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Few things bring people together like a warm, hearty meal shared over brunch. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply treating your loved ones, the Delicious Spinach Florentine Brunch Bake is a showstopper. This dish combines simple ingredients, rich flavors, and a touch of elegance, making it perfect for any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: a creamy, cheesy casserole with layers of tender spinach, fluffy eggs, and savory bread cubes baked to golden perfection. This bake is more than just food; it’s a comforting experience. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also versatile, catering to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in nutritious greens without compromising on flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients for this recipe. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
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Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Large eggs | 10 | Provides structure and flavor. |
Whole milk | 1 cup | Creates a creamy texture. |
Heavy cream (optional) | 1/2 cup | Adds extra richness. |
Olive oil or butter | 1 tbsp | For sautéing. |
Garlic cloves, minced | 3 | Enhances flavor. |
Fresh spinach | 5 oz (or 1 package frozen) | Packed with nutrients. |
Shredded mozzarella | 1 cup | Melts beautifully for a gooey layer. |
Grated Parmesan | 1/2 cup | Adds a nutty, salty note. |
Salt | 1 tsp | To taste. |
Black pepper | 1/2 tsp | Adds mild heat. |
Nutmeg (optional) | 1/2 tsp | Classic Florentine flavor. |
Bread cubes | 1 cup | Stale bread works best. |
Diced onions | 1/2 cup | Adds a savory base. |
Cherry tomatoes (optional) | 1/2 cup halved | Adds color and tanginess. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or olive oil.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Toss in the spinach and cook until wilted if using fresh. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s thawed and drained before adding.
- Set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
3. Mix the Egg Base
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream (if using), salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the Bake
- Spread the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of your greased dish.
- Layer the sautéed spinach, onion, and garlic mixture over the bread.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the spinach layer.
- Pour the egg mixture gently over the top, ensuring all bread cubes are soaked. Use a spoon to press down lightly.
5. Add Optional Toppings
- For added color and flavor, scatter cherry tomato halves over the top.
6. Bake to Perfection
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- The bake is ready when it’s lightly golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Success
1. Use Stale Bread
Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better, giving you a firm, satisfying texture. If your bread is fresh, toast it lightly before using.
2. Customize Your Ingredients
This recipe is incredibly flexible. Add cooked bacon, ham, or mushrooms for extra flavor. Swap mozzarella for cheddar or Gruyère for a unique twist.
3. Make It Ahead
Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, bake it directly from the fridge (add 5–10 minutes to the baking time).
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 280–300 |
Protein | 16g |
Carbohydrates | 12g |
Fats | 20g |
Fiber | 2g |
Calcium | 150mg |
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the bread cubes with gluten-free bread. The texture and flavor will remain delicious.
2. How can I store leftovers?
Cover the dish tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes. Once cooled, wrap the bake tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
4. What can I pair with this bake?
Serve it with a fresh green salad, fruit platter, or crispy hash browns for a complete brunch experience.
5. Can I use other vegetables?
Definitely! Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms make great additions. Just sauté them before adding.
6. What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
You can replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or omit it altogether. The dish will still be flavorful.
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Final Thoughts
The Delicious Spinach Florentine Brunch Bake isn’t just a dish; it’s an invitation to gather around the table and enjoy a moment of connection. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and full of flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and again. So, preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to wow your family and friends.
Try this recipe today and share the joy!
PrintDelicious Spinach Florentine Brunch Bake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Spinach Florentine Brunch Bake combines tender spinach, fluffy eggs, savory bread cubes, and gooey cheese into a golden, comforting casserole. Perfect for brunch gatherings or a special breakfast, this dish is easy to prepare, highly customizable, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
- 10 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 5 ounces fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup bread cubes (stale bread preferred)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or olive oil.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted (if fresh). If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s thawed and drained before adding. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix the Egg Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream (if using), salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the sautéed spinach, onion, and garlic mixture over the bread cubes.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the spinach layer.
- Pour the egg mixture gently over the top, ensuring all bread cubes are soaked. Press down lightly with a spoon to help absorb the liquid.
- Add Optional Toppings:
- Scatter halved cherry tomatoes on top for added color and flavor.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the top is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American