Fragrant Baked Green Eggs with Spinach and Basil Pesto
[British Kitchen] Deliciously Simple: Baked Green Eggs, a Better Alternative to ‘Eggs in Hell’
Baked Green Eggs are exactly that – eggs baked in the oven! Infused with the fresh aroma of spinach and basil pesto, this dish is perfect for a delightful weekend brunch or a light, flavorful breakfast. The preparation is incredibly simple, making it an easy recipe for anyone to follow. Enjoy a taste of sunshine on your plate! 😀
Main Ingredients
- 100g fresh spinach (baby spinach works wonderfully for tenderness)
- 4 tsp basil pesto (adjust to your preference)
- 50ml – 100ml double cream (or heavy cream; adjust for desired consistency)
- 2 fresh eggs
- A pinch of Swiss cheese (or Gruyère), grated or finely chopped
- A pinch of Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Homemade Basil Pesto (Optional, store-bought is fine too)
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves (approx. 20g)
- 30-40ml extra virgin olive oil
- 1-2 cloves garlic (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp ground almonds or pine nuts (adds a lovely nuttiness)
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves (approx. 20g)
- 30-40ml extra virgin olive oil
- 1-2 cloves garlic (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp ground almonds or pine nuts (adds a lovely nuttiness)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F). Now, let’s prepare the creamy base for your Baked Green Eggs. In a bowl, combine 50ml to 100ml of double cream (or heavy cream) with 4 teaspoons of fragrant basil pesto. Mix gently until well combined. The amount of cream you use will determine the sauce’s richness; use more for a lusciously creamy texture, or less for a slightly lighter sauce. Add the fresh, washed spinach to the bowl and toss gently until the leaves are well coated with the pesto cream mixture. If you’re opting for Parmesan cheese, stir in a small amount (about 1 teaspoon) at this stage for an added depth of flavor.
Step 2
Select an oven-safe dish, such as a small gratin dish, ramekin, or individual cast-iron skillet. Spoon the spinach and cream mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly to create a base. Next, carefully crack two fresh eggs directly into the mixture, making sure to create little wells for them. Try not to break the yolks! Finally, generously sprinkle your chosen Swiss cheese (or any other melting cheese you love) over the eggs and the surrounding mixture. The cheese will melt beautifully as it bakes, creating a delicious topping.
Step 3
Place the prepared dish into your preheated 160°C (320°F) oven and bake for 15 to 30 minutes. The baking time depends on how you like your eggs cooked. For a soft, runny yolk, aim for around 20 minutes. If you prefer your yolks fully set, bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven and serve immediately while warm. You’ll love the delightful combination of aromatic basil, fresh spinach, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked eggs, all topped with melted, savory cheese. 🙂
