Italian Baked Eggs with Spinach and Parmesan

Italian Baked Eggs With Spinach And Parmesan

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 10g |
Recipe Introduction: Fancy Egg Preparations for Dinner Sorted!
Fancy some easy Italian egg recipes for dinner ? Honestly, I was craving something more exciting than my usual eggs.
How about we elevate our usual egg preparations for dinner with a Parmesan egg bake ? I asked myself: is it difficult to find baked egg dinner ideas ? No, so let's do this!
Quick Hook: Italian Eggs, Sorted!
Ever found yourself staring into the fridge, wondering what to cook? This Italian Baked Eggs with Spinach and Parmesan recipe is proper lush.
It's proper cheesy, proper garlicky, and surprisingly healthy. Honestly, it's amazing.
Brief Overview: A Taste of Italy
This dish, inspired by traditional Italian recipes, is a doddle to make. It's a simple meal. Yet, it tastes like you've been slaving away for hours.
It feeds two hungry souls and takes just 35 minutes from start to finish. Bellissimo!
Main Benefits: Healthy and Hearty
Spinach is packed with iron. It’s a great way to get your greens in. These Spinach and egg recipes are also great for those who need dishes that use a lot of eggs .
Perfect for a lazy Sunday brunch or a quick weeknight dinner!
Let's Get Cooking!
So what makes this recipe special? It's the combination of fresh ingredients and simple techniques. Plus, who doesn't love that runny yolk oozing onto crusty bread? You'll also be able to work out how to use up a lot of eggs if you double the recipe!
Now, let's gather our ingredients. You'll need spinach, garlic, Parmesan, eggs, and a few other bits and bobs. I'll go through what to do with eggs recipes , including this, as we go along.
Let's get to cooking!
Ingredients & Equipment: Italian Baked Eggs
Alright, let's talk grub! We're diving into egg preparations for dinner with these Italian Baked Eggs. Seriously, they're so good and surprisingly easy.
This recipe might even turn you into an Italian egg recipes master. How to use up a lot of eggs ? This dish is a fantastic start!
Main Ingredients for This Egg-cellent Dish
Here's what you'll need. I get my eggs from my neighbour's hens, but good quality free range ones are great.
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Get the good stuff, extra virgin. You'll taste the difference.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. About 2 teaspoons . Fresh is always better.
- Fresh spinach: 5 ounces (140g) , washed and chopped. Make sure it's fresh!
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon . To taste, of course.
- Black pepper: 1/8 teaspoon . A pinch is perfect.
- Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup grated (25g), plus extra. Freshly grated is a must!
- Heavy cream: 1/4 cup (60 ml) . Makes it extra rich and yummy.
- Large eggs: 4 . Obviously the star of this show!
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch. For a bit of a kick.
- Crusty bread: For serving. Dipping is essential!
Seasoning & Flavor
This recipe is all about the simple Italian flavors. It will give you some things to cook with eggs ideas.
- Garlic and Parmesan: This combo is classic for a reason. Don't skip the garlic!
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, but they add a nice warmth.
- Flavor enhancers: A good quality olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan are key here. I even use Parmesan egg bake sometimes to have a different texture.
Honestly, the quality of the ingredients makes a huge difference. Splurge a little! Don't have Parmesan? Pecorino Romano works too, for a slightly sharper flavor.
You can even look for dishes that use a lot of eggs to change it up, next time!
Essential Kitchen Equipment
You don't need fancy gear for this easy egg recipes for dinner .
- Large skillet: For sautéing the spinach and garlic.
- 2 oven safe ramekins: Or small baking dishes.
- Small bowl: For cracking the eggs.
If you don't have ramekins, a small baking dish works just fine. As long as it's oven safe, you're golden. There is a recipe that uses a lot of eggs but let's start with this one.
Italian Baked Eggs: Egg-cellent for Dinner!
Fancy something way better than toast for dinner? Let's dive into egg preparations for dinner with these Italian Baked Eggs.
Honestly, this recipe is a total winner. It's perfect for those nights when you want something a bit fancy but don't fancy slaving away in the kitchen.
Plus, it’s a brilliant way how to use up a lot of eggs ! We're talking about a taste of Italy with every single bite.
I swear it is one of the most simple easy egg recipes for dinner !
Mise en Place Magic: Prep Like a Pro
Before we even think about turning on the hob, let's get organized. Mince your 2 cloves of garlic. Roughly chop the 5 ounces of fresh spinach.
Grate about a 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, plus a little extra. Honestly, getting this done before you start means everything goes smoothly.
A proper mise en place totally changes the game.
Baking Your Way to Italian Egg Bliss
- Preheat the oven to 400° F ( 200° C). This is the first and only thing to do.
- Sauté the garlic and spinach: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet. Add the minced garlic. Cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the spinach with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until wilted. About 3- 5 minutes is all you need.
- Fill your ramekins: Split that spinach mixture between the two ramekins. I normally use about 4 inch ramekins.
- Add cheesy creaminess: Sprinkle half of the 1/4 cup Parmesan over the spinach in each ramekin. Then, pour 1/4 cup of heavy cream evenly.
- Crack the eggs: Make two little dips in the spinach in each ramekin. Gently crack two eggs into those dips.
- Season and sprinkle: Add another pinch of salt, pepper, and some red pepper flakes if you're feeling spicy. Finish with the remaining Parmesan.
- Bake! Pop them in the oven for 12- 15 minutes . You're looking for set whites but slightly runny yolks.
- Serve: Let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve immediately with some crusty bread.
Pro Tips for Perfect Eggs
Want to make these eggs even better ? Use fresh spinach. Frozen spinach is sad! Another tip, is to watch those eggs closely in the oven.
You don't want them overcooked. Also, good quality parm is super important, it can change all egg preparations for dinner .
Recipe Notes for your Italian Baked Eggs
Alright, let's talk about some insider tips. This will help you nail this baked egg dinner idea. Think of these notes as my little secrets.
These will elevate your egg preparations for dinner .
Serving Suggestions: Let's Plate It Up
Presentation matters, right? Honestly, I love serving these in the ramekins. Straight from the oven to the table is ideal.
A sprig of fresh basil adds a pop of colour. For sides, some crusty bread is essential. It is perfect for soaking up those runny yolks.
A light salad cuts through the richness too. Consider serving alongside some sparkling water. I am obsessed with this particular recipe, it is definitely one of my favorite easy egg recipes for dinner .
Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh
These Italian egg recipes are best enjoyed immediately. But, life happens. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. They'll be good for up to 2 days .
Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. Note, the texture won't be quite the same. Freezing isn't really recommended. The eggs can get a bit rubbery.
Variations: Let's Get Creative!
Feel like switching things up? Totally get it. For a vegetarian twist, throw in some mushrooms. Sauté them with the spinach.
Dairy free? No problem. Use a plant based cream alternative. When it comes to seasonal swaps, roasted butternut squash during autumn is divine.
I had to find some things to cook with eggs that went outside the box, and this one is a game changer.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside
Each serving is packed with protein and healthy fats. I'd say it's roughly 450 calories. There is also 25g of protein and 35g of fat.
Plus, spinach is loaded with vitamins. This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. These are the best kind of dishes that use a lot of eggs !
Honestly, how to use up a lot of eggs is a question I hear all the time. This recipe, especially if you double or triple it, is a cracking good answer.
It’s a delightful recipe that uses a lot of eggs , and it's so simple. So, go ahead and give it a try! I promise you will love these Parmesan egg bake and spinach and egg recipes !
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Italian baked eggs ahead of time? I'm a busy bee like Mary Berry!
Unfortunately, this dish is best served immediately. Baking the eggs ahead of time will result in overcooked yolks, and nobody wants a sad, rubbery egg! The spinach mixture can be prepped a few hours in advance and kept in the fridge, but crack those eggs and bake right before serving for the ultimate egg-cellent experience.
I'm trying to cut back on calories. Are there any lighter substitutions I can make to these egg preparations for dinner?
Absolutely! You can swap the heavy cream for milk or half and-half to significantly reduce the fat content, although the sauce won't be as rich. Consider using a lower fat cheese like part skim mozzarella instead of Parmesan. Finally, load up on the spinach!
More spinach means a heartier and more filling dish with fewer calories.
My yolks always seem to overcook when I bake eggs. Any tips to get that perfect runny yolk?
The key is to keep a close eye on them! Start checking the eggs around the 12-minute mark. The whites should be set but the yolks should still jiggle slightly. Carryover cooking will continue after you remove them from the oven. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate, as ovens can vary.
If you're consistently overcooking, try lowering the oven temperature by 25 degrees.
Can I add meat to this "egg preparations for dinner" recipe? I like something a bit more substantial!
You bet! Cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or pancetta would be fantastic additions. Sauté them along with the garlic before adding the spinach. You could also add some diced prosciutto on top before baking for a salty, savory kick.
Just remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly, as the meat will add extra salt.
I'm not a huge fan of spinach. What other greens would work well in these baked eggs?
No worries! Kale or Swiss chard are great alternatives to spinach. Just make sure to remove the tough stems from the kale before chopping. You could also try using a mix of greens for added flavor and texture. Even some chopped arugula tossed in at the very end adds a peppery bite.
How long will leftovers keep, and what's the best way to reheat these Italian baked eggs?
While best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be aware that the egg yolks will likely be more firm after refrigeration. Reheating isn't ideal, as the eggs can become rubbery, but a very gentle reheat in the microwave, or briefly under the broiler works best.
Honestly, they're so good, there probably won't be any leftovers!