This Crispy Parmesan Fried Egg with Spinach features a perfect, soft egg on top of crispy Parmesan, served with quick sauteed spinach. A wonderful breakfast, brunch or breakfast-for-dinner dish!
Happy Saturday! I wanted to share this delicious dish on the weekend, because it’s great weekend food. But that said, it’s also great any day food. Or any meal food. Let’s face it, there’s always a good time for a fried egg sitting atop crispy Parmesan, I think!
This Crispy Parmesan Fried Egg with Spinach is an incredibly simple and super quick dish, but when you sit down to it, you’re sure to feel all fancy. And when you take your first bite, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be making it all the time.
I first spotted this dish in a recent edition of Martha Stewart magazine. I had to make it several times to get it just right. The suggested heat level in the original recipe was medium and I struggled to to get a perfectly cooked egg without over-cooking the Parmesan. After a few tries though, I found that lowering the heat from medium to medium low and having a bit of the egg directly on the pan was was the ticket. Lovely, crispy Parmesan and a perfectly cooked egg. Together.
I hope you’ll treat yourself to this simple little dish. It’s quickly become a favourite of mine :)
Cook’s Notes for Crispy Parmesan Fried Egg with Spinach
You’re going to need a non-stick skillet for this one or at least the closest thing to non-stick that you have.
You will also be needing a lid for your skillet. If your skillet doesn’t have a lid, you can use a lid from another pot that might fit or if all else fails, just grab a baking sheet and place it over the top of the skillet.
I love sauteed spinach, so that’s how I have been enjoying it lately. Any green would be nice though. It also doesn’t need to be sauteed/wilted at all. Simply add some fresh greens to the plate with your egg. You could toss with a bit of olive oil, then finish with a drizzle of lemon and a pinch of salt.
Parmesan Egg with Spinach
Delicious fried egg on top of crispy Parmesan, served with quick sauteed spinach. Great for breakfast, brunch or breakfast for dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 handful fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 clove garlic chopped
To serve:
- Lemon wedge
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
Instructions
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You will be needing a lid for your skillet. If your skillet doesn't have a lid, you can use a lid from another pot that might fit or if all else fails, just grab a baking sheet and place it over the top of the skillet.
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Heat olive oil in a small non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook briefly, just until fragrant. Add spinach leaves and toss, cooking until just wilted. Remove to a plate. Wipe out skillet.
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Reduce heat to medium-low. Add parmesan to skillet in an even layer, forming an oval in the middle. Let cook 30 seconds, then crack an egg over one edge of the parmesan, so the egg is half on and half off the parmesan. Cover skillet and cook until egg is just set. Remove lid and allow to cook another 30 seconds or so more. Use a spatula to transfer parmesan/egg to plate with spinach. Serve with a lemon wedge to drizzle over-top and a generous sprinkling of salt and pepper.
The crispy Parmesan! Looks so fancy !
Thanks Jenny and it feels so fancy when you’re eating it too :)
Leave it to Martha right Jennifer?! That crispy parmesan….YES please! I can taste it already! Thanks for sharing!
So true, Mary Ann! I have to hand it to her on this one. Simple and delicious :)
What a delicious meal Jennifer! I can eat this for breakfast everyday! Love the combination of all three ingredients and so easy too!
Thanks so much, Anna and yes, so easy and tasty!
I love the idea of having a fried egg with a parmesan crisp, which happens to be my favorite snack.
They go so well together Gerlinde :)
I don’t suppose this would appeal to many but I can just imagine the mixture of textures and flavours in my mouth. A great idea for a busy day and you just want to get something tasty and quick on the table. Thanks for this brilliant idea – YUM!
I think you’re right Mary, but those that can imagine the flavours and textures in this one are in for a treat :) Thanks!
What a terrific breakfast, brunch or lunch! I bet that crispy Parmesan crisp is terrific with the egg, and I always love sautéed spinach. And I love the bright squeeze of lemon too – lovely meal Jennifer :)
Thanks so much, Tricia :)
Put this in front of me, let me savor it and I will be indebted to you for life! Love how there is also a contrast in textures – from the beautifully wilted spinach through the crispy Parmesan and the runny yolk….Awesomeness!
Thanks so much, Milena :) I LOVED this simple dish. I will have a hard time eating a plain fried egg again!