Ingredients
Spinach Mixture
- 1 pound spinach (fresh or frozen that’s been 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)
- ⅛ 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 fresh spinach leaves thoroughly to remove dirt and grit, then drain well. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is fully thawed and moisture squeezed out.
- Sauté Garlic: Melt the unsalted butter in a 10 to 12-inch oven-safe skillet 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 wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Cream and Flavorings: Reduce the heat, then add heavy cream, lemon zest, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the skillet. Stir in freshly grated nutmeg. Simmer the mixture gently until it thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Cheese and Season: Stir grated Parmesan cheese into the creamy spinach mixture. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Add Eggs: Create small wells in the spinach mixture and carefully crack one egg into each well. Season the eggs with salt and pepper.
- Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the spinach mixture, avoiding the egg yolks to keep them visible.
- 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 oven and allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving, ensuring the eggs settle perfectly.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring the mixture to another dish before baking.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit Parmesan cheese.
- To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, ensure the Parmesan cheese is made without animal rennet.
- The eggs can be cooked longer if you prefer fully set yolks, but keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- Freshly grated nutmeg adds warmth and complexity; avoid pre-ground nutmeg for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian