The Ultimate Easy Cheesy Egg and Spinach Casserole: Perfect for Brunch and Potlucks

Every home chef needs a collection of reliable recipes for gatherings, and for me, that collection includes a dedicated section for show-stopping brunch dishes. Among these, the Easy Cheesy Egg and Spinach Casserole stands out as a true gem. What makes it so special isn’t just its incredible flavor and satisfying richness, but also its stunning presentation. Imagine pulling this golden-brown masterpiece from the oven, the aroma of eggs, spinach, and melted cheese filling the air. When placed on a buffet table, it consistently earns those coveted “oohs and ahhs,” making it a centerpiece that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Beyond its visual appeal, this casserole is incredibly practical, designed to feed a crowd generously. Its cheesy, hearty, and deeply satisfying nature ensures that even the most substantial appetites will find complete contentment with just one serving.

This Easy Egg and Spinach Casserole is also a fantastic choice for those adhering to a vegetarian diet, provided you select vegetarian-friendly cheeses. It’s a common misconception that all cheeses are vegetarian; however, some traditional cheesemaking processes utilize an animal-derived enzyme called rennet. Therefore, if you’re preparing this dish for vegetarian family members or guests, always double-check the ingredient list of your chosen cheeses. Fortunately, many widely available pre-shredded varieties of Cheddar and Swiss cheese found in most supermarkets are indeed vegetarian. I’ve found that this delectable casserole is universally loved, making it an ideal dish for mixed gatherings where both vegetarians and meat-eaters are present. Its broad appeal ensures everyone at your table will find something to enjoy, fostering a sense of inclusion and culinary delight.

One distinctive feature of this recipe, setting it apart from many quiches or frittatas, is the incorporation of flour. The flour plays a crucial role in thickening the egg mixture and ensuring that the casserole holds together beautifully, even with its generous amounts of cheese and butter. This binding agent helps create a more cohesive and less watery texture, a common challenge in egg-based dishes that are rich in moist ingredients. When adding the flour, my strongest piece of advice is to be meticulous in incorporating it thoroughly into the beaten eggs. While tiny, unnoticeable lumps are generally acceptable, it’s essential to break up any larger clumps to avoid pockets of unmixed flour in the final product. For efficiency, I often rely on my stand mixer to beat the eggs vigorously, allowing its powerful beaters to work the flour in seamlessly. Once the flour is fully integrated, I remove the bowl from the mixer and manually stir in the spinach and cheeses. This gentle, hand-mixing approach ensures that these larger, delicate ingredients are evenly distributed without being overprocessed or damaged by electric beaters, preserving their texture and integrity within the casserole.

Crafting the perfect egg and spinach casserole also involves careful consideration of your ingredients. Using fresh, high-quality eggs forms the foundation of a rich and flavorful dish. For the spinach, remember to thoroughly thaw and drain any frozen spinach, squeezing out as much excess water as possible. This step is critical to prevent a watery casserole. If you opt for fresh spinach, gently sauté or briefly boil about a pound of it, then drain and cool it completely before adding to the egg mixture. The combination of cottage cheese, shredded Cheddar, and Swiss creates a multi-layered cheesy experience, offering both creaminess and sharp flavor notes. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a milder Mozzarella for a different profile. However, if using very strong-flavored cheeses like Gruyere or sharp Parmesan, it’s advisable to reduce the total cheese quantity by at least half a cup to maintain balance.

The finely diced onion adds a subtle aromatic depth, complementing the savory eggs and spinach. If onions aren’t to your taste or you’re short on time, you can easily omit them, perhaps substituting with a teaspoon of onion powder or garlic powder for a concentrated flavor boost. Melted butter enriches the casserole, contributing to its satisfying texture and golden-brown crust. Garlic salt and freshly ground black pepper are your allies in seasoning, allowing you to adjust the flavors to your preference. Remember, a well-seasoned dish truly shines. The simplicity of these ingredients belies the complexity of the delicious outcome, proving that incredible food doesn’t always require a long list of exotic components.

Pin

Print

Easy Egg and Spinach Casserole

3.6 from 214 votes

Ingredients

• 7 large eggs

• 1/2 cup onion, fine dice

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 package (10oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed & drained

• 1 package (16oz) cottage cheese, small curd

• 1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1 1/2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded

• 1/4 cup butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon garlic salt

• salt & pepper

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350° F (175° C). Grease large casserole dish or 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
• In large bowl, beat eggs. Add flour, garlic salt, and salt & pepper to taste. Beat to mix flour in thoroughly.
• Add spinach (squeeze to drain all water first), melted butter, onion, cottage cheese, Cheddar cheese, and Swiss cheese to bowl. Mix well.
• Pour mixture into greased baking dish.
• Bake uncovered 45 minutes, until top of casserole is golden brown and egg mixture is cooked. Rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Ensure flour is well incorporated into eggs for best results.
• Cheddar and Swiss can be substituted with other cheeses if desired, like Mozzarella, Colby, or Monterey Jack. If using stronger flavored cheeses like Gruyere, sharp Cheddar, or Parmesan, decrease cheese amounts by at least 1/2 cup.
• Frozen spinach can be substituted with about 1 lb of fresh spinach. Cook fresh spinach in saute pan or briefly boil, drain thoroughly and allow to cool to room temperature before adding to egg mixture.
• Shallots or leeks may be used in place of onion.
• Onion may be omitted. Suggest replacing with 1 teaspoon onion powder or 1 teaspoon garlic powder.

While the recipe suggests a 45-minute baking time, anyone who frequently prepares egg-based dishes knows that cooking times can sometimes be a bit unpredictable. Several variables can influence how quickly your casserole sets and reaches that perfect golden-brown finish. Factors such as the material and thickness of your baking dish (glass, ceramic, or metal), the specific fat content of the cheeses you use, and even the accuracy of your oven’s calibration can all play a role. A dish made in a ceramic casserole might cook slightly differently than one in a thinner metal pan. Therefore, it’s always wise to treat the suggested baking time as a guideline. The most reliable indicator that your egg and spinach casserole is done is when the egg mixture is completely set and solid, without any jiggle in the center. This might mean an additional ten minutes in the oven for some. To avoid overcooking or undercooking, I recommend checking on the casserole after about 35 minutes. Observe its progress and adjust the remaining baking time as needed, ensuring a perfectly cooked and delicious result every time.

Once baked to perfection, this casserole is incredibly versatile in how it can be enjoyed. It’s an ideal candidate for a leisurely weekend brunch, served alongside fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon (if not catering to vegetarians), or a basket of warm, crusty bread. For a potluck, it’s easily transportable and holds its warmth well, making it a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal fuss upon arrival. You can also serve it as a light lunch or a satisfying weeknight dinner, perhaps paired with a simple green salad. The beauty of a casserole is its ability to be a complete meal in one dish, offering convenience without compromising on flavor or nutritional value. Leftovers, if there are any, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheated gently in the microwave or oven, making it an excellent meal prep option for busy individuals and families.

Beyond the primary ingredients and cooking method, don’t shy away from personalizing your Easy Cheesy Egg and Spinach Casserole. Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the egg mixture for a classic spinach pairing, or a dash of hot sauce for a subtle kick. Sautéed mushrooms, finely diced bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes can introduce additional layers of flavor and texture. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes would be a welcome addition. While already hearty, you could also incorporate cooked and crumbled vegetarian sausage or a handful of diced ham for a non-vegetarian version. This recipe truly serves as a versatile canvas, inviting you to experiment and make it uniquely yours. Whether you stick to the classic or venture into creative variations, this egg and spinach casserole is destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire, celebrated for its ease, deliciousness, and universal appeal.