Savory Baked Eggs with Creamy Spinach and Leeks
Indulge in the rich and satisfying flavors of this Savory Baked Eggs with Creamy Spinach and Leeks recipe. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch, this dish combines tender leeks and fresh spinach bathed in a luscious cream sauce, topped with perfectly baked eggs and crumbled feta cheese. Each bite is a delightful balance of creaminess and slight tang from the feta, making it an irresistible start to your day. Serve with warm toast or toasted English muffins to soak up every bit of this delicious dish! Ideal for meal prep or a special weekend gathering.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
3 (tablespoons, divided)
leek
1 (large, trimmed, halved lengthwise, and thinly sliced (about 1 1/3 cups))
fresh spinach
10 (ounce package)
heavy cream
1/4 (cup)
kosher salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
eggs
8 (large)
feta cheese
2 (ounces, crumbled (about 1/2 cup))
pepper
1/4 (teaspoon)
chives
1 (tablespoon, thinly sliced)
toast or toasted English muffin
to serve
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) with an oven rack positioned in the top third. Grease an 11 x 7-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter and set aside.
2
In a medium skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced leeks and sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes.
3
Gradually add the fresh spinach in three batches, stirring constantly to wilt the spinach between each addition. Continue cooking until the spinach is wilted and the liquid has nearly evaporated, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
4
Stir in the heavy cream and kosher salt, then remove the skillet from heat. Carefully spoon the creamy spinach and leek mixture into the prepared baking dish, and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes.
5
Using a spoon, create 8 evenly spaced wells in the spinach mixture, ensuring each well is deep enough to hold an egg. Crack an egg into each well, then sprinkle the eggs with crumbled feta cheese and a dusting of pepper.
6
Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the egg whites are set while the yolks remain soft.
7
Once baked, remove from the oven, sprinkle with freshly sliced chives, and serve immediately with toast or toasted English muffins.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Savory Baked Eggs with Creamy Spinach and Leeks.
How many eggs are needed?
You will need 8 large eggs for this dish.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
Where should the oven rack be positioned?
Place the oven rack in the top third of the oven.
What size baking dish should I use?
An 11 x 7-inch baking dish is recommended.
How much butter is required?
You need 3 tablespoons of butter, divided for greasing and sautéing.
How do I prepare the leeks?
Trim, halve lengthwise, and thinly slice the leeks until you have about 1 1/3 cups.
How long do I sauté the leeks?
Sauté the leeks for about 3 minutes until they are softened.
How do I add the spinach to the pan?
Add the 10-ounce package of spinach in three batches, wilting each batch before adding the next.
What should I do if there is liquid in the spinach?
Continue cooking until the liquid has nearly evaporated, usually 2 to 3 minutes.
What type of cream is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of heavy cream.
Why should the spinach mixture cool for 5 minutes?
Cooling prevents the eggs from cooking instantly when they are cracked into the mixture.
How do I prepare the mixture for the eggs?
Use a spoon to create 8 evenly spaced wells deep enough to hold an egg.
What kind of cheese is added to the eggs?
Use 2 ounces of crumbled feta cheese, which is about 1/2 cup.
How long should the dish bake?
Bake for 14 to 16 minutes.
How can I tell when the baked eggs are done?
The eggs are ready when the whites are set but the yolks remain soft.
What garnish is used for this dish?
Sprinkle the finished dish with 1 tablespoon of thinly sliced fresh chives.
What are the best serving suggestions?
Serve immediately with warm toast or toasted English muffins.
Can I substitute the leeks?
Yes, shallots or mild yellow onions can be used as a substitute for leeks.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an ideal recipe for meal prep or special weekend gatherings.
How much salt and pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
Can I use frozen spinach?
You can use frozen spinach if it is thawed and squeezed very dry to remove all excess moisture.
What if I do not have feta cheese?
Goat cheese or grated parmesan can be used as alternatives to feta.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Cooked bacon or diced ham can be stirred into the spinach mixture before baking.
How many servings does this provide?
This recipe typically serves 4 to 8 people depending on the number of eggs per serving.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The baked eggs and spinach are gluten-free, but ensure you serve it with gluten-free toast if needed.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is a balance of rich creaminess, tender vegetables, and a slight tang from the feta.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Milk can be used but the sauce will be much thinner and less luscious than with heavy cream.
Can I make this in individual portions?
Yes, you can divide the mixture into individual ramekins and adjust the baking time slightly.
Can I prepare the base in advance?
Yes, you can sauté the leeks and spinach ahead of time and store them in the fridge, then bake with eggs later.