If you’re looking for a breakfast dish that impresses while being simple to prepare, the Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole is just what you need! This delightful casserole combines the goodness of spinach and creamy mascarpone with the satisfying crunch of English muffins. It’s a recipe that brings warmth to your table, making it perfect for everything from busy weekday mornings to special family gatherings. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

The best part? You can prepare this casserole in advance, allowing you to enjoy leisurely moments with your loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen. Plus, it’s packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a favorite for both kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: With just a few steps and simple ingredients, this dish comes together quickly—perfect for those who are short on time!
Crowd-Pleaser: The rich flavors and comforting texture will win over everyone at your breakfast or brunch table.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it the night before and simply bake it in the morning for a stress-free start to your day.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with spinach and eggs, this casserole is not only delicious but also loaded with nutrients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is a breeze! They are all wholesome and easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you need to create this fabulous Spinach Florentine Breakfast 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 great things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily tailor it to suit your taste or use what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

Add More Veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Cheese Swap: Use different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique twist on the classic flavors.
Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
Protein Boost: Mix in cooked sausage or turkey bacon if you’re looking for added heartiness.

How to Make Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

Place the spinach on a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial because excess moisture can make your casserole soggy. Set aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about five minutes. Then, add garlic; cooking until fragrant adds depth to our dish. Next, stir in the spinach mixture until it looks dried out—this should take about two minutes. Let this cool slightly before moving on.

Step 3: Mix Up the Spinach Mixture

In a medium bowl, reserve about one-fourth of your spinach mixture. To the remaining spinach mix, add mascarpone cheese, half a cup of Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined—this creamy layer will be one of the highlights of your casserole!

Step 4: Whisk Together Eggs

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, crushed red pepper, reserved spinach mixture, remaining Parmesan, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil before arranging the bottom halves of English muffins in three rows of two.

Step 5: Assemble Your Casserole

Spread that luscious spinach-mascarpone mixture evenly over the muffin halves. Top with their matching halves before pouring that beautiful egg mixture over everything. Press down gently so they’re submerged; sprinkle any remaining Parmesan on top!

Step 6: Chill Before Baking

Cover your dish with foil and refrigerate for at least an hour—or up to twelve hours if you’re prepping ahead! When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered until just set around edges and golden brown on top—around forty-five minutes should do it!

Let your casserole cool for about ten minutes before serving—this gives flavors time to meld together beautifully. Enjoy every bite! If you love this recipe as much as I do, please leave stars and comments below!

Pro Tips for Making Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole

Creating the perfect Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole is all about the little details that make a big difference!

Squeeze out excess moisture: Make sure to thoroughly drain the spinach before mixing it in. This prevents the casserole from becoming soggy, ensuring a perfect texture.
Use fresh ingredients: If possible, opt for fresh spinach instead of frozen. Fresh spinach will provide a vibrant flavor and color, elevating your dish even more.
Let it rest: After assembling, allow the casserole to sit for at least an hour before baking. This gives the English muffins time to soak up the egg mixture, resulting in a richer flavor throughout.
Experiment with cheeses: While mascarpone and Parmesan are delicious, feel free to mix in other cheeses like feta or mozzarella for added depth of flavor and creaminess.
Customize with veggies: Add in other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and variety. This also helps cater to different tastes and preferences among your guests.

How to Serve Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole

This delightful casserole can be served in various ways to impress your guests and enhance their dining experience!

Garnishes

Fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes not only add a burst of color but also provide a juicy contrast to the creamy casserole.
Avocado slices: Creamy avocado slices on the side bring a lovely richness and balance out the flavors nicely.

Side Dishes

Mixed green salad: A light salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole while adding crunch and freshness.
Fruit platter: A selection of seasonal fruits like berries, melons, and citrus provides a refreshing contrast and brightens up your brunch table.
Roasted potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs are a hearty side that pairs wonderfully with this dish, making it even more filling.
Yogurt parfaits: Individual yogurt parfaits layered with granola and fruit add a sweet touch while balancing out the savory flavors of your main dish.

By presenting your Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole with these garnishes and sides, you’ll create an inviting brunch experience that everyone will remember! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole is perfect for meal prep, making it an ideal choice for brunch gatherings or busy weekday mornings. You can prepare it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you precious moments in the kitchen on the day of serving.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the casserole to cool completely at room temperature.
Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
Label with the date and contents before placing in the freezer.
For best quality, consume within 2 months.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cover with foil and heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delicious recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries that might help you out.

Can I make Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole without mascarpone cheese?

Yes! You can substitute mascarpone cheese with cream cheese or ricotta for a different but still creamy texture.

How long can I store leftovers of Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when properly covered.

Can I add other vegetables to Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, mushrooms, or even cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

Is Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.

How do I know when Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when it’s just set in the center and the tops of the English muffins are golden brown.

Final Thoughts

I hope you embrace this delightful Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole recipe as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm gathering around the table with those you cherish. Whether you’re enjoying it on a lazy weekend morning or serving it at your next brunch party, this dish offers a comforting flavor that everyone will love. Enjoy making it, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments!