Extra-Large Eggs: Protein-rich centerpiece that creates stunning visual and textural contrast with creamy spinach.
Gear to Recreate Ina Garten’s Creamy Egg Dish
Sauté pan: Large 12-inch pan for cooking shallots and spinach.
Wooden spoon: Essential for stirring and creating egg indentations.
9×9-inch or 8×10-inch baking dish: Needed for baking spinach and eggs.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Cutting board: For chopping shallots.
Sharp knife: To mince shallots precisely.
Grater: For grating Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses.
Cooking Steps for Ina Garten’s Spinach and Eggs
Cozy Spinach Cloud
Shallot Whispers Softened shallots dance in butter and olive oil, releasing a gentle aroma that fills the kitchen with warmth.
Leafy Green Transformation Fresh spinach melts into a silky blanket, wilting gracefully in the pan and creating a lush green landscape.
Creamy Cheese Symphony Boursin cheese crumbles into heavy cream, creating a velvety sauce that embraces the spinach with luxurious richness.
Nest Preparation A baking dish becomes a canvas, with gentle wells carved into the emerald spinach landscape awaiting golden egg treasures.
Egg Haven Delicate eggs nestle into the spinach, their sunny centers waiting to be adorned with a sprinkle of nutty Gruyère and Parmesan.
Oven Magic The dish transforms in the heated embrace of the oven, with eggs cooking to golden perfection and cheese melting into a delectable crust.
Twist It Up: Variations for Ina Garten’s Breakfast Classic
Squeeze excess moisture from wilted spinach to prevent a watery dish, ensuring a creamy and rich consistency.
Experiment with different soft cheese varieties like feta, goat cheese, or cream cheese to create unique flavor profiles that complement the spinach.
Use a kitchen timer and check eggs carefully during baking, as cooking times can vary based on individual oven temperatures and desired yolk consistency.
Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like chives, dill, or thyme over the finished dish to add brightness and complexity to the creamy spinach base.
Prepare the spinach mixture in advance and refrigerate, adding eggs just before baking to save time and create a quick weeknight dinner option.
Serve This Dish Like Ina Would
Pair with Crusty Bread: Slice a fresh baguette or sourdough to soak up the creamy spinach and rich egg yolks, creating the perfect bite.
Breakfast Companion: Serve alongside crispy bacon or prosciutto to add a salty, smoky dimension that complements the creamy spinach.
Weekend Brunch Star: Make this dish the centerpiece of a leisurely weekend gathering, accompanied by freshly squeezed orange juice or a light mimosa to elevate the dining experience.
Elegant Plating Tip: Garnish with chopped fresh chives or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to add color and a subtle kick of flavor to the dish.
How to Store Ina Garten’s Creamed Spinach Meal
Maximize Freshness: Store leftover spinach and eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture and odor transfer.
Plan Ahead: Prepare the spinach mixture up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it refrigerated. Add eggs just before baking to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
Reheat with Care: Warm gently in the oven at 325°F for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent rubbery eggs and separated sauce.
Freeze Wisely: Not recommended for freezing due to cream-based sauce and delicate egg texture. Fresh preparation ensures the best taste and consistency.
Ina Garten’s creamed spinach & eggs blend classic French techniques with comfort. Hearty ingredients and simple cooking methods create a satisfying breakfast dish you’ll want to savor repeatedly.
Ingredients
Scale
1.25 lbs (0.57 kg) fresh baby spinach, washed and spun dry
4 extra-large eggs
1 (5.2 oz / 147 g) package Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs cheese
2 tbsps unsalted butter
0.33 cup (79 ml) heavy cream
0.33 cup (32 g) grated Gruyère cheese (1 oz / 28 g)
1 tbsp freshly grated Italian Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup (75 g) minced shallots (2 shallots)
2 tbsps good olive oil
Pinch of ground nutmeg
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), creating an optimal cooking environment for the dish.
Sauté Foundation: In a large pan, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat, then introduce finely chopped shallots, allowing them to soften and become translucent for 3-5 minutes.
Spinach Transformation: Add baby spinach to the pan, tossing until wilted, then incorporate Boursin cheese and heavy cream, creating a velvety sauce infused with nutmeg, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Egg Integration: Transfer the spinach mixture to a 9 x 9-inch baking dish, creating gentle wells for four extra-large eggs, seasoning each with salt and pepper.
Cheese Finale: Sprinkle Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses over the dish, then bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes until eggs reach desired doneness.
Serving: Remove from the oven and serve immediately, presenting a steaming, aromatic culinary creation straight from the baking dish.
Notes
Prep Smart: Choose fresh, vibrant baby spinach for the most tender and flavorful results, avoiding wilted or yellowing leaves.
Cheese Selection: Use high-quality Boursin and Gruyère cheeses to elevate the dish’s creamy texture and depth of flavor.
Egg Perfection: Watch cooking time carefully to achieve desired yolk consistency – 12 minutes for slightly runny, 14 for more set yolks.
Temperature Tip: Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to allow flavors to settle and make serving easier.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.
Sophia Rivera
Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Education
Austin Community College
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.