First of all... Happy 6th Birthday Lily!

With plenty of family coming into town this weekend and lots of birthday party plans, I needed a rather quick and easy breakfast that I could whip up this week. But, naturally I still wanted to have something that was real and healthy too.

Now, I'm the first one to admit that pretty much anything Italian is an instant win with me. So when I initially heard of Italian Baked Eggs, I was intrigued to say the least. Red sauce? For breakfast? How scandalous! ...I must try it!

I kept these baked eggs lighter by using a homemade marinara sauce, but something out of a jar would work just as well! There are plenty of natural, organic, and healthy options for pasta sauce out there these days. Mine is only 50 calories a serving, so if you go with anything different - you'll want to adjust the nutritional count below accordingly.

These baked eggs are incredibly delicious and couldn't be any more easy to make. Seriously. If I can stumble down the stairs and whip this up before my first cup of coffee has settled in, then just about anyone can!

Other than the sauce, I was sure to use reduced fat cheeses and fresh basil straight off the plat in my very own back yard. Oh, how I love spring time in Texas!

Mm... good stuff here! This is definitely a breakfast or brunch option that is sure to impress with minimal effort on your part. There is no prep work and is perfect to cook up in the morning while running around the house getting ready for the rest of the day.

What's better is that this is a rather versatile dish. Enjoy more spice in your morning? Try using a reduced fat pepper jack cheese or a dash of Sriracha. Not into whole eggs? Egg whites would work too! Feel free to make this entirely your own.

Italian Baked Eggs
TheSkinnyFork.com

The Skinny:
Servings: 1 • Size: 1 'Bowl' • Calories: 231.7 • Fat: 14.9 g • Carb: 9.3 g • Fiber: 2.1 g • Protein: 19.5 g • Sugar: 0 g • Sodium: 993.6 mg

Ingredients:
1/2 C. Light Marinara Sauce (Mine was 50 calories a serving.)
2 Whole Large Eggs
2 Tbsp. Shredded Reduced Fat Mild Cheddar Cheese
1 Tbsp. Grated Reduced Fat Parmesan
2 Tbsp. Fresh Basil Leaves, Chiffon
Pinch Salt-Free Italian Seasoning
Salt & Pepper to Taste

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. and lightly spray the inside of a small ramekin or heat-proof bowl with non-stick cooking spray.

Add 1/2 C. marinara to the bowl and top the marinara with 2 eggs.

Sprinkle the eggs with 2 Tbsp. cheese, 1 Tbsp. parmesan and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Place the dish into the oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the eggs are cooked and set.

Remove carefully from the oven and top with basil.

Enjoy right away!