Sunday Spinach Mushroom Bake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I love Sunday mornings when I can take my time to prepare a cozy, hearty breakfast. This Spinach Mushroom Bake is my go-to recipe, combining fresh spinach, earthy mushrooms, and creamy cheese into a warm, satisfying dish. It's simple enough to whip up in just a short time, yet feels special enough for a leisurely weekend brunch. The blend of flavors is delightful, and the best part is that it can be made ahead of time, allowing me to relax and enjoy my morning coffee while it bakes to perfection.
When I first made this Spinach Mushroom Bake, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could combine to create such a hearty dish. I experimented with different cheeses and found that a mix of mozzarella and feta really brought out the best flavors. The key is to sauté the mushrooms until they are golden brown, allowing their natural sweetness to enhance the dish.
This bake is not only delicious but also versatile. I often sneak in extra vegetables or even cooked bacon for a bit of a twist. The layers of cheese and spinach create a comforting texture that warms my heart every time I serve it.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- A delightful mix of flavors with savory mushrooms and fresh spinach
- The creamy cheese blend makes it incredibly comforting
- Perfect for brunch or as a light weeknight dinner
Key Techniques for Perfect Baking
To achieve the perfect texture in your Spinach Mushroom Bake, it’s essential to monitor the baking time closely. Start checking around the 25-minute mark; the dish should be set in the center and have slightly golden edges. If you notice the top browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing the middle to firm up.
Another key technique involves sautéing the mushrooms properly before mixing. Cook them until they're golden brown and any excess moisture has evaporated. This ensures they don't release water while baking, which could make the dish soggy. Trust your instincts and use that golden color as a cue—this caramelization enhances their flavor and adds depth to the overall dish.
Ingredient Roles and Substitutions
Fresh spinach lends a vibrant color and a mild earthy flavor to the bake. If fresh spinach isn’t available, you can use frozen spinach—just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess water. Feta cheese offers a tangy contrast to the creamy mozzarella. If you prefer, you can swap feta for goat cheese or even a dairy-free cream cheese for a lactose-free version, though flavor profiles will vary slightly.
The eggs and milk serve as the binding agents, providing structure to the dish. If you’re looking to make it dairy-free, consider using a plant-based milk and a flaxseed egg substitute (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, resting for 5-10 minutes) for each egg. This can maintain the recipe’s integrity while catering to dietary restrictions.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
Ingredients for Spinach Mushroom Bake
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Instructions:
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish or baking dish.
Sauté mushrooms
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until they are golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
Mix ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Stir in the chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, and both cheeses.
Transfer to baking dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden.
Serve
Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to add any leftover vegetables or even meats like ham to customize this bake to your liking.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This Spinach Mushroom Bake is fantastic for make-ahead meals. You can prepare the mixture the night before, store it covered in the refrigerator, and then simply pour it into the baking dish when you’re ready to bake the next morning. It will save you time and keep your Sunday mornings relaxed and enjoyable.
If there are leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until heated through to maintain its creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or some roasted tomatoes to balance its richness. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top before serving. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also elevate the flavor profile for those who enjoy a touch of heat.
For a more filling meal, you can serve it alongside toasted whole-grain bread or a side of breakfast hash. This combination creates a hearty brunch spread that will impress your family and friends while still being easy to prepare!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.
→ What can I substitute for spinach?
You can use kale or Swiss chard as a substitute for spinach, just make sure to chop them finely.
→ Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the bake in individual portions. Just reheat it in the oven when you're ready to eat.
→ How long does it take to cook?
It takes about 30 minutes to bake after the preparation. Make sure it is set in the middle before taking it out.
Sunday Spinach Mushroom Bake
I love Sunday mornings when I can take my time to prepare a cozy, hearty breakfast. This Spinach Mushroom Bake is my go-to recipe, combining fresh spinach, earthy mushrooms, and creamy cheese into a warm, satisfying dish. It's simple enough to whip up in just a short time, yet feels special enough for a leisurely weekend brunch. The blend of flavors is delightful, and the best part is that it can be made ahead of time, allowing me to relax and enjoy my morning coffee while it bakes to perfection.
Created by: Abigail Foster
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients for Spinach Mushroom Bake
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish or baking dish.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until they are golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Stir in the chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, and both cheeses.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden.
Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- Feel free to add any leftover vegetables or even meats like ham to customize this bake to your liking.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 18g