Susan'S Crustless Breakfast Bake
A wholesome crustless breakfast bake featuring fresh spinach, tomatoes, shallots, and melted Monterey Jack cheese, perfect for a nutritious morning start or brunch gathering.
Ingredients
- 12 c. trimmed fresh spinach leaves ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter ⓘ
- 3/4 c. chopped, peeled shallots ⓘ
- 3 plum tomatoes
- 1 c. milk ⓘ
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. chopped fresh dill ⓘ
- 2 tsp. grated lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- freshly ground pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dried breadcrumbs
- 1 Tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Rinse the spinach well and place it in a large saucepan with just the water that clings to the leaves.
- Place the saucepan over low heat and stir to wilt the spinach, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Drain well, squeezing out excess moisture.
- Chop coarsely; set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Melt the butter in a small skillet and saute shallots over medium low heat until translucent, about 5 minutes; set aside.
- Halve tomatoes and squeeze, releasing and discarding the seeds and juice.
- Coarsely chop the tomatoes and set aside.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, Monterey Jack cheese, dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the reserved spinach, tomatoes, and shallots.
- Thoroughly butter an 8-inch square baking pan.
- Add the filling to the pan and sprinkle with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake until golden, about 25 minutes.
- Let the quiche stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing some garlic along with the shallots. You can also swap out the Monterey Jack cheese for any cheese you prefer, like cheddar or feta. If you're short on time, pre-washed spinach can be a quick substitute. To boost the dish, add cooked bacon or sausage for a heartier breakfast option.
Serving Suggestions
This crustless breakfast bake is perfect for brunch and pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a light salad. For a delightful touch, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of extra dill on top. It can also be enjoyed with toast or alongside dishes like Munching Onion for a well-rounded meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking to ensure it heats evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Susan'S Crustless Breakfast Bake contains roughly 281 calories, with 9g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1334mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this breakfast bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble everything in the baking pan, cover it, and bake it the next morning. This makes it an excellent option for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen spinach works well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture before adding it to the mixture. This will help maintain the right texture in your breakfast bake.
What can I serve with this dish?
This breakfast bake is versatile and can be served with various sides. Consider pairing it with a light green salad or fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast. You can also serve it alongside breakfast staples like bacon or sausage for a more filling meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).