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Baked Eggs Florentine Recipe

4.4 from 115 reviews

Baked Eggs Florentine is a delicious and elegant dish featuring tender sautéed spinach layered with creamy cheeses and baked eggs. This recipe combines aromatic garlic and onion with fresh spinach, rich Parmesan, and melted mozzarella or Gruyère cheese, finished with a delicate touch of cream. Perfect for brunch or a comforting breakfast, it’s both flavorful and visually appealing.

Ingredients

Scale

Spinach Mixture

  • 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)

Egg and Cheese Mixture

  • 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

Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional)

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 prevent sticking.
  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, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the fresh or frozen spinach and cook until wilted or heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg. Transfer this spinach mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish or ramekins.
  3. Prepare the Creamy Base: Drizzle the heavy cream or half-and-half over the spinach layer, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top, adding richness and flavor.
  4. Add the Eggs: Using the back of a spoon, make four small wells in the spinach and cream mixture. Carefully crack one egg into each well, taking care not to break the yolk. Season the eggs lightly with salt and pepper.
  5. Top with Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese over the top, avoiding the egg yolks so they remain visible and create an attractive presentation.
  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. The cheese should be melted and slightly golden.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve warm, ideally with crusty bread or a fresh side salad.

Notes

  • You can substitute frozen spinach if fresh is unavailable; just ensure it is fully thawed and excess water is squeezed out.
  • Adjust the baking time to achieve your preferred egg yolk consistency.
  • For a richer dish, use heavy cream; for a lighter option, half-and-half works well.
  • Gruyère cheese can be replaced with mozzarella or other melting cheeses depending on preference.
  • Make sure the eggs are fresh for best taste and appearance.
  • To make individual servings, bake in ramekins instead of a single baking dish.

Keywords: Baked Eggs Florentine, spinach and eggs, baked breakfast, brunch recipe, creamy spinach eggs, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, easy baked eggs