These Feta & Mushroom Brunch Squares are a savory and satisfying dish perfect for your morning table. Made with a creamy base of eggs, feta cheese, and sautéed mushrooms, these squares provide a delicious balance of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or meal prepping for the week, this easy-to-make recipe offers both comfort and nutrition. Packed with protein and rich in flavor, these squares are perfect for any occasion and can be served warm or chilled for extra convenience.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
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8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
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2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
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10 large eggs
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1 cup cottage cheese (optional for added creaminess)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
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Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley or chives) for garnish
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Sauté the onions and mushrooms: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Sauté the onions until translucent, then add the mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and begin to brown. Optionally, stir in the spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
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Prepare the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese (if using), salt, and pepper.
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Combine the ingredients: Fold in the sautéed vegetables and crumbled feta cheese.
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Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly. Bake for 30 minutes or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
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Cool and serve: Let the dish cool for 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving. Enjoy warm or chilled.
Nutrients (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 220 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 6g
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Protein: 14g
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Fat: 16g
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Saturated Fat: 6g
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Sodium: 550mg
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 3g
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Cholesterol: 220mg
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Potassium: 250mg
A Hearty, Protein-Packed Breakfast
At the heart of these brunch squares is a base of eggs, which provide a rich source of high-quality protein. Protein is an essential nutrient that helps repair and build tissues in the body, supports immune function, and keeps you feeling full longer. The combination of eggs with feta cheese offers both a satisfying texture and a burst of savory flavor, making these squares an excellent choice for a filling breakfast or brunch.
Eggs are also packed with important vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, vitamin D, and selenium. These nutrients support a healthy metabolism, strong bones, and overall wellness. By adding cottage cheese (if you choose), you’re introducing even more protein and creaminess to the dish, which makes it not only nutritious but also decadent.
The Richness of Mushrooms and Feta
Mushrooms play a crucial role in the flavor profile of these brunch squares. Cremini mushrooms are used in this recipe, known for their earthy, umami flavor and meaty texture. When sautéed, mushrooms release moisture and develop a deep, savory taste that enhances the overall dish. The slight browning of the mushrooms brings out their natural sugars, creating a rich, roasted flavor that pairs beautifully with the eggs and feta.
Feta cheese, with its tangy, crumbly texture, adds a delightful contrast to the mushrooms and eggs. The briny flavor of feta enhances the savory notes in the dish, while its creamy texture melts slightly when baked, making it the perfect addition to this egg-based dish. The balance of flavors from the mushrooms, feta, and eggs creates a satisfying harmony that is both comforting and rich in taste.
The Role of Spinach in Feta & Mushroom Brunch Squares
While the spinach in this recipe is optional, it adds a burst of color and an additional layer of flavor to the dish. When wilted, spinach has a mild, slightly earthy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients. The addition of fresh spinach provides a nutritional boost, offering a good source of iron, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants that support eye health, immune function, and overall well-being.
Spinach also adds a lightness to the dish, balancing the richness of the eggs, cheese, and mushrooms. If you enjoy greens in your brunch dishes, the spinach is a perfect complement to the other ingredients, creating a more rounded and nutritionally complete meal. You can easily adjust the amount of spinach depending on your preferences, making it as subtle or as prominent a flavor as you like.
A Simple and Efficient Cooking Method
One of the greatest advantages of Feta & Mushroom Brunch Squares is how easy and quick they are to make. With a short list of ingredients and minimal preparation, you can have a delicious and satisfying dish ready in under an hour. The process begins with sautéing the onions and mushrooms, which allows the flavors to develop and creates a base of rich, aromatic vegetables. Adding spinach at this stage (if desired) ensures it’s cooked to just the right tenderness, without losing its bright green color.
Once the vegetables are sautéed, they are incorporated into the egg mixture, which is then poured into a baking dish and baked until golden and set. The oven does most of the work here, allowing you to focus on other tasks or enjoy time with your guests while the squares bake. The baking process ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully, and the end result is a fluffy, tender dish that’s perfect for slicing into squares and serving.
The Versatility of Feta & Mushroom Brunch Squares
One of the reasons why Feta & Mushroom Brunch Squares are so popular is their versatility. While this recipe uses a basic combination of mushrooms, feta, and spinach, the dish can be easily customized to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. For example, you can add other vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, or even zucchini for extra flavor and texture. You could also swap out the feta cheese for goat cheese, ricotta, or a dairy-free cheese alternative if you prefer.
For those who want a bit of heat, adding some red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or fresh chili peppers to the egg mixture can add a spicy kick. Herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano can be mixed into the egg base to create more aromatic depth. You could also experiment with different proteins, such as diced cooked chicken or turkey, for a more substantial meal.
This recipe also works well as a base for meal prepping. You can make a batch at the beginning of the week, store it in the fridge, and enjoy it for several days as a quick breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The squares can be served warm, or you can enjoy them cold, making them a convenient and portable option for busy days.
Health Benefits of Feta & Mushroom Brunch Squares
Feta & Mushroom Brunch Squares are not only delicious but also provide a variety of health benefits. The eggs offer high-quality protein, which supports muscle health, metabolism, and tissue repair. Feta cheese, while rich in flavor, also provides calcium, which is essential for bone health. The mushrooms are a great source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin D, which supports immune function.
The spinach adds fiber, which aids digestion, and is rich in vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health. Additionally, the dish’s moderate fat content from the eggs, feta, and olive oil helps keep you feeling full and satisfied without being overly heavy. The fiber content from the mushrooms and spinach also helps promote satiety, making it a great choice for those looking for a balanced and nutritious meal.
Serving Suggestions for Feta & Mushroom Brunch Squares
Feta & Mushroom Brunch Squares are perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a brunch gathering, preparing a meal for the week, or serving a quick weeknight dinner, these squares are sure to impress. They can be served on their own or paired with other sides like fresh fruit, a light salad, or roasted potatoes for a more substantial meal.
For a refreshing contrast, you might serve the brunch squares with a side of mixed greens tossed in a light vinaigrette. The crispness of the greens will complement the rich, savory flavors of the squares, creating a balanced and satisfying plate. A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a chilled white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, can also pair nicely with the bright, zesty notes of the dish.
Conclusion
Feta & Mushroom Brunch Squares are a flavorful and satisfying option for any meal of the day. With their combination of protein-rich eggs, creamy feta cheese, savory sautéed mushrooms, and the option for added spinach, these squares offer a balanced and delicious way to start your day. The versatility of the recipe makes it easy to adjust to your tastes or dietary needs, while its simplicity and quick preparation time make it a go-to dish for busy mornings or relaxed weekend brunches.
Whether you’re preparing it for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, these brunch squares are sure to be a hit. They offer comfort, nutrition, and great flavor in every bite. With endless possibilities for customization, Feta & Mushroom Brunch Squares will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.