed, down the center of the crêpe. Roll the crêpe around the filling; place it in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining crêpes and filling. Spread the remaining marinara sauce over the filled crêpes; sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
6

Bake in the preheated oven until bubbling and the mozzarella cheese is melted and lightly browned, 20 to 30 minutes.