Name: Eggs in Purgatory Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes; 2 cups fresh baby spinach; 3 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese slices, broken into pieces; 4 large eggs; Fresh dill (or other herbs such as cilantro, parsley, basil); Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish); Toasted bread slices (for serving)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 60 reviews

If you’ve never tried this vibrant and comforting dish, you are in for a treat with this classic Eggs in Purgatory Recipe. Imagine perfectly poached eggs nestled in a bubbling, spiced tomato sauce, brightened with fresh spinach and melty mozzarella, all scooped up with crisp toasted bread. This dish is simple, yet bursting with layers of flavor and color that make breakfast or brunch feel truly special. It’s an absolute favorite for those moments when you want something cozy, satisfying, and just a little bit fancy without extra fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is a small tan plate with four piles of spices in colors of white, red, orange, and black near the top left. Below it lies a small bowl with five pale, round slices layered neatly. To the right are two small bowls; one filled with white chopped onions in the center and the other with a small amount of minced garlic above it. An egg holder with four brown eggs is placed beside them on the right side. Near the top right, a bunch of fresh green dill rests beside a long golden brown baguette. At the bottom left, there is a small white bowl containing chunky red tomato sauce, and next to it on the right sits a white bowl filled with fresh green spinach leaves. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started on this Eggs in Purgatory Recipe is delightfully easy because the ingredients are straightforward but each plays a vital role in creating the final magic. From the spicy kick of red pepper flakes to the creamy softness of mozzarella, these essentials come together perfectly.

3 tablespoons olive oil: Use good quality olive oil for a rich base flavor that sautés the aromatics beautifully.
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a tender texture when softened.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a punch of savory aroma that’s essential in layered tomato sauces.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Lends a gentle heat that wakes up every bite.
½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses the sauce with subtle smokiness and color depth.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: For a hint of earthiness and spice.
28 ounces canned diced tomatoes: The star of the sauce, juicy and slightly tart.
2 cups fresh baby spinach: Adds freshness and a tender bite that balances the acidity.
3 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese slices, broken into pieces: Melts beautifully into the sauce, adding richness.
4 large eggs: The ultimate centerpiece, gently cooked in the simmering sauce.
Fresh dill (or other herbs like cilantro, parsley, or basil) for garnish: Adds a burst of fresh herbal brightness.
Parmesan cheese (optional) for garnish: Brings a salty, nutty finish if desired.
Toasted bread slices for serving: Perfect for scooping up every bit of that delicious sauce and runny yolk.

How to Make Eggs in Purgatory Recipe

Step 1: Sauté onion and garlic

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion. Cook gently for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft, creating a flavorful base. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just 20 seconds more to avoid any bitterness while releasing that irresistible garlicky fragrance.

Step 2: Infuse with spices

Next, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together and let the spices toast for about 30 seconds. This brief cooking helps activate their flavors and deepens the complexity of the sauce.

Step 3: Simmer the tomato sauce

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, stirring them into the aromatic mixture. Turn the heat down to medium-low and let the sauce gently simmer, uncovered, so it thickens nicely over about 10 minutes. This step transforms the tomatoes into a rich, chunky sauce that’s ready to cradle the eggs.

Step 4: Add spinach and mozzarella

Stir the fresh baby spinach into the sauce until it wilts and softens, bringing vibrant green hues and a pleasant earthiness. Then scatter the broken mozzarella pieces over the surface. The cheese will begin melting and add luscious creaminess to every spoonful.

Step 5: Create egg wells and cook the eggs

With the back of a spoon, carefully make four small indentations in the sauce—these will be the cozy nests for your eggs. Crack each egg into a small bowl first to keep the yolks whole, then gently slide one into each well. Season the eggs lightly with salt and pepper. Cover the skillet and let the eggs cook over low heat for 3 to 5 minutes if you prefer runny yolks, or an extra 2 to 3 minutes for firmer whites and yolks.

Step 6: Toast the bread

While the eggs cook, toast your bread slices with a bit of butter in a hot pan or griddle until golden and crisp. This adds a crunchy counterpoint that’s perfect for dipping into the saucy, cheesy goodness.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Once the eggs are perfectly cooked, sprinkle fresh dill over the top for an herbal lift, and add a little parmesan cheese if you like a sharp, nutty accent. Don’t forget a pinch of salt and pepper to finish. Serve the skillet straight away with your toasted bread on the side for scooping and savoring every bite.

How to Serve Eggs in Purgatory Recipe

A white pan with a wooden handle holds a vibrant red tomato sauce mixed with green spinach leaves. On top of the sauce, there are four whole raw eggs with bright yellow yolks clearly visible, spaced evenly across the pan. The sauce also has soft white cheese pieces spread throughout, adding contrast to the red and green colors. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface, with a white baguette loaf resting to the upper right of the pan and a small bunch of green dill positioned at the lower right edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil add an aromatic freshness that complements the rich tomato sauce and creamy eggs beautifully. A light scattering of parmesan cheese offers an optional salty kick that many love. These simple garnishes elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise without overshadowing its core deliciousness.

Side Dishes

This Eggs in Purgatory Recipe shines wonderfully on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a crisp side salad or roasted potatoes. The salad’s brightness contrasts nicely with the hearty tomato sauce, while potatoes add extra comfort and texture for a more filling breakfast or brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this dish in individual ramekins instead of a skillet, making it perfect for entertaining guests. You can also add different cheeses like feta for tang or sprinkle toasted pine nuts for crunch. Layer in some sautéed mushrooms or swap spinach for kale to experiment with textures and flavors while keeping the spirit of the Eggs in Purgatory Recipe alive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Eggs in Purgatory can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the eggs are cooked in the sauce, the texture may change slightly, but reheated carefully, it remains delicious.

Freezing

While the tomato sauce freezes beautifully on its own, the eggs do not freeze well as they tend to become rubbery. For best results, freeze the sauce separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight before reheating and adding fresh eggs when ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid breaking up the eggs too much. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Alternatively, use a microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring carefully to preserve the sauce’s texture.

FAQs

What type of tomatoes work best for this recipe?

Canned diced tomatoes are perfect because they provide consistent flavor and texture, plus they simmer down well into a rich sauce. If fresh tomatoes are in season, you can use peeled and chopped tomatoes, but canned tend to deliver the best convenience and taste for Eggs in Purgatory Recipe.

Can I make Eggs in Purgatory Recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Absolutely! Skip the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and instead add extra fresh veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for bulk. You can also use vegan cheese substitutes or dollop a spoonful of creamy cashew cream for that luscious texture without dairy.

How spicy is this dish?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but the spice level can easily be adjusted up or down depending on your preference. Start with half a teaspoon for mild heat and add more if you love a fiery kick. The smoked paprika also contributes a subtle smoky depth rather than heat.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Making the tomato sauce base a day in advance is a great time saver. Just reheat gently before adding spinach, cheese, and eggs. This makes the cooking process quicker, especially if you’re serving breakfast for a crowd.

What bread pairs best with Eggs in Purgatory?

Crusty rustic bread like sourdough or a baguette works beautifully because it’s sturdy enough to scoop up the tomato sauce and runny yolk without falling apart. You want bread that can soak up every flavorful drop without losing its crisp texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the warm comfort of this Eggs in Purgatory Recipe to brighten your morning or wow your weekend brunch guests. Simple ingredients come together in a flavorful, beautiful dish that feels both cozy and celebratory. I promise once you try it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again—so grab your skillet and dive in!