Poached Egg Crostone with Wilted Spinach and Bacon

Ingredients for Poached Egg Crostone with Wilted Spinach and Bacon

• 240ml plus 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, peeled, crushed

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper

• 30g oval-shaped loaf country white sourdough bread

• 8 thick bacon slices

• 2 tablespoons minced shallot

• 1 275g bag fresh baby spinach

• 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar

• 1/2 teaspoons salt

• 4 large eggs

• Parmesan cheese shavings

How to make Poached Egg Crostone with Wilted Spinach and Bacon

Preheat oven to 218°C. Combine 240ml olive oil and next 3 ingredients in small saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat 2 minutes to release flavours. Remove from heat. Season mixture with salt and pepper.

Using large serrated knife, trim off crust from top and sides of bread, leaving bottom crust intact to form rectangle-shaped loaf. Quarter trimmed loaf crosswise, forming 4 thick rectangular pieces. Cut deep nest in 1 piece, leaving 1/2-inch border on all 4 sides and 3/4-inch-thick base. Pull out bread centre. Repeat with remaining bread pieces; reserve centres for another use. Place hollowed-out bread pieces on small baking sheet. Brush bread all over with olive oil mixture. Bake until bread is golden brown, about 7 minutes. Cool bread; maintain oven temperature.

Cook bacon in large skillet until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in large pot over medium heat. Add shallot and sauté 2 minutes. Add spinach and stir until just wilted. Fill 12-inch-diameter skillet with water to within 1/2 inch of top. Add vinegar and 1/2 teaspoons salt. Bring to boil over medium-high heat. Break 1 egg into small custard cup, being careful to keep yolk intact. Gently slide egg into boiling water; repeat with remaining eggs. Simmer until eggs are softly cooked, about 3 minutes.

Meanwhile, fill each bread hollow with spinach; top with bacon, breaking bacon slices in half to fit. Place in oven until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Place 1 bread on each of 4 plates. Using slotted spoon, place 1 poached egg atop each. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Top with Parmesan; serve immediately.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.