If you adore classic brunch dishes that feel luxurious yet comforting, this Baked Eggs Florentine Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine silky spinach bathed in a rich, tangy cream sauce, crowned with perfectly baked eggs whose yolks ooze golden sunshine as you cut into them. It’s a simple but stunning dish that elevates everyday breakfast eggs into something truly special. Whether for a weekend treat or an impressive brunch with friends, this recipe is a delightful way to savor fresh flavors with just the right touch of indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Baked Eggs Florentine Recipe lies in its fresh, straightforward ingredients—each one adding a vital note to the final symphony of flavors and textures. From vibrant spinach to the creamy Parmesan richness, these components work perfectly together.
- 1 pound spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed and squeezed): This verdant green brings a slightly earthy flavor and a beautiful base for our sauce.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a silky richness that carries the garlic and spinach flavor beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Offers a bright aromatic kick that wakes up the whole dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety sauce that wraps the spinach in comforting creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Infuses the dish with a fresh citrus brightness to balance the richness.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Adds a zesty punch that lifts the flavors and keeps things lively.
- â…› teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated): A secret warming spice that deepens the flavor complexity.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance all the subtle flavors.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping): Brings umami depth and a delightful golden crust when baked.
- 4 large fresh eggs: The star ingredient whose creamy yolks and tender whites complete the dish.
How to Make Baked Eggs Florentine Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by warming your oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting the oven ready early means you’ll slide the skillet in right after assembling the dish, ensuring the eggs bake evenly to perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Spinach
If you’re using fresh spinach, wash it thoroughly to remove any grit, then drain it well to prevent excess water from thinning your creamy sauce. If using frozen, just make sure it’s fully thawed and squeeze out all moisture.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic in Butter
In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté until you can smell its fragrant aroma—about one minute. This step builds the flavor base for your luscious sauce.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach
Add your spinach to the skillet a handful at a time, stirring until it wilts and reduces in volume. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors. This warming process brings out the spinach’s rich texture.
Step 5: Add Cream and Flavorings
Next, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Sprinkle in the nutmeg and stir gently as the mixture simmers and thickens into a velvety sauce that perfectly coats the spinach.
Step 6: Incorporate Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan into the creamy spinach. This cheese melts right in, infusing the sauce with a savory, slightly nutty depth. Taste the mixture now and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7: Add the Eggs
Using the back of a spoon, make four small wells in the spinach mixture—just enough to hold each egg. Crack an egg carefully into each well, then season the eggs lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper. This delicate step ensures each egg bakes evenly while nestled in creamy goodness.
Step 8: Top with Extra Parmesan
Sprinkle a little more Parmesan cheese around the skillet, focusing on the spinach and not covering the egg yolks. This topping will melt and create a gorgeously golden, slightly crispy finish.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Pop the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You want the whites to be set firmly while the yolks stay just a little runny – the perfect indulgent texture that makes this dish irresistible.
Step 10: Rest Before Serving
Remove your skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This settling time allows the eggs to finish cooking gently and lets the flavors mingle, making every bite luscious and harmonious.
How to Serve Baked Eggs Florentine Recipe
Garnishes
A beautiful garnish can elevate the presentation and flavor of your Baked Eggs Florentine Recipe. Fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley add a pop of vibrant color and brightness. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper and extra Parmesan right before serving adds a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crunchy toasted bread to soak up the creamy sauce and runny yolks. For a heartier meal, serve alongside crispy breakfast potatoes or a light mixed green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette. These accompaniments balance comfort with freshness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, consider dividing cooked spinach mixture among individual ramekins and baking eggs directly in each one. It’s charming and makes for an inviting presentation. Or, serve it family-style straight from the skillet to keep things warm and cozy, encouraging everyone to dig in and share the joy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Eggs Florentine Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Be sure to cool it quickly then store to preserve freshness and prevent sogginess in the spinach mixture.
Freezing
Since the dish contains delicate baked eggs, freezing is not recommended as the texture of the eggs can become rubbery and watery upon thawing. Instead, freeze the spinach cream mixture separately if desired, then bake fresh eggs on top when ready to serve.
Reheating
For reheating, use a gentle method like warming in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) or microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking the eggs. Adding a splash of cream before reheating can help refresh the sauce’s creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it fully and squeeze out all excess moisture to avoid watering down the creamy sauce.
How do I know when the eggs are perfectly baked?
The eggs are done when the whites are set and opaque but the yolks still wobble slightly when you gently shake the pan. This usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes in a 375°F oven.
Can I prepare this recipe without cream?
You could try substituting with milk or a non-dairy milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. Heavy cream is what gives the dish that luscious, indulgent texture.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegetarian-friendly, relying on fresh eggs, spinach, and cheese without any meat ingredients.
What can I do if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, you can prepare the spinach mixture in it, then transfer everything to a baking dish to add the eggs and bake. Just be gentle when transferring to keep the layers intact.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the warm comfort of Baked Eggs Florentine Recipe that feels like a hug in food form. Its delicate balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors makes it a standout in any brunch lineup. I really encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s easy to make yet feels like a luxurious treat every time. Once you taste those tender baked eggs nestled in spinach and Parmesan, you’ll be sharing this with friends and family again and again.
Print
Baked Eggs Florentine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Baked Eggs Florentine is a delightful and creamy dish featuring tender spinach cooked in a rich lemon-infused cream sauce, topped with perfectly baked eggs and Parmesan cheese. This elegant yet simple recipe makes a perfect breakfast, brunch, or light dinner option that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Ingredients
Spinach Mixture
- 1 pound spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed and 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)
- â…› teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
Eggs
- 4 large fresh eggs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the eggs florentine.
- Prepare Spinach: Wash the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt. Drain well to ensure no excess water remains.
- Sauté Garlic: In a 10 to 12-inch oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Cook Spinach: Gradually add the spinach to the skillet, stirring occasionally until it wilts. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Add Cream and Flavorings: Reduce heat and pour in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Sprinkle in the nutmeg, then stir and simmer gently until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the creamy spinach mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Create Wells for Eggs: Using a spoon, create wells in the spinach mixture. Crack the eggs carefully into the wells, seasoning each with a bit of salt and pepper.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the spinach mixture, taking care to avoid covering the egg yolks.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain slightly runny.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure the eggs finish setting and flavors meld.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for best flavor, though frozen can be a convenient alternative when thawed and drained well.
- Adjust the cooking time in the oven to achieve your preferred egg yolk consistency – less time for runnier yolks, more for firmer.
- Freshly grated nutmeg adds warmth and depth to the cream sauce, but it can be omitted if unavailable.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or toasted English muffins for a complete meal.
