An egg bake, also known as a frittata, is an easy-to-prepare dish that provides a perfect opportunity to encourage children to eat vegetables. This frittata uses spinach, but you could substitute broccoli or tomatoes or mushrooms. Eggs are used in frittata-like dishes in many parts of the world. Frittatas can be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Frittata Spinach Egg Bake
Makes: 6 servings, 115 calories per serving
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 17 minutes
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups spinach, frozen, chopped, thawed, and drained
6 eggs, large (or 1 1/4 cup of whole liquid eggs can be substituted for fresh eggs)
1 tablespoon feta cheese, crumbled (Swiss, cheddar, or ricotta cheese are great substitutes)
1 teaspoon onions, dehydrated, chopped (or use fresh chopped onions)
1/8 teaspoon black pepper, ground
1/8 teaspoon salt
Nonstick cooking spray
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Thaw spinach in the microwave using package direction or by placing under cool running water.
3. Drain excess water from spinach (see chef tip below).
4. Whisk eggs in a small mixing bowl. Add feta cheese, onions, salt, and black pepper. Mix well (see chef tips below).
5. Lightly coat medium baking dish (about 8" x 8") with nonstick cooking spray.
6. Spread spinach evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
7. Top spinach with egg mixture. Keep the vegetables spread evenly by slightly stirring the mixture with a spatula or spoon. Place baking dish in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees F to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F or higher for at least 15 seconds.
8. Then, broil on high for 2 minutes or until the eggs are set and the top is a light to golden brown color. Remove immediately to prevent burning. Caution: use a hot pad as dish will be very hot.
9. Cut into 6 even pieces; each piece should be about 2" x 3 3/4". Serve immediately.
For CACFP Information:
1 piece provides 2 oz. equivalent meat alternate and 1/4 cup vegetable.
Chef Tips:
Before whisking, puncture each egg yolk with a fork to make whisking faster and easier.
It is very important to squeeze moisture from the spinach to obtain optimal firmness, texture, and color in your egg bake.
Need to make more for use in a childcare setting? These versions of the recipe yield 25 or 50 servings.
