There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, cheesy, flavorful breakfast. Enter Baked Eggs Florentine—a brunch dish that takes humble ingredients like spinach, eggs, and Parmesan and transforms them into a rich, creamy, restaurant-worthy delight. Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning, a special holiday brunch, or a cozy breakfast-for-dinner situation, this dish has a way of making everyone feel a little extra pampered.
The beauty of Baked Eggs Florentine lies in its balance: tender spinach sautéed with garlic, a luscious cream sauce brightened by lemon juice and zest, and perfectly baked eggs with slightly runny yolks that mingle with the cheesy, nutmeg-scented cream. It’s a dish that’s elegant yet surprisingly simple, requiring just a few fresh ingredients and a little patience. Once you try it, you’ll find it’s a brunch you’ll want to repeat time and again.
Recipe Overview
Baked Eggs Florentine is a warm, oven-baked dish featuring garlicky sautéed spinach in a creamy, lemon-infused sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh eggs baked to perfection. It’s a simple, no-fuss dish that combines bright, fresh flavors with indulgent creaminess—a perfect centerpiece for brunch, breakfast, or even a cozy dinner.
Ingredients & Instructions
Here’s everything you need, along with tips to ensure your Florentine comes out perfectly every time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spinach (fresh or thawed frozen, squeezed of moisture)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 4 large fresh eggs
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking once your skillet is assembled.
2. Prepare the Spinach
Wash and thoroughly drain your spinach. If using frozen spinach, be sure to squeeze out excess moisture to avoid a watery dish.
3. Sauté the Garlic and Spinach
Melt butter in a 10–12 inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Gradually add the spinach, stirring occasionally until fully wilted. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Tip: Use fresh spinach for a brighter flavor, but thawed frozen spinach works perfectly for convenience.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add nutmeg and simmer gently until slightly thickened.
Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
5. Add the Eggs
Create four wells in the spinach mixture and carefully crack an egg into each well. Lightly season each egg with salt and pepper.
6. Top with Extra Cheese
Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the spinach and eggs, avoiding the yolks. This will create a beautiful golden crust as it bakes.
7. Bake
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until egg whites are set but yolks remain slightly runny.
Tip: For firmer yolks, bake for an extra 2–3 minutes, but keep a close eye—they cook quickly.
8. Rest and Serve
Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving. This gives the sauce a chance to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation, or transfer to individual plates.
Cooking Tips & Variations
1. Cheese Variations
- Substitute Parmesan with Gruyère, Fontina, or Mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Mix cheeses for a richer, more complex taste.
2. Add Extras
- Sautéed mushrooms or cherry tomatoes add a flavorful twist.
- Crumbled cooked bacon or prosciutto adds a salty, savory note.
3. Make It Lighter
- Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Combine fresh spinach with kale for added nutrients.
4. Oven-Safe Skillet
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the spinach mixture to a baking dish before adding eggs.
5. Meal Prep Tip
- This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the spinach base in advance. Store in the fridge and add eggs just before baking.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Best enjoyed immediately for runny yolks and creamy texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty toast, sourdough, or buttered English muffins.
- Pair with a light green salad or roasted potatoes for a complete brunch.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Baked Eggs Florentine is a sophisticated yet approachable dish that elevates a classic breakfast with creamy, garlicky spinach, zesty lemon, and perfectly baked eggs. Its balance of flavors—rich, fresh, and slightly tangy—makes it a standout on any brunch table. Quick enough for a weekend treat but elegant enough for entertaining, it’s a dish that impresses without stress.
Once you master this recipe, you’ll find yourself turning to it again and again whenever you want a comforting, flavorful meal that feels like a treat.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before cooking.
2. How do I get perfectly runny yolks?
Bake for 12–15 minutes, checking closely. Remove from the oven once whites are set but yolks are still soft.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut or oat cream and use a plant-based Parmesan alternative.
4. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even roasted peppers complement this dish well.
5. Is it okay to prepare the spinach ahead?
Yes, prep the spinach base in advance and refrigerate. Add eggs just before baking.
Baked Eggs Florentine features garlicky spinach in a creamy, lemony sauce with Parmesan and perfectly baked eggs. Easy, elegant brunch ready in 15 minutes.
