Description

Baked Eggs Florentine is a delicious and nutritious dish featuring tender sautéed spinach layered with creamy cheese and topped with perfectly baked eggs. This elegant breakfast or brunch recipe combines aromatic garlic and onions with rich cheeses and a touch of nutmeg for a warm, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and impressively flavorful.

Ingredients

Eggs and Cheese

4 large eggs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped (or thawed frozen spinach, squeezed dry)

Dairy and Seasonings

2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Garnish

1 tablespoon fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

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: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the spinach and sauté until wilted if fresh, or heated through if frozen, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Transfer this spinach mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish or ramekins.
Prepare the Creamy Base: Drizzle the heavy cream or half-and-half over the spinach mixture and evenly sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese atop it to add creaminess and depth.
Add the Eggs: Using the back of a spoon, create four small wells in the spinach mixture. Carefully crack one egg into each well, keeping the yolk intact. Season the eggs lightly with salt and pepper.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese over the entire dish, avoiding the egg yolks so they remain visible and cook evenly.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes for slightly runny yolks or 18-20 minutes for fully set yolks, depending on your preference.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve warm alongside crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

Use fresh spinach for best texture, but frozen spinach works well if thoroughly drained.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half in place of heavy cream.
Adjust baking time depending on how you prefer your egg yolks—watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Customize with cheeses like Gruyère or fontina for different flavor profiles.
Serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor.