Mediterranean Stuffed Breakfast Buns

Opening up the oven door releases a burst of Mediterranean warmth as these za'atar-spiced egg buns turn golden brown. The simple combination of crusty bread, creamy spinach, and perfectly baked eggs creates pure breakfast magic in under 30 minutes. No fancy techniques needed - just good ingredients coming together in the coziest way possible.

Last Sunday, I had unexpected guests drop by for brunch. These egg buns saved the day - everyone gathered around the warm baking dish, tearing into the bread and scooping up every last bit of creamy filling. Even my picky nephew who "doesn't do eggs" cleaned his plate.

The Perfect Ingredients

• Kaiser Rolls: The sturdier the better - those artisanal rolls from the local bakery that are slightly past their prime work wonderfully here
• Fresh Spinach: A couple big handfuls of tender leaves will wilt down into the perfect creamy base
• Real Feta: Skip the pre-crumbled stuff. Get a chunk of good Greek feta - it's creamier and melts like a dream
• Za'atar: This Middle Eastern spice blend is worth hunting down at specialty stores. Its nutty, herby notes make everything taste better
• Farm-Fresh Eggs: When eggs are the star, splurge on the good ones with those gorgeous orange yolks
• Heavy Cream: Just a splash transforms the spinach into something silky and indulgent

Pin it

Let's Get Cooking

Getting Started:

Step 1:

Crank that oven to 350°F while you prep everything else

Step 2:

Pull eggs from the fridge now so they come to room temp

Step 3:

Gather your ingredients - mise en place makes this so much smoother

The Spinach Magic:

Step 1:

Warm a glug of olive oil in your favorite skillet

Step 2:

Toss in minced garlic, letting it sizzle gently until your kitchen smells amazing

Step 3:

Add spinach by the handful, watching it transform from mountain to molehill

Step 4:

Pour in that cream, stirring until everything looks silky and irresistible

Step 5:

Season with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper

Prepping the Buns:

Step 1:

Take each roll and create a cozy nest for your eggs

Step 2:

Press down with your fingers, making a well deep enough to cradle an egg

Step 3:

Don't stress if they're not perfect - rustic looks better anyway

Step 4:

Brush the edges with olive oil - this is what gives you that golden crust

Building Your Masterpiece:

Step 1:

Butter your baking dish - be generous here

Step 2:

Nestle those prepped buns in like they're settling in for a nap

Step 3:

Spoon that creamy spinach mixture into each well

Step 4:

Crack eggs one at a time into a small bowl first (saves you from fishing out shells)

Step 5:

Slide each egg into its spinach nest

Step 6:

Crumble feta all around - some on the eggs, some on the edges

Step 7:

Dust everything with za'atar and a pinch of cumin

Step 8:

One final drizzle of olive oil for good measure

The Final Stretch:

Step 1:

Slide into your preheated oven

Step 2:

Set a timer for 15 minutes, but start checking at 12

Step 3:

You're looking for set whites but jiggly yolks

Step 4:

Let them rest for a few minutes after coming out

Pin it

Growing up, my mom would make something similar but with just eggs and cheese. Adding spinach and za'atar was my weekend cooking experiment that stuck. Now my kids fight over who gets to break into their egg yolk first.

Beyond Basic Tips

Some mornings I'll switch things up by adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a few halved cherry tomatoes around the edges. The tomatoes burst in the oven, creating little pockets of sweetness that play beautifully with the salty feta.

There's something deeply satisfying about pulling these egg-filled beauties from the oven. Maybe it's the way the za'atar fills the kitchen with its warm aroma, or how the eggs bake up perfectly every time. Whatever it is, this recipe has turned countless ordinary mornings into memorable breakfasts at my table. When guests ask for the recipe, I always tell them the same thing - it's not just about the ingredients, it's about taking the time to build each little bread boat with care. That's what makes them taste like they came from a cozy neighborhood café rather than your own oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of buns work best for this recipe?

Kaiser rolls or French buns work well - any sturdy bread roll that can hold the filling and egg.

→ How do I know when the eggs are done?

Bake for 15-20 minutes, adjusting the time based on how you prefer your egg yolks.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

The spinach mixture can be made ahead, but eggs should be added just before baking for best results.

→ What is za'atar seasoning?

Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend typically containing dried herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac.

→ Can I make this without feta cheese?

Yes, you can skip the feta or replace it with another crumbly cheese of your choice.