Baked Eggs Florentine Recipe
Baked Eggs Florentine is a delicious and nutritious breakfast or brunch dish featuring eggs baked atop a sautéed spinach mixture enriched with garlic, onion, and cream. Topped with a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, this creamy and flavorful recipe combines tender spinach and perfectly baked eggs for a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare.
- Author: Tara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
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)
- 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 prevent sticking.
- Sauté the Spinach Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil or butter. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, approximately 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, cook until thoroughly heated. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and optional ground nutmeg. Transfer the spinach mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish or ramekins.
- Prepare the Creamy Base: Drizzle the heavy cream or half-and-half evenly over the spinach mixture. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese uniformly on top to add a sharp, savory flavor.
- Add the Eggs: Using the back of a spoon, create four small wells in the spinach mixture. Carefully crack one egg into each well, taking care to keep the yolks intact. Season the eggs lightly with salt and pepper.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese evenly over the top, avoiding covering the egg yolks to keep them visible and appeal to presentation.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes for slightly runny yolks, or 18-20 minutes if you prefer fully set yolks.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired. Serve warm alongside crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use a lower-fat cream alternative.
- If you prefer stronger cheese flavor, use Gruyère instead of mozzarella.
- Ensure spinach is well-drained if using frozen to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
- The baking time can be adjusted depending on your preferred yolk consistency.
- This dish can also be prepared in individual ramekins for elegant single servings.
Keywords: Eggs Florentine, Baked Eggs, Spinach and Eggs, Breakfast Casserole, Creamy Eggs, Brunch Recipe, Healthy Breakfast