Classic Eggs Florentine: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 4 medium eggs
  • 2 English muffins, halved
  • 2 cups of fresh spinach
  • 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven broiler.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then reduce to low. Add a tablespoon of white vinegar.
  3. Crack each egg into a small bowl and gently slide it into the water. Cook eggs until the whites are firm but the yolks are still soft, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. While the eggs are poaching, toast the English muffins.
  5. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the spinach and sauté until wilted, then season with salt and pepper.
  6. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes.
  7. Slowly whisk in the milk, bring to a simmer, and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 3 minutes.
  8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and the nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper.
  9. Place the toasted English muffin halves on a baking sheet. Top each half with the sautéed spinach, a poached egg, and a generous spoonful of the cheese sauce.
  10. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the cheese sauce is bubbly and golden brown.
  11. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of paprika, if desired.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Replace the English muffins with toasted bagels or crusty bread.
  • Try using whole wheat English muffins or gluten-free bread for a healthier or gluten-free option.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar, Swiss, or Gouda instead of Parmesan.
  • Add some cooked bacon or smoked salmon on top of the spinach for a meaty twist.
  • Include some sautéed mushrooms along with the spinach for added flavor and texture.
  • For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with tofu or use vegan egg substitutes, and replace dairy milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
  • Add some diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the spinach for a burst of freshness.
  • Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
  • Replace the white vinegar with lemon juice for a slightly tangier poached egg.
  • For a low-carb option, skip the English muffin altogether and serve the spinach and eggs on a bed of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Recipe overview

Eggs Florentine is a classic and decadent brunch dish that combines simple ingredients into a meal full of flavor and richness. This recipe features perfectly poached eggs nestled on a bed of sautéed spinach and toasted English muffins, lavishly covered in a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce. Topped off with a sprinkle of nutmeg and a quick broil for a golden finish, this dish is a beautiful balance of textures and tastes. Despite the luxurious outcome, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward and can be mastered in your own kitchen - perfect for impressing at a brunch gathering or indulging in a weekend breakfast treat. With a little patience and careful timing, you'll be able to serve up this elegant dish that's sure to wow.

Common questions

  1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach? Yes, you can use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach before sautéing it.
  2. Can I use a different type of cheese for the sauce? Yes, you can use a different type of cheese for the sauce if you prefer. Some popular alternatives to Parmesan cheese include cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyere.
  3. Can I make the poached eggs ahead of time? It is not recommended to make the poached eggs ahead of time as they are best enjoyed when freshly cooked. However, you can prepare the water and vinegar mixture in advance and poach the eggs just before serving.
  4. Can I prepare the sauce in advance? Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it when needed. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat it on the stovetop, whisking constantly, until warmed through.
  5. Can I add other ingredients to the Eggs Florentine? Absolutely! Eggs Florentine is a versatile dish, and you can customize it to your liking. Some popular additions include sliced tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or crispy bacon.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Whisk - Used for whisking the sauce until smooth.
  • Saucepan - Used for melting butter, cooking flour, and making the cheese sauce.
  • Large pot - Used for boiling water for poaching the eggs.
  • Skillet - Used for sautéing spinach.
  • Baking sheet - Used for assembling and broiling the Eggs Florentine.
  • Small bowls - Used for cracking and holding the eggs before poaching.

Origin stories

Eggs Florentine, despite its French-sounding name, is believed to have originated in New York City in the 19th century. It was named for Florence, Italy, due to its key ingredient: spinach, which was a favorite vegetable of the French Queen Catherine de' Medici, originally from Florence. When she moved to France to marry King Henry II, she brought spinach seeds with her. Catherine was such a fan of this leafy green that dishes made with spinach are known "a la Florentine." The dish is a variation of the classic Eggs Benedict, replacing the ham with spinach. So, when you savor Eggs Florentine, remember that you're tasting a royal favorite brought to life by a queen's affection for her hometown's produce.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.