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