This Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and nutritious dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or meal prep. With layers of eggs, spinach, cheese, and flavorful seasonings, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and flavorful: Packed with spinach and eggs for a protein- and veggie-rich meal.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or proteins to suit your taste.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it the night before and bake in the morning.
- Perfect for gatherings: Ideal for brunches, potlucks, or holiday mornings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh spinach, chopped (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- Eggs
- Milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- Cheese (such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Swiss)
- Onion, finely diced
- Garlic, minced
- Butter or olive oil
- Bread cubes (optional, for a heartier casserole)
- Salt and pepper
- Nutmeg (optional, for a classic Florentine touch)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Sauté Spinach: In a skillet, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted (if using fresh). Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Stir in shredded cheese.
- Assemble Casserole: Layer bread cubes (if using) at the bottom of the baking dish. Spread the spinach mixture evenly on top. Pour the egg mixture over the spinach and top with additional cheese if desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Add protein: Include cooked sausage, diced ham, or crispy bacon for extra flavor.
- Vegetarian upgrades: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or tomatoes for more vegetables.
- Cheese variety: Try feta, goat cheese, or Gruyère for a gourmet twist.
- Low-carb option: Skip the bread cubes for a keto-friendly casserole.
- Herb-infused: Mix in fresh basil, parsley, or dill for added freshness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe the night before?
Yes, assemble the casserole and store it covered in the fridge. Bake it fresh in the morning.
2. Can I use frozen spinach?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
3. What’s the best cheese for this casserole?
Mozzarella, cheddar, or Swiss work well, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.
4. Can I skip the bread cubes?
Yes, omitting the bread makes this a lighter, low-carb dish.
5. How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?
Ensure the spinach is well-drained and avoid adding excess liquid to the egg mixture.
6. Can I use egg substitutes?
Yes, you can use liquid egg substitutes or a mix of whole eggs and egg whites.
7. What sides go well with this casserole?
Pair it with fresh fruit, a green salad, or crispy hash browns for a complete meal.
8. Can I add cream instead of milk?
Yes, using half-and-half or heavy cream will make the casserole richer and creamier.
9. How can I tell when the casserole is done?
The center should be set and no longer jiggly when gently shaken. You can also test with a knife; it should come out clean.
10. Can I scale the recipe up or down?
Yes, adjust the ingredient quantities based on the size of your baking dish and servings needed.
Conclusion
Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole is a delightful way to start your day, offering a balance of hearty flavors and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or prepping meals for the week, this versatile and satisfying dish will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy it warm, flavorful, and packed with goodness!
Print
Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, savory dish perfect for brunches, family breakfasts, or meal prep. Made with layers of tender spinach, eggs, cheese, and a touch of garlic, it’s a delicious and nutritious way to start the day. Serve with fresh fruit or a side salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 10 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 5 oz fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg (optional, for a classic Florentine flavor)
- 1 cup bread cubes (stale bread works best)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the spinach:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted (if using fresh). Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mix the egg base:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Spread the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Layer the cooked spinach and onion mixture over the bread cubes.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the spinach layer.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top. Use a spoon to gently press down on the bread so it absorbs the egg mixture.
- Add optional toppings:
- If desired, scatter cherry tomato halves over the top for a pop of color and flavor.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is set and lightly golden on top. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Serve:
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute bread cubes with gluten-free bread or omit them entirely.
- Add cooked sausage, bacon, or mushrooms for extra heartiness.