Filled with sautéed spinach and nutty Gruyère mixed into a nutmeg and lemon-scented custard, this breakfast casserole is a rich, meatless option for a special occasion breakfast or brunch. You can assemble the casserole the day before, then pop it in the oven an hour or so before serving. It will emerge puffed and golden on top!
Spinach and Gruyère Breakfast Casserole
By Melissa Clark in New York Times Cooking
Ingredients (8 to 10 servings)
8 ounces baguette or other crusty bread, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1teaspoon kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal), more as needed
- 2 leeks, trimmed, halved and thinly sliced into half-moons
- 10 ounces fresh spinach
- ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
- Large pinch of ground cayenne
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons dry vermouth or white wine
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups half-and-half (or use a mix of milk and heavy cream)
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 4 ounces Gruyère, grated (2 cups)
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan
Preparation
Step 1 – Lightly butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish or a large gratin dish.
Step 2 – Spread baguette cubes on a baking sheet. Bake until crisp, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer cubes to a large bowl and toss with 4 tablespoons melted butter and a pinch of salt.
Step 3 – Meanwhile, in a large sauté pan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add leeks and a pinch of salt, and sauté until tender and lightly golden, about 5 minutes.
Step 4 – Stir in about half of the spinach leaves, a pinch of salt, nutmeg, cayenne and lemon zest, and stir until wilted, about 2 to 4 minutes. Stir in remaining spinach and another pinch of salt. Sauté until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes longer. Stir in the vermouth and let cook for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the pan looks dry. Taste and add more salt if needed. Let spinach cool.
Step 5 – In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, pepper and 1 teaspoon salt. Add mixture to the baguette, tossing well. Add spinach, 1¾ cups Gruyère and ½ cup Parmesan, and toss everything until mixed (your hands work well for this).
Step 6 – Pour mixture into prepared baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. (Note: Less fridge time will make for a less custardy and more casserole-like texture but will taste just as good!)
Step 7 – When ready to bake, heat oven to 350 degrees. Uncover and top casserole with remaining ¼ cup grated Gruyère and ¼ cup grated Parmesan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is set (it might puff, and that’s fine). Let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes before serving.
