GRUYERE AND SPINACH BAKES

Gruyere and Spinach Bakes image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Vegetable oil cooking spray
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
4 ounces thinly sliced pancetta, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
2 shallots, chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Two 1/2-to-3/4-inch-thick slices country-style bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
6 large eggs, beaten, at room temperature
2 packed cups chopped spinach
1 1/2 cups grated gruyere (6 ounces)
1/4 cup milk, at room temperature
Special equipment: four 10-ounce ramekins

Steps:

Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. Spray four 10-ounce ramekins with vegetable oil cooking spray.
Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a medium skillet. Add the pancetta and cook until browned, about 6 minutes. Remove the pancetta using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Add the shallots, salt and pepper in the same skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until soft, about 3 minutes.
In a medium bowl, mix together the cooked pancetta, shallots, bread, eggs, spinach, gruyere and milk until all the ingredients are moistened.
Spoon the mixture into the ramekins. Place the ramekins on a small baking sheet and bake until golden brown, about 25 minutes.
Cool the ramekins for 20 minutes. Using a paring knife, loosen the edges of the ramekins and unmold onto serving plates. Serve warm or at room temperature.