Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole

If you’re looking for a delightful dish that’s perfect for brunch or even a cozy breakfast, then this Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole is just what you need! This recipe has become a cherished favorite in our home. It’s not only comforting and delicious, but it also brings a bit of elegance to the table. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating your family on a busy weekend, this casserole makes everything feel special without too much fuss.

The best part? You can prepare it ahead of time! Just pop it in the fridge and bake it when you’re ready. You’ll love how easy it is to create something that looks and tastes gourmet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this casserole comes together quickly.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: It’s packed with flavors everyone will enjoy, making it a hit for both kids and adults.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it the night before, so you can relax and enjoy your morning with loved ones.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a light dinner option!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spinach, cheese, and eggs creates a rich and satisfying dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole uses simple and wholesome items that you may already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Casserole

• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for greasing
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 (8-ounce) container mascarpone cheese (about 1 cup)
• 4 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated on Microplane grater (about 1 cup), divided
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 10 large eggs
• 1 2/3 cups half-and-half
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 6 English muffins, split

Variations

One of the reasons I adore this Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences.

• Add different veggies: Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or even artichokes for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Change up the cheese: Use feta or cheddar instead of Parmesan for a different taste profile.
• Mix in some protein: Add cooked chicken or turkey sausage to make it heartier.
• Use whole grain muffins: Swap regular English muffins for whole grain ones for added health benefits.

How to Make Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Mixture

Start by squeezing out as much liquid from the spinach as possible. This step is key because excess moisture can lead to a soggy casserole. Once drained, set the spinach aside while you sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until they’re fragrant and translucent.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a bowl, mix the sautéed spinach with mascarpone cheese, half of the Parmesan, salt, and pepper. This creamy mixture will add richness to your casserole. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on!

Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In another large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, crushed red pepper, reserved spinach mixture, remaining Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. This will be poured over your layered casserole later. It’s important to mix thoroughly so every bite is flavorful!

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Grease your baking dish and layer the bottom halves of English muffins. Spread the delicious spinach-mascarpone mixture on top before placing the muffin tops back on. Pour that egg mixture over everything and press down gently so all components soak up those wonderful flavors.

Step 5: Chill Before Baking

Cover your dish with foil and refrigerate it for at least an hour or overnight if you’re preparing ahead. Chilling allows all those flavors to meld beautifully!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once ready, bake uncovered until golden brown on top—about 45 minutes should do it! Let it cool slightly before serving; this waiting period will allow flavors to settle just right.

I hope you enjoy making this Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole as much as I do! It’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. If you love this recipe or have any thoughts to share after giving it a try, please leave us stars and a comment below!

Pro Tips for Making Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole

Creating the perfect breakfast casserole is all about the little details! Here are some tips to ensure your Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole turns out perfectly every time.

• Squeeze out excess moisture: Removing as much liquid from the spinach as possible prevents the casserole from becoming soggy. A clean kitchen towel works wonders to get rid of that extra water!

• Let it chill: Refrigerating the assembled casserole for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you can, let it sit overnight; this will enhance the taste even more.

• Use fresh ingredients: While frozen spinach is convenient, using fresh spinach can add a burst of flavor and nutrients. Just be sure to sauté it well to reduce moisture before adding it to your mixture.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste your mixture before pouring it into the dish. Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to tweak the salt and pepper levels according to your preference for a more personalized touch.

• Experiment with cheeses: While mascarpone and Parmesan are delicious, don’t hesitate to mix in other cheeses like feta or mozzarella for added flavor and creaminess!

How to Serve Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole

Serving up this delightful casserole is just as fun as making it! It’s perfect for brunch gatherings or a cozy family breakfast. Here are some ways to present it beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that complements the richness of the casserole.
• Cherry tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes offer a vibrant visual contrast and a juicy bite that balances the creamy texture.

Side Dishes

• Mixed greens salad: A simple salad with arugula, spinach, and a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the warm casserole.
• Fruit platter: Serve an assortment of seasonal fruits for a sweet finish that brings balance to your meal.
• Roasted potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs are not only hearty but also make for an excellent side dish that pairs wonderfully with breakfast casseroles.
• Yogurt parfaits: Layered yogurt with granola and berries create a deliciously light option that complements the richness of your spinach Florentine casserole while adding texture.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’ll impress your guests (or family) with both presentation and taste! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can assemble it in advance, making mornings easier and allowing you to enjoy brunch with your loved ones without the stress of last-minute cooking.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Cut the casserole into individual portions before freezing for easy reheating.
• Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
• For microwave reheating, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds until hot.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This casserole is designed for meal prep. You can prepare it up to 12 hours in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

What can I substitute for half-and-half in Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole?

You can replace half-and-half with a mixture of equal parts whole milk and heavy cream or use plant-based milk alternatives like almond milk combined with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

How long will Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole last in the fridge?

When stored properly, leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I add other vegetables to my Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole?

Yes! Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or tomatoes. Just be sure to sauté them beforehand so they don’t add excess moisture.

Is Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole suitable for brunch gatherings?

Definitely! This casserole is great for serving at brunches or special occasions since it can feed a crowd and is easy to prepare ahead of time.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find as much joy in making this Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole as I do! Its creamy texture and savory flavors make it truly special, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Enjoy the process of preparing this delightful dish, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your own twists! Happy cooking!