Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole Recipe

The Creamiest Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole Recipe Ever

Mornings spark with excitement when a hearty spinach Florentine breakfast casserole arrives on your kitchen table.

Layers of rich flavors promise a delightful start to any day.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic comfort dish.

Creamy eggs and vibrant spinach create a luxurious breakfast experience that feels both indulgent and nutritious.

Pulling a golden, bubbling casserole from the oven, its aroma filling every corner of your home.

Weekend brunches or lazy weekday mornings will never be the same with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this delectable morning masterpiece.

How To Save And Reheat Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
  • Freeze: Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
  • Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes for a crispy top.
  • Microwave Method: Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk to maintain moisture and prevent the eggs from becoming rubbery.

What To Pair With Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole

  • Craft a Bright Morning Beverage Pairing: Kickstart your day with a fresh orange juice or a zesty grapefruit mimosa that cuts through the casserole's rich, creamy texture and complements the spinach's earthy notes.
  • Select a Crisp White Wine Companion: For brunch enthusiasts, a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio offers a light, acidic counterpoint to the hearty egg and cheese base, enhancing the overall breakfast experience.
  • Elevate with Herbal Tea Support: A delicate chamomile or mint tea provides a soothing balance to the casserole's robust flavors, cleansing the palate between bites and adding a refreshing touch to the morning meal.
  • Boost with Fresh Fruit Sides: Serve alongside a mixed berry compote or a citrus fruit salad, which adds brightness and cuts through the casserole's richness while providing a nutritious complementary element.

New Takes On Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole

  • Mediterranean Magic: Replace mozzarella with crumbled feta cheese, add chopped kalamata olives, and sprinkle dried oregano for a Greek-inspired breakfast casserole that transports your taste buds to the sunny Mediterranean coast.
  • Protein Power Punch: Incorporate cooked crumbled breakfast sausage or diced ham into the spinach layer, boosting protein content and adding a savory depth that makes this casserole more filling and satisfying.
  • Vegetable Harvest Blend: Swap spinach with a mix of roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus, creating a colorful and nutritious morning meal that celebrates garden-fresh ingredients.
  • Smoky Southwestern Style: Mix in diced green chiles, swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese, and top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of salsa to give the casserole a bold, spicy southwestern character.

FAQs For Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole

  • What makes this Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole special?

This casserole combines classic Italian-inspired flavors with a hearty breakfast dish. The combination of spinach, cheeses, and creamy egg base creates a luxurious and satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.

  • Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the recipe. This will prevent the casserole from becoming watery and ensure a perfect texture.

  • Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, the basic recipe is vegetarian. It’s packed with protein from eggs and cheese, making it a great meatless breakfast or brunch option that’s both filling and flavorful.

  • How can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the entire casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Simply take it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking and then follow the original baking instructions. This makes it perfect for easy morning meal preparation.

Why Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole Is A Winner

  • Effortless Morning Delight: This spinach florentine breakfast casserole transforms simple ingredients into a stunning, restaurant-quality dish with minimal morning effort.
  • Nutrient-Packed Comfort: Loaded with protein-rich eggs, calcium-dense cheeses, and iron-packed spinach, this casserole delivers a powerhouse of nutrition in every delicious bite.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for weekend brunches, potlucks, or make-ahead meal prep, this casserole easily feeds a hungry family or group of friends without demanding complicated cooking techniques.
  • Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy eggs, melted mozzarella, sharp Parmesan, aromatic garlic, and fresh spinach creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will make taste buds dance with excitement.

Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole Ingredient Guide

Bread Base:
  • Bread Cubes: Hearty foundation that soaks up egg mixture and provides delicious texture, works best with day-old crusty bread like sourdough or French bread.
Dairy Ingredients:
  • Eggs, Milk, Heavy Cream: Rich protein and creamy base that binds the casserole together, fresh large eggs recommended for best results.
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty and tangy cheese combination for excellent flavor and golden topping, choose freshly grated cheeses for best melting.
Vegetable and Aromatics:
  • Spinach: Nutritious green that adds color and earthy flavor, fresh spinach preferred but frozen works in a pinch.
  • Onions, Garlic: Aromatic base that provides depth and savory undertones, sweet onions recommended for milder flavor.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Optional bright accent that adds color and fresh taste, ripe and colorful tomatoes work best.
Seasoning and Herbs:
  • Salt, Pepper, Nutmeg: Classic seasoning blend that enhances overall taste, freshly ground spices recommended.
  • Parsley, Basil: Optional fresh herbs for garnish and added brightness, choose vibrant green herbs.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Used for sautéing vegetables and preventing sticking, choose unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.

Simple Steps For Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté the Flavor Boosters

In a skillet, melt some butter or drizzle olive oil. Toss in your chopped ingredients:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic

Heat these until they become fragrant and golden. If using fresh spinach, add it now and cook until it wilts and becomes tender. Once done, set this magical mixture aside.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Egg Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the liquid magic:
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • A pinch of nutmeg for that extra warmth

Step 4: Build Your Casserole Layers

Start constructing your breakfast masterpiece:
  • Spread bread cubes across the bottom of the baking dish
  • Scatter the spinach and onion mixture over the bread
  • Sprinkle generously with
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Pour the egg mixture evenly across the top
  • Gently press down on the bread to help it soak up all the delicious liquid

Step 5: Optional Color Burst

If you want to make your casserole pop, dot the surface with halved cherry tomatoes.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown. Check doneness by inserting a knife – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let your casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps it set and makes cutting easier. Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a final touch of freshness. Serve while warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips To Help With Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole

  • Spinach Selection Matters: Choose fresh, vibrant spinach leaves for the most nutrients and best flavor. Frozen spinach works too, but squeeze out excess moisture before adding to prevent a watery casserole.
  • Bread Base Trick: Use day-old or slightly stale bread cubes to help them absorb the egg mixture more effectively. Brioche or challah bread will create a richer, more luxurious texture.
  • Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, fontina, or goat cheese to add depth and complexity to the dish. Mix cheeses for a more interesting flavor profile.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking and prevent cracking.
  • Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Use gluten-free bread for a celiac-friendly option. Add crispy bacon or ham for extra protein if desired.
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Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 28 reviews

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

Description

Hearty spinach florentine breakfast casserole brings Mediterranean comfort to morning tables, melding creamy eggs, tender spinach, and golden cheese. Savory layers promise delightful bites that satisfy hunger and warm hearts with classic Italian-inspired flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein & Dairy:

  • 10 large eggs
  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) whole milk
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables & Aromatics:

  • 5 ounces (140 grams) fresh spinach
  • ½ cup (75 grams) diced onions
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup (80 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved

Seasonings & Base:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil or butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 cup (120 grams) bread cubes

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until translucent and aromatic, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until completely wilted, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  4. Whisk eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly combined and smooth.
  5. Distribute bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform base layer.
  6. Spread the sautéed spinach and onion mixture directly over the bread cubes, ensuring complete coverage.
  7. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the spinach layer, creating a rich and flavorful coverage.
  8. Carefully pour the egg mixture over the entire casserole, gently pressing down on the bread to encourage maximum liquid absorption.
  9. Optionally, scatter halved cherry tomatoes across the top for additional color and flavor complexity.
  10. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the center sets completely.
  11. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, which helps it stabilize and makes cutting easier.
  12. Garnish with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or basil, slice, and serve warm for a delightful breakfast experience.

Notes

  • Spinach Preparation Hack: Squeeze excess moisture from spinach after cooking to prevent a soggy casserole base, ensuring a perfectly textured dish every time.
  • Bread Selection Tip: Use day-old crusty bread or sourdough for maximum absorption and a richer, more complex flavor profile that elevates the entire casserole.
  • Dietary Modification Trick: Swap whole milk with almond or oat milk for a lighter version, and use gluten-free bread to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast that impresses with minimal morning effort.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 305
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 290 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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