Cheesy Dream: The Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Weekends call for something special, and this creamy spinach florentine breakfast casserole delivers pure morning magic.

Rich layers of eggs, cheese, and tender spinach create a luxurious start to any day.

Hearty and comforting, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen table.

Brunch enthusiasts will adore the elegant combination of classic ingredients.

Each bite offers a perfect blend of soft eggs and vibrant spinach.

The casserole comes together with surprising ease, making it ideal for lazy mornings or weekend gatherings.

Dive into this delectable morning masterpiece that promises to satisfy and surprise.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 352 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients To Make Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole

• Bread Cubes: Sturdy vehicle for absorbing egg mixture, choose day-old rustic bread for best texture and structure.
• Eggs, Milk, Heavy Cream: Creamy custard foundation creating luxurious, silky texture and rich flavor profile.

• Spinach: Nutrient-dense green providing earthy flavor and vibrant color, select fresh or frozen spinach for maximum freshness.
• Onions: Sweet aromatic base adding depth and subtle sweetness, opt for yellow or white varieties.
• Garlic: Intense flavor enhancer bringing warmth and complexity to the dish.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Optional bright accent offering sweet-tangy burst and beautiful visual appeal.

• Mozzarella, Parmesan Cheese: Melty, tangy cheese blend creating golden crispy top and rich umami undertones.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor boosters balancing overall taste profile.
• Nutmeg: Delicate warming spice complementing egg and dairy components.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Cooking fat providing smooth sautéing medium and subtle richness.
• Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Basil): Optional vibrant garnish adding fresh aromatic finish.

Tools For Cooking Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing onions, garlic, and spinach.
• Large mixing bowl: Ideal for whisking eggs and creating the creamy base.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending eggs and creating a smooth mixture.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Useful for chopping and preparing vegetables.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps with stirring and mixing ingredients.

How To Prepare Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole Step-By-Step

• Morning Preparation

Warm up your kitchen by heating the oven to a cozy 375F. Grab a baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

• Flavor Foundation

In a skillet, dance some onions and garlic around until they become soft and fragrant. Toss in fresh spinach and let it shimmer until it relaxes and turns a deep green.

• Egg Symphony

Crack open eggs into a big mixing bowl and whisk them with milk, creating a silky base. Sprinkle in some salt, pepper, and a whisper of nutmeg for depth.

• Casserole Construction

Layer bread pieces across the bottom of your dish like a delicious puzzle. Spread the spinach mixture over the bread, then shower generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Pour your egg mixture evenly, letting it seep into every delightful crevice.

• Golden Moment

Slide the dish into the oven and let it bake until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the center becomes firm. This usually takes about 35 minutes.

• Serving Celebration

Let your masterpiece rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can add a final touch of magic to your morning feast.

Tips To Customize Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole

• Perfect Spinach Secrets: Breakfast Casserole Pro Tips
• Moisture Control: Squeeze excess water from spinach after cooking to prevent a soggy casserole bottom. Drain thoroughly using a clean kitchen towel or fine-mesh strainer for best texture.
• Bread Selection Magic: Use day-old crusty bread or brioche for maximum egg absorption and richer flavor profile. Stale bread works best because it soaks up the egg mixture without becoming mushy.
• Cheese Upgrade: Mix different cheese varieties like gruyère or fontina with mozzarella for deeper, more complex taste. Experiment with sharp cheeses to elevate the overall dish complexity.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Replace bread cubes with cauliflower or zucchini pieces for a keto-friendly version. This substitution reduces carbohydrates while maintaining the casserole's creamy texture.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Simply bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time for perfect morning convenience.

Ideas For Serving Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole Hot

• Breakfast Brunch Bonanza: Elevate your spinach florentine casserole experience with these delightful serving suggestions.
• Protein Power-Up: Add crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or crumbled breakfast sausage on top for a hearty protein boost that complements the creamy egg base.
• Fresh Herb Flair: Sprinkle chopped fresh chives, dill, or basil just before serving to introduce a bright, aromatic element that cuts through the rich, cheesy layers.
• Side Kick Companions: Pair with a light mixed green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or serve alongside fresh fruit salad to balance the casserole's richness and add a refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting dish.

Keep Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole For Later Meals

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Always use clean utensils when handling to prevent bacterial contamination.
• Freezing Brilliance: Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, ensuring no air exposure. Freeze up to 2 months for maximum taste and texture preservation. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. For larger portions, use the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning.
• Meal Prep Wisdom: Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it covered in the refrigerator before baking. This technique allows flavors to meld and saves precious morning cooking time, perfect for busy households or weekend gatherings.

Hearty Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory spinach florentine breakfast casserole brings Italian-inspired comfort to morning meals. Layers of creamy eggs, fresh spinach, and melted cheese create a satisfying brunch experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 10 large eggs
• 1 cup (237 ml/8 fl oz) whole milk
• ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 g/3.5 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 g/1.8 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
• 5 oz (140 g) fresh spinach
• ½ cup (75 g/2.6 oz) diced onions
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup (80 g/2.8 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tbsp (15 ml/0.5 fl oz) olive oil or butter
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 1 cup (120 g/4.2 oz) bread cubes

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent, then incorporate spinach and wilt completely.
3. Create Custard Base: Whisk eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Layer Foundation: Arrange bread cubes evenly across the baking dish, then top with the sautéed spinach and onion mixture.
5. Add Cheese Layer: Distribute mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously over the spinach, creating a rich, melty surface.
6. Incorporate Liquid: Gently pour egg mixture over the entire casserole, pressing bread to ensure thorough absorption, and optionally scatter cherry tomatoes on top.
7. Baking Process: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and center is completely set.
8. Finishing Touches: Let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes, garnish with fresh herbs, slice, and serve warm for a luxurious breakfast experience.

Notes

• Optimize Bread Absorption: Use day-old or slightly stale bread cubes to ensure maximum egg mixture absorption and create a more custardy texture without becoming soggy.
• Prevent Watery Outcome: Thoroughly drain excess moisture from sautéed spinach by gently pressing with paper towels, preventing a watery casserole and maintaining a firm consistency.
• Cheese Temperature Trick: Allow cheese to reach room temperature before sprinkling to ensure more even melting and better distribution throughout the casserole.
• Dietary Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter version, and use gluten-free bread for a celiac-friendly alternative that maintains the dish’s rich flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 352
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 265 mg