Baked Eggs Florentine Recipe

Introduction

Baked Eggs Florentine is a comforting and elegant dish combining tender spinach, creamy cheese, and perfectly baked eggs. It’s a wonderful choice for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner that feels special yet simple to prepare.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped (or use thawed frozen spinach, squeezed to remove excess moisture)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish or four individual ramekins with butter or olive oil.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil or butter. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, cook until heated through. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg if using. Transfer the spinach evenly into the prepared baking dish or ramekins.
4. Step 4: Drizzle the heavy cream or half-and-half over the spinach mixture. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
5. Step 5: Use the back of a spoon to create four small wells in the spinach mixture. Carefully crack an egg into each well, making sure the yolks remain intact. Season the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese over the dish, avoiding the egg yolks to keep them visible.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes for slightly runny yolks, or 18-20 minutes if you prefer fully set yolks.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Serve warm, ideally with crusty bread or a fresh side salad.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to the spinach mixture.
• Try swapping the mozzarella or Gruyère with cheddar or feta for a different cheese profile.
• If using frozen spinach, be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible to avoid a watery bake.
• To make it vegetarian-friendly and richer, you can add sautéed mushrooms along with the spinach.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave until warmed through, taking care not to overcook the eggs.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh spinach works beautifully. Just wash and roughly chop it before cooking. It will wilt quickly and gives a fresh flavor to the dish.

How do I know when the eggs are done?

Bake for 12-15 minutes for soft, slightly runny yolks or 18-20 minutes for fully set yolks. The whites should be just set and opaque while the yolks maintain your preferred consistency.

Baked Eggs Florentine Recipe

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4.5 from 52 reviews

Baked Eggs Florentine is a comforting and elegant dish featuring sautéed spinach in a creamy base, topped with whole eggs and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, all baked to perfection. This recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy a nutritious breakfast or brunch with rich flavors and a beautiful presentation.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Eggs and Dairy

• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped (or thawed frozen spinach, squeezed to remove excess moisture)

Seasonings and Garnish

• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish or four individual ramekins with butter or olive oil to ensure the baked eggs don’t stick.
2. Sauté the Spinach Mixture: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the fresh or thawed spinach and cook it down until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and if using, ground nutmeg. Transfer this flavorful spinach mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish or ramekins.
3. Prepare the Creamy Base: Drizzle the heavy cream or half-and-half evenly over the bed of sautéed spinach. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top to add a rich, savory layer.
4. Add the Eggs: Using the back of a spoon, create four small wells in the spinach and cream mixture. Carefully crack one egg into each well, taking care to keep the yolk intact. Lightly season the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
5. Top with Cheese: Scatter the shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese over the top, avoiding covering the egg yolks so they remain visible and appealing.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes if you prefer slightly runny yolks or 18-20 minutes for fully set yolks, ensuring the eggs cook to your desired consistency and the cheese is melted and golden.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• Use fresh spinach for brighter flavor and texture; frozen spinach can be a convenient substitute if thawed and well-drained.
• For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream.
• Adjust baking time depending on your yolk preference; monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
• Gruyère cheese offers a nuttier flavor, but mozzarella provides a milder, creamier topping.
• Optional ground nutmeg adds warmth and depth but can be omitted if preferred.

Keywords: Baked Eggs Florentine, spinach and eggs, creamy spinach eggs, brunch recipe, baked eggs with cheese