Combining ingredients that taste good together and baking them in the oven is a good way to create new dishes and family favorites. Spinach, feta cheese and eggs are three ingredients you can bake together for brunch or a light dinner. Including eggs in the preparation to bind the other ingredients together provides versatility that enables you to use a couple of different baking methods to get your dish on the table.
Spinach and Feta
For a spinach and feta bake, use either fresh or frozen spinach. Wilt the fresh spinach before adding it to the dish. To wilt the leaves, place the spinach in a covered skillet over medium=low heat for five or 10 minutes.
The type of feta cheese you use in your dish is up to you. Traditional feta comes from goat's or sheep's milk and is stored in salty brine, which gives it a crumbly texture. You can also get cow's-milk versions of feta, which are creamier than teh others.
Casserole
Coat the bottom of a casserole dish with thick bread slices or croutons, and pour a mixture of milk, beaten eggs and wilted spinach over them. Crumble your feta cheese and sprinkle it all around the top of the egg and spinach mixture and bread. Cover the dish securely with plastic wrap, and slide the dish into your fridge overnight. Bake it in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until you can insert a knife and pull it out clean.
Quiche
A classic quiche is an ideal place for your spinach, feta cheese and eggs. Cook down your spinach, and squeeze out excess moisture with your hands, then add it to your beaten eggs and cream. Use low-fat milk instead of cream to add less fat and fewer calories. Use a standard pie shell for the crust, or try phyllo pastry for a lighter texture. Sprinkle your feta cheese over the bottom of the crust and then pour in the egg and spinach mixture. Bake it for 45 minutes to one hour, until the eggs have set and the crust is golden.
Extras
Chances are, you are going to want to add some extra flavors to your spinach, feta and egg bake to liven up the dish. Add just about any type of vegetable to the raw egg mixture, including diced onion, garlic, tomato, broccoli or bell peppers. If you're not a vegetarian, add bacon, ham, sausage, chicken or shrimp. Spices like nutmeg add a nice background flavor if you aren't adding a lot of extra ingredients.
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