1-First Step: Cook the quinoa Rinse the 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa under cold water, then cook it according to package directions until fluffy. This usually takes about 15 minutes, depending on the brand. Once it is cooked, let it cool slightly so it does not scramble the eggs when mixed in.

2-Second Step: Prepare the baking dish and oven Set your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease your baking dish with oil, butter, or nonstick spray. A well-greased dish helps the egg bake release easily and makes serving much simpler later.

3-Third Step: Whisk the egg mixture In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 8 eggs and 1 1/4 cups milk until smooth. Add the 1 tablespoon chopped garlic, 1 teaspoon chopped thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Whisk again so the seasoning is spread through the mixture. This is where the base flavor of the quinoa spinach egg bake starts to come alive.

4-Fourth Step: Stir in the quinoa, spinach, and cheese Add the cooked quinoa to the bowl along with the 2 cups packed baby spinach, roughly chopped. Stir gently so the spinach is evenly distributed. Then fold in 1 cup finely shredded cheese, or cheddar. The cheese will melt into the eggs as the bake cooks, giving the dish a creamy, savory finish.

5-Fifth Step: Transfer to the dish Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spoon or spatula to spread everything out so the ingredients are evenly arranged. If some spinach floats to the top, that is perfectly fine. It will settle as it bakes.

6-Sixth Step: Bake until set Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on your oven and the depth of your dish. You want the center to be set and the top lightly golden. If the middle still looks wet, give it a few more minutes and check again. A knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.

7-Seventh Step: Rest before slicing Let the bake rest for 5 to 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This short rest helps the slices hold together better. If you cut it too soon, it may look a little loose, so patience pays off here.

8-Final Step: Serve warm Slice the spinach egg bake into squares and serve warm. It tastes great on its own, but you can also add fruit, toast, or roasted potatoes on the side. Leftovers are just as handy the next day, which makes this recipe a smart choice for meal prep.