Imagine starting your day with a warm, savory breakfast that’s as easy as it is delicious. Spinach-Feta Muffin Casserole is here to turn your mornings into a culinary delight! With the earthy flavors of spinach, the creamy tang of feta, and the satisfying fluffiness of muffin-like bites, this dish is comforting, nutritious, and elegant enough for brunch gatherings. Trust me, you’ll be going back for seconds (or thirds)!
Why You’ll Love Spinach-Feta Muffin Casserole
This recipe is more than just a dish—it’s a reason to wake up smiling. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or wowing guests at brunch, this casserole is a winner. Here’s why:
- Effortless Elegance: Looks fancy but is incredibly easy to make. Perfect for impressing your guests without breaking a sweat.
- Nutritious: Packed with spinach, protein, and calcium, it’s a healthy way to kick off your day.
- Quick Prep: It’s a breeze to assemble, making it ideal for busy mornings or when you need to whip up something in a hurry.
- Customizable: Love a bit of heat? Add chili flakes. Prefer a milder flavor? Swap feta for mozzarella. You can tailor it to your taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead, store it in the fridge, and reheat for a quick, wholesome breakfast all week long.
Ingredients in Spinach-Feta Muffin Casserole
Here’s what makes this casserole shine:
- English Muffins: These soak up the flavors while maintaining a hearty texture. Whole grain or classic, the choice is yours.
- Spinach: Fresh or frozen, spinach adds a pop of color, nutrients, and a mild earthiness.
- Feta Cheese: Tangy, creamy, and delightfully salty, feta is the star of the show.
- Eggs: Whisked eggs bring it all together, creating a custardy, muffin-like texture.
- Milk: A splash of milk ensures the casserole is creamy and moist.
- Garlic: Adds a subtle kick of flavor that pairs beautifully with spinach and feta.
- Herbs: A sprinkle of dried oregano or fresh parsley takes this dish to the next level.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a casserole dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks.
2. Toast the Muffins: Slice the English muffins in half and lightly toast them. This adds texture and prevents them from becoming soggy.
3. Layer the Ingredients: Arrange the toasted muffin halves in the casserole dish, cut side up. Spread the spinach evenly over the muffins, followed by crumbled feta.
4. Make the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, minced garlic, and your choice of herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the egg mixture over the muffins, spinach, and feta, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Press down gently with a spatula to help the muffins soak up the liquid.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden.
7. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional feta, and enjoy!
How to Serve Spinach-Feta Muffin Casserole
This casserole is versatile and pairs beautifully with various sides:
- Fresh Salad: A side of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette complements the casserole’s richness.
- Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruits like strawberries, melon, and blueberries add a refreshing contrast.
- Yogurt and Honey: A dollop of creamy yogurt drizzled with honey balances the savory flavors.
- Crusty Bread: Add a warm baguette or sourdough slices for some extra texture.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning for an effortless breakfast.
- Switch It Up: Swap spinach for kale or feta for goat cheese for a fun twist.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Freeze Friendly: Slice the baked casserole into portions and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen spinach?
A1: Yes! Thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before using to avoid a watery casserole.
Q2: Can I make this gluten-free?
A2: Absolutely! Use gluten-free English muffins or bread as a substitute.
Q3: What other vegetables can I add?
A3: Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers would be great additions.
Q4: How do I reheat leftovers?
A4: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Q5: Can I make this dairy-free?
A5: Yes, swap feta for a plant-based cheese and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! Use a larger casserole dish and adjust the baking time slightly.
Q7: Can I serve this for dinner?
A7: Of course! Pair it with a hearty soup or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Q8: Can I make individual portions?
A8: Yes! Use a muffin tin to create single-serving casseroles.
Q9: How do I prevent the casserole from being soggy?
A9: Toast the muffins and drain any excess moisture from the spinach before layering.
Q10: Can I add meat?
A10: Definitely! Crumbled bacon or sausage would make a tasty addition.
Conclusion
There you have it—Spinach-Feta Muffin Casserole is your new go-to recipe for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. With its rich flavors, fluffy texture, and versatility, it’s sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying a quiet morning, this casserole promises to deliver a warm, comforting start to your day. Enjoy every bite!
PrintSpinach-Feta Muffin Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: BRE
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious breakfast casserole combines the savory flavors of spinach, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes, all layered with hearty whole-wheat English muffins. Perfect for a crowd or for prepping ahead of time, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious, making it an ideal choice for brunch or breakfast.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (from 3 cloves)
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 6 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened (about 1/3 cup)
- 1 cup finely crumbled feta cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper, divided
- 12 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 3 whole-wheat English muffins, split
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in drained spinach and cook until nearly dry and bright green, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Transfer 1/2 cup of the spinach mixture to a medium bowl. Stir in softened cream cheese, 3/4 cup feta, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil until smooth.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, the remaining spinach mixture, 1/4 teaspoon salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cut sides of the English muffin halves (about 1/4 cup each). Nestle the muffins, cut-sides down, into the egg mixture, forming 2 rows of 3 muffins. Cover with foil.
- Bake for 25 minutes, until the eggs are nearly set. Remove the foil, sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup feta, and bake for an additional 15 to 18 minutes, until eggs are fully set.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute whole-wheat English muffins with regular muffins if preferred.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 160mg