Name: Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American with Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 10 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 5 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional); 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 2 cups day-old bread cubes

If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing brunch dish that looks as impressive as it tastes, this Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole Recipe is a must-try. Packed with tender spinach, savory cheese, and fluffy eggs nestled atop golden bread cubes, every bite is a vibrant burst of flavor and texture. It’s an easy make-ahead breakfast with Italian-inspired flair, perfect for a holiday morning or a relaxing weekend family brunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole Recipe comes together with everyday ingredients, but each one brings something special to the party—from the creaminess of the cheese to the hearty bite of the spinach. Here’s what you’ll need, with a tip for each component to help your casserole truly shine.

10 large eggs: The backbone of your casserole, creating a fluffy, protein-rich base that holds every ingredient together.
1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%): Adds luscious creaminess and helps achieve that irresistible, tender custard texture.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Extra-virgin is ideal for sautéing and infusing a subtle flavor into the veggies.
1 medium onion, diced: Provides sweetness and depth; sautéing until translucent brings out its natural sugars.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Gives the dish its signature aromatic punch—don’t skip for maximum flavor!
5 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Baby spinach is tender and wilts perfectly, but regular spinach works beautifully too.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together without overpowering the other ingredients.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick that balances the richness of the eggs and cheese.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional): Just a little nutmeg adds a subtle, classic warmth that elevates the whole dish.
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey strings that bind everything with a mild creaminess.
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, golden, slightly salty finish.
2 cups day-old bread cubes: Slightly stale bread soaks up the egg mixture without breaking down, keeping the casserole hearty.

How to Make Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, either with cooking spray or a brush of olive oil. This helps the Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole Recipe lift easily from the pan, and a little olive oil subtly enhances the flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat that olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then toss in the diced onion. Let it sweat for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes beautifully translucent. Stir in your minced garlic and let it sizzle for just 30 seconds—trust me, this quick step makes all the difference. Next, heap in all the roughly chopped spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, wilted but vibrant. Season everything in the skillet with salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg if you’re feeling classic. Take the pan off the heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk, plus a little more salt and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and frothy—not only does this make the Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole Recipe fluffy, it ensures every bite is seasoned just right.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Scatter your bread cubes evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish. Spoon the sautéed spinach mixture over the bread, distributing it so every piece gets a little love. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the spinach, then slowly pour the egg mixture across the entire dish. You’ll see the bread start to soak up the custard. This is how you get that dreamy texture!

Step 5: Top with Parmesan Cheese

Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese generously over the top—this layer bakes into a crispy, golden topping that’s impossible to resist.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. To check, insert a knife or toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, your masterpiece is ready.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This brief pause helps everything set, making it much easier to cut neat squares that hold together. Serve warm and enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A simple shower of extra Parmesan or a scattering of fresh parsley boosts both looks and flavor. A little sprinkle of red pepper flakes is great for those who love a touch of heat. If you want to get fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving is a beautiful finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Pair your Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole Recipe with simple sides: a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or fresh fruit are all excellent companions. For an indulgent brunch, consider adding oven-roasted potatoes or buttery croissants.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the casserole into triangles for a charming, bistro-style look. For brunch parties, bake the mixture in muffin tins for individual servings. Serve on a platter garnished with colorful cherry tomatoes, or top each portion with a poached egg for ultimate decadence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover leftover casserole with foil or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of baking. Properly stored, it keeps well for up to 3 days, making weekday breakfasts a breeze.

Freezing

To freeze, let the Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole Recipe cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic and foil, or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will hold its flavor and texture for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze as individual portions.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Or, microwave individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes until heated through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for even results.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out every bit of moisture. This prevents the casserole from becoming watery, so you maintain that delicious, custardy interior.

Can I prepare the Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole Recipe the night before?

Yes, and it’s a huge timesaver! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake as directed—you’ll have a hot, homemade breakfast with zero morning stress.

What’s the best bread to use for this casserole?

Day-old, crusty bread works wonders, as it holds together and soaks up all the eggy custard. Sourdough, French baguette, and Italian loafs are all excellent options. Avoid super soft sandwich bread, as it can turn mushy.

Can I add meat or other vegetables?

Definitely! This Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole Recipe is very flexible. You can fold in cooked bacon, ham, or sautéed mushrooms and peppers for extra heartiness and flavor. Just make sure to keep the overall ingredient quantities about the same.

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The top will be puffed and golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean. If you see any liquid egg, pop it back in the oven for a few more minutes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for an easy, crowd-pleasing breakfast with Italian-inspired flair, this Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole Recipe delivers every time. Give it a try—even just once—and I promise it will earn a permanent place in your brunch repertoire! Let your kitchen fill with the wonderful aroma of herbs, cheese, and toasty bread, and get ready for the best breakfast smiles.