Indulge in a savory Italian dish that I transformed into a Keto treat. My homemade Italian eggs are packed with protein and taste like a cheat day – but naturally low in carbs.
My Favorite Italian Sauce
In my house growing up, Italian Sauce was actually called gravy. You probably call it meat sauce or marinara. It was a Sunday staple that we ate on different types of pasta every week with a heap of soft Ricotta Cheese on top. MMMM…doesn’t that sound amazing?
In the world I currently live in, I am trying to cut calories and carb intake. That means trying to figure out delicious ways to make quick and healthy meals. I came up with the idea for this dish after making shakshuka. I thought I would lean into the Italian on the dish and make it taste more like the Sunday dinner that I ate for most of my childhood!
What is Shakshuka Eggs?
According to the New York Times, Shakshuka eggs originated in North Africa and spread from there to the countries around it. It is traditionally a one-skillet dish made of eggs baked in a tomato and red pepper sauce. First, you make the sauce and then you gently crack the eggs and place them in the sauce. Then, you bake this dish in the oven.
What is Eggs in Purgatory?
Eggs in Purgatory is a dish that resembles the Shakshuka eggs dish. In fact, they are almost identical. The preparation is the same, but the biggest difference is the spices. Traditional Shakshuka eggs use cumin, paprika, and red peppers. Whereas these Italian “eggs in purgatory” are spiced with salt, pepper, rosemary, and parmesan cheese.
I’ve seen these eggs called “eggs in hell” and “eggs in Heaven.” I’ve also seen them called “Italian baked eggs.” The basic concept is the same with all of them – a delicious sauce made on the stove, then bake the eggs in the sauce.
I made it easy and called my recipe Italian eggs. This recipe was inspired by my favorite recipes growing up in an Italian home.
What Are the Different Ways to Make Italian Eggs?
There are so many ways to make Italian eggs. Remember that scene in Runaway Bride? The one where Julia Roberts’ character has to choose her favorite eggs. Just like she had a ton of options, there are so many varieties of egg dishes with an Italian twist.
Some of my favorites include:
Italian Eggs Ingredients
These are the ingredients you will need to make my Italian eggs.
- 1/2 cup Marinara Sauce
- 1/2 cup Spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley
- 2 Eggs
- 1/4 cup Shredded Italian Cheese
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
5 basic ingredients – that’s it! Anyone can make this dish, it is so easy.
How to Make Italian Eggs Keto-Friendly
The only thing in this recipe that could possibly have extra carbs in it is the marinara sauce. Look for a marinara sauce that is sugar-free. A sugar free version is 100% keto-friendly.
If you have the extra time, you can easily make your own marinara sauce. My favorite simple Keto marinara sauce recipe is:
- 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes (no sugar added)
- 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Just simmer that on the stove over low heat for about 30 minutes. That’s it! You can use this recipe for everything from spaghetti sauce to pizza toppings. It’s so versatile and incredibly easy to make.
After you have a keto-friendly marinara sauce, the rest of the Italian eggs recipe is a cinch.
- Pour the Marinara Sauce into a small cast iron skillet.
- Add the chopped spinach and break in the eggs on top of the sauce and the spinach.
- Season with salt and pepper and top with shredded cheese.
- Put the pan on the stove at a medium to high heat.
- As soon as the Marinara starts bubbling, cover and cook for 3 – 5 minutes depending on if you want soft, medium or hard eggs.
Italian Breakfast Recipes
I’m so thankful that I was able to grow up in an Italian family. Italian food is seriously some of my favorite kind. The vibrant tomatoes with the sweet basil and bold garlic. It all makes for some memorable dishes.
Here are some more of my favorite Italian breakfast recipes.
- Eggs with Polenta and Pancetta
- Italian Breakfast Casserole
- Italian Breakfast Bowl
- Crespelle – Italian Crepes
Homemade Italian Eggs
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup spinach fresh, chopped
- 2 eggs large
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese & parmesan cheese shredded
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Pour the Marinara Sauce into a small cast iron skillet.
- Add the chopped spinach and break in the eggs on top of the sauce and the spinach.
- Season with salt and pepper and top with shredded cheese.
- Put pan on stove at a medium to high heat.
- As soon as the Marinara starts bubbling, cover and cook for 3 - 5 minutes depending on if you want soft, medium or hard eggs.
More Breakfast Recipes
Here are some more of my favorite breakfast recipes. These are perfect for busy mornings or brunches with your friends.
- This egg breakfast casserole is delicious and low carb. Also, check out this Keto Eggs Benedict Recipe withLow Carb KETO Corned Beef Hash.
- Bacon Donut Recipe – Not exactly keto, but these are worth the indulgence!
- Quinoa Breakfast Bowl Recipe – Quinoa is a wonderful gluten-free source of protien.
- Low Carb Breakfast Casserole Muffins– These are perfect to take with you on the go and they freeze well too.
These are amazing eggs for a great Keto breakfast!
That sounds just delicious! Thanks for the shoutout for my Tuscan Baked Eggs!