Greek Spinach and Feta Baked Eggs

This crust-less “spanakopita” spin-off creates colorful swirls of green spinach and sliced Kalamata olives in a cheesy fluff of baked eggs.

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) Challenge Butter (divided)
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup chopped onion
• 10 ounces fresh prewashed spinach, roughly chopped *
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 5 eggs
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (5 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced Kalamata olives
  

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a 9-inch square or round glass baking dish. Brush butter evenly over the sides and bottom of the dish and set aside.
3. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a sauté pan over medium heat; stir in flour to form a dry roux; continue to stir and cook (about 3 minutes) until mixture gives off a slight “nutty” aroma. Set this mixture aside.
4. In large skillet, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in cayenne pepper, salt and onions; cook until the onions are soft. Stir in spinach and basil and continue to sauté until the spinach is wilted. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Then combine roux and spinach mixtures.
5. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, add ricotta cheese and blend until the mixture is smooth.
6. Fold in spinach mixture, feta cheese and half the olives. Pour into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining olives over the top and press gently into the surface.
7. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35 minutes (or until edges begin to brown and center is firm).
8. Allow to set for 10 minutes before cutting.

Yield: 6 to 9 servings

* Spinach needs to be as dry as possible. If washing, drain and pat dry with paper towels.

Source: Recipe developed by Challenge Home Economist

Recipe and photo credit (used with permission): Challenge Dairy