Name: Baked Eggs Florentine Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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); 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; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional)

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Introduction

Baked Eggs Florentine is a comforting and elegant dish that combines tender spinach, creamy cheeses, and perfectly baked eggs. It’s a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner.

A black skillet holds a dish with five sunny-side-up eggs, their bright orange yolks shining on top. Under the eggs, melted white cheese forms a bubbly layer that lightly covers the green cooked spinach leaves scattered throughout. The edges of the cheese are golden and slightly crispy. The skillet is set on a white marbled surface, with a blurred wooden board and bread in the background. The eggs are sprinkled with black pepper for extra texture and color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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

Tips & Variations

For added flavor, try mixing in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the spinach mixture.
Substitute the mozzarella or Gruyère with cheddar or fontina for a different cheese twist.
If using frozen spinach, make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible to prevent a watery dish.
Serve with toasted English muffins or sourdough bread for a heartier meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave, watching carefully to avoid overcooking the eggs.

How to Serve

A dark skillet filled with a dish of three cooked eggs with bright yellow yolks sitting on top of a melted white cheese layer, scattered with wilted dark green leafy vegetables, and sprinkled with black pepper. The cheese around the edges is golden brown and slightly crispy. The skillet rests on a white marbled surface with a wooden board blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other greens instead of spinach?

Yes, you can substitute baby kale, Swiss chard, or collard greens. Just be sure to cook them until tender before assembling the dish.

How do I know when the eggs are baked perfectly?

For runny yolks, bake for about 12-15 minutes. If you prefer fully set yolks, extend the baking time to 18-20 minutes. Watch closely as oven temperatures vary.