Cozy Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole Recipe for Chilly Days

My recent obsession with hearty spinach florentine breakfast casserole has transformed weekend mornings into delightful culinary adventures.

Layers of fluffy eggs, creamy cheese, and vibrant greens promise a satisfying meal that awakens sleepy taste buds.

Weekends call for something special beyond rushed morning routines.

Mediterranean influences shine through this comforting dish that blends simplicity with elegant flavors.

Nutritious ingredients combine to create a breakfast masterpiece that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Crispy edges and soft centers make each bite a delectable experience.

Whip up this casserole and watch faces light up with pure breakfast joy.

What Makes Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole Special

• Loaded with creamy eggs, melted cheese, and nutritious spinach, this dish satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its delicious blend of flavors.
• Easily customize with additional ingredients like ham, bacon, or different cheeses, making it adaptable for various taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Prepare the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning, saving precious time during hectic weekday mornings while ensuring a hot, nutritious breakfast.

All the Ingredients for Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole

• Bread Cubes: Soft and absorbent foundation for the casserole, preferably day-old bread for better texture.

• Eggs, Milk, Heavy Cream: Rich protein and creamy base that binds the casserole together, providing luxurious texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty and sharp cheeses that add depth and creamy richness.

• Spinach, Onions, Garlic: Fresh green vegetables and aromatic base that provide earthy flavor and nutritional boost. Fresh spinach recommended for best taste.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Optional bright component that adds color and fresh flavor burst.

• Salt, Pepper, Nutmeg: Essential spices that enhance overall flavor profile, with nutmeg adding warm, subtle depth.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Neutral cooking fats for sautéing vegetables, each offering slightly different flavor.

• Parsley, Basil: Fresh herbs that provide bright, fresh finish to the dish.

Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole: The How-To

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to roast at 375F (190C). Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Drizzle olive oil into a skillet over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring until they become translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Prepare Leafy Greens

• Fresh spinach leaves
• Frozen spinach (thawed and drained)

Cook until spinach wilts completely. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 4: Create Creamy Egg Mixture

• Whole eggs
• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Ground nutmeg

Step 5: Build Delicious Layers

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 6: Pour and Soak

Gently pour the egg mixture over the layers. Use a spoon to press down, helping bread absorb the liquid.

Step 7: Add Optional Brightness

Scatter halved cherry tomatoes across the top for extra color and flavor.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the casserole sets and turns golden brown. Test doneness by inserting a knife- it should come out clean.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Slice and serve while warm.

Tips That Boost Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole

• Drain Spinach Thoroughly: Pat spinach completely dry to prevent a soggy casserole, using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
• Bread Selection Matters: Choose day-old crusty bread like sourdough or ciabatta for better texture and absorption of egg mixture, preventing mushy results.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, fontina, or goat cheese to elevate flavor profile and add complexity to the dish.
• Temperature Control Technique: Allow casserole to rest 5-10 minutes after baking, which helps set the eggs and makes cutting cleaner and more precise.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate, then bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast that saves valuable morning preparation time.

Storing and Heating Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 45-60 seconds, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness.
• Warm the entire casserole in a preheated 350F oven for 15-20 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and retain moisture.
• Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve with Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole

• Choose a crisp, acidic white like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of the cheesy casserole, balancing its creamy texture with bright, refreshing notes.
• Steep a light chamomile or green tea to complement the spinach's earthy flavors, providing a delicate and soothing counterpoint to the hearty breakfast dish.
• Craft a fresh orange and lemon juice blend with a hint of mint, offering a zesty, palate-cleansing drink that enhances the casserole's savory profile and adds a vibrant morning touch.
• Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to introduce a peppery, tangy element that cuts through the casserole's richness and adds a fresh, crisp component to the breakfast spread.

Spin-Off Ideas for Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole

Vegetarian Protein Power: Replace eggs with tofu scramble and add extra firm tofu cubes for plant-based protein boost. Season with turmeric and nutritional yeast for rich flavor.

Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Swap bread cubes with roasted cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates. Use almond flour as light binding agent between layers for texture.

Gluten-Free Mediterranean Style: Use gluten-free bread or quinoa instead of traditional bread. Add kalamata olives and feta cheese for Greek-inspired flavor profile. Incorporate sundried tomatoes for extra depth.

Keto Friendly Spin: Replace milk and bread with cauliflower rice and heavy cream. Use full-fat cheeses like gruyere and add crispy bacon bits for additional fat content. Increase egg ratio to maintain ketogenic macronutrient balance.

Common Questions on Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Simply cover the unbaked casserole with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking and then follow the baking instructions.

• Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! This Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole is already vegetarian. Just ensure all your ingredients like cheese and milk are vegetarian-friendly.

• Can I freeze this breakfast casserole?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely, then wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

• What type of bread works best for this recipe?

Day-old or slightly stale bread works great as it absorbs the egg mixture better. Brioche, sourdough, or French bread are excellent choices for this casserole.

Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired spinach florentine breakfast casserole brings hearty morning comfort with layers of creamy eggs, tender spinach, and melted cheese. Nutritious ingredients create a perfect brunch centerpiece savored by hungry guests eager to start their day deliciously.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 10 large eggs
• 5 ounces (140 grams) fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup bread cubes
• ½ cup diced onions
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and aromatic, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until completely wilted and moisture has evaporated, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let the spinach mixture cool slightly.
4. Crack eggs into a spacious mixing bowl and whisk vigorously with milk, heavy cream, salt, ground black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg until thoroughly combined and slightly frothy.
5. Distribute bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform base layer.
6. Spread the cooked spinach and onion mixture uniformly over the bread cubes, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the spinach layer, creating a rich, melty topping.
8. Carefully pour the egg mixture over the entire casserole, gently pressing down on the bread with a spoon to help it absorb the liquid.
9. Optional: Halve cherry tomatoes and scatter them decoratively across the surface for added color and flavor.
10. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top turns a delicate golden brown.
11. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps it firm up and makes slicing easier.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, slice into portions, and serve warm.

Notes

• Drain spinach thoroughly to prevent a soggy casserole, using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out excess moisture.
• Customize bread selection with day-old sourdough, brioche, or gluten-free alternatives for different dietary needs and flavor profiles.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time by chopping onions, wilting spinach, and cubing bread the night before to streamline morning cooking.
• Enhance protein content by adding cooked bacon, ham, or crispy prosciutto for extra depth and texture without compromising the dish’s lightness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 250 mg