I’ll never forget the first time I tried Baked Eggs Florentine. It was a chilly autumn morning, and I was visiting my aunt’s cozy farmhouse for the weekend. As I stepped into the kitchen, the aroma of sautéed spinach and fragrant spices enveloped me, instantly transporting me to a state of pure comfort. My aunt greeted me with a warm smile and a steaming plate of Baked Eggs Florentine, and from the very first bite, I knew this dish would become a staple in my culinary repertoire.
The velvety yolks, the perfectly wilted spinach, and the creamy hollandaise sauce – it was a symphony of flavors that danced on my tongue. I couldn’t believe how simple yet utterly delicious this Baked Eggs Florentine recipe was. Ever since that day, it’s become my go-to dish for weekend brunches, lazy Sunday mornings, and even the occasional weeknight dinner.
Table of Contents
Why This Baked Eggs Florentine Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Baked Eggs Florentine
This Baked Eggs Florentine recipe is truly special because it combines the classic flavors of Eggs Florentine with the ease and convenience of baking. By baking the eggs instead of poaching them, you can enjoy the same rich, creamy texture without the hassle of tending to the stovetop. Plus, this recipe yields 6 servings, making it the perfect dish to share with family and friends.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Baked Eggs Florentine recipe, you’ll need:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1/2 cup hollandaise sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Baked Eggs Florentine Instructions
Preparing Your Baked Eggs Florentine
This recipe takes 25 minutes total – 10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. To get started, you’ll need a 9-inch baking dish and a few basic kitchen tools. Preheat your oven to 375°F and gather all your ingredients.
1- Begin by sautéing the spinach in a skillet with 1 tablespoon of butter until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer the spinach to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess moisture.
2- In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, then gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
3- Crack the 6 eggs into the prepared baking dish, being careful not to break the yolks. Evenly distribute the sautéed spinach over the eggs, then pour the creamy sauce over the top.
4- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the egg whites are set, and the yolks are still slightly runny.
5- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
6- Scoop the Baked Eggs Florentine onto plates and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Baked Eggs Florentine turn out perfectly, here are a few pro tips:
- Be sure to sauté the spinach until it’s completely wilted to remove any excess moisture.
- Gently crack the eggs into the baking dish to keep the yolks intact.
- Keep a close eye on the eggs during the baking process to prevent overcooking.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your personal taste preferences.
Serving and Storing Your Baked Eggs Florentine
Perfect Pairings for Baked Eggs Florentine
This Baked Eggs Florentine recipe serves 6 people, with each portion being 1 serving. It’s the perfect dish to serve for a special brunch or as a satisfying weeknight dinner. Pair it with a fresh green salad, some crusty bread, and a mimosa or freshly squeezed orange juice for a complete and delightful meal.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Baked Eggs Florentine can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. For a make-ahead option, you can prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate it unbaked. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Baked Eggs Florentine
Creative Baked Eggs Florentine Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to put a spin on this classic Baked Eggs Florentine recipe. Try swapping the spinach for kale or arugula, or add some diced ham or crumbled bacon for a heartier dish. You could also experiment with different cheese varieties, such as goat cheese or feta, to change up the flavor profile.
Making Baked Eggs Florentine Diet-Friendly
To make this Baked Eggs Florentine recipe more diet-friendly, you can use low-fat milk and Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream in the sauce. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Vegans can enjoy a plant-based version by using silken tofu or cashew cream in place of the eggs and dairy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen spinach in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the dish.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 6 servings, with each serving being 1 serving.
Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate it unbaked. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed.
Q: How do I know when the eggs are done?
A: The eggs are ready when the whites are set, and the yolks are still slightly runny, which should take about 15 minutes of baking.
Q: Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese?
A: Yes, you can use other types of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, in place of the Parmesan. Adjust the amount as needed to suit your taste preferences.
Baked Eggs Florentine
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Eggs Florentine is a decadent and flavorful breakfast or brunch dish that features perfectly baked eggs nestled on a bed of sautéed spinach, all drizzled with a rich and creamy hollandaise sauce.
Ingredients
– 6 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
– 1/2 cup hollandaise sauce
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2. In a large, oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
3. 3. Create 6 small wells in the spinach and carefully crack an egg into each well.
4. 4. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still slightly runny.
5. 5. Remove the skillet from the oven and drizzle the hollandaise sauce over the baked eggs.
6. 6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. 7. Serve the Baked Eggs Florentine hot, garnished with additional fresh spinach if desired.
Notes
For a heartier meal, serve the Baked Eggs Florentine with a side of toasted bread or English muffins. Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Parmesan or feta, to add additional flavor.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Vegetarian & Vegan Mains
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Baked Eggs Florentine recipe is a true gem that will quickly become a staple in your culinary repertoire. With its rich, creamy flavors, and the ease of baking, it’s the perfect dish to impress your guests or enjoy a cozy weekend brunch. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of Baked Eggs Florentine!
