Description
Baked Eggs Florentine is a classic French-inspired breakfast dish featuring tender sautéed spinach in a creamy, nutmeg-spiced sauce topped with perfectly baked eggs and Parmesan cheese. It’s a simple, elegant meal ideal for a nutritious start to the day.
Ingredients
Scale
Spinach Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Eggs and Topping
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (optional)
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease four ramekins or a small baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté shallot: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and add the finely chopped shallot. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma without browning.
- Wilt spinach: Incorporate the chopped fresh spinach into the skillet and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted and tender.
- Create creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle with ground nutmeg. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Assemble in ramekins: Distribute the spinach mixture evenly into the prepared ramekins or spread it as a base in the baking dish. Make small wells in the center of each portion for the eggs.
- Add eggs and toppings: Carefully crack one egg into each well. Sprinkle evenly with grated Parmesan cheese and, if desired, breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.
- Bake: Place the ramekins or dish in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the egg whites are just set and the yolks remain soft.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a firmer yolk, extend baking time to 16–18 minutes.
- Substitute kale or Swiss chard if spinach is unavailable or for a different flavor.
- Enjoy with toasted bread or a light salad to make it a complete meal.
