Print

Spinach and Gruyère Breakfast Casserole

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Spinach and Gruyère Breakfast Casserole is an elegant, make-ahead brunch dish layered with tender spinach, rich Gruyère cheese, and a creamy custard seasoned with nutmeg and lemon zest. Baked until puffed and golden, it’s perfect for holidays, special mornings, or a comforting breakfast-for-dinner option.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (+ chilling)
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch
  • Method: Baked Casserole
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

10 oz fresh spinach (sautéed and squeezed dry)

1½ cups grated Gruyère cheese

6 large eggs

1½ cups whole milk

½ cup heavy cream

5 cups cubed day-old bread (sourdough, French, or country loaf)

1 small onion or shallot, finely chopped and sautéed

¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg

1 tsp lemon zest

Salt and pepper, to taste

Butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions

Sauté spinach until wilted. Cool, squeeze dry, and chop roughly.

Sauté onion or shallot in the same pan until soft and fragrant.

In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, nutmeg, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

Fold in bread cubes, spinach, onion, and most of the Gruyère.

Pour mixture into a buttered baking dish and top with remaining cheese.

Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 8 hours).

Let sit at room temperature while preheating oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake uncovered for 1 hour 40 minutes, until puffed and golden.

Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Add mushrooms, roasted peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for variety.

Swap or mix cheeses—cheddar, fontina, or Swiss all work well.

Use gluten-free bread if needed; choose dense loaves to prevent sogginess.

For faster prep, use thawed frozen spinach (well-drained).

Can be prepped and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/spinach-and-gruyere-breakfast-casserole/