Spinach Quiche: A Savory Delight with a Flaky Crust
Quiche, that beloved French delicacy, has long been a staple in the hearts and homes of food enthusiasts worldwide. Among the many variations, the Spinach Quiche stands out as a true masterpiece – a harmonious blend of flaky pastry, velvety custard, and the fresh, vibrant taste of spinach.
Whether you’re serving it for a weekend brunch, a cozy family dinner, or a sophisticated gathering, this Spinach Quiche is sure to captivate your taste buds and leave your guests utterly impressed. Its elegant presentation and irresistible flavors make it a culinary showstopper that’s both comforting and refined.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this Spinach Quiche apart is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The buttery, flaky crust provides a delightful contrast to the rich, creamy custard, while the fresh spinach adds a delicate, verdant note that ties the whole dish together. Plus, with its make-ahead versatility, you can enjoy the convenience of preparing it in advance, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Beyond its exceptional taste, this Spinach Quiche is also a nutritional powerhouse. The spinach is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making this dish a wholesome and satisfying option for those seeking a balanced meal. Whether you’re catering to dietary restrictions or simply looking to incorporate more greens into your diet, this recipe is sure to please.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Spinach Quiche ❓
• 10 oz fresh spinach, washed and chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
The beauty of this Spinach Quiche is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of fresh spinach, creamy custard, and a flaky crust creates the French-inspired flavor profile that has made quiche recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Spinach Quiche Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) until well combined.
• Step 3: Spread the chopped spinach evenly over the bottom of the pie crust, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
• Step 4: Carefully pour the egg mixture over the spinach and cheese, making sure to distribute it evenly.
• Step 5: Bake the quiche for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. Allow the quiche to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
• Total time: 55-60 minutes
Compared to traditional French quiche which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Spinach Quiche saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
• Protein: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 26g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 490mg
These Spinach Quiches provide approximately 25% of your daily vitamin A requirements and 20% of your daily vitamin K needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Replace the traditional pie crust with a cauliflower or almond flour-based crust to reduce carbohydrates.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use a dairy-free milk alternative, such as unsweetened almond or oat milk, and a vegan cheese substitute.
• Added protein: Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Sauté mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers and add them to the spinach filling.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Spinach Quiche.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a crisp white wine or a fruit-forward rosé for a sophisticated pairing.
• Complement the quiche with a side of roasted potatoes or a bowl of creamy tomato soup for a complete meal.
• For a brunch spread, serve the Spinach Quiche alongside a fruit salad, assorted pastries, and mimosas.
• Create an elegant hors d’oeuvre platter by cutting the quiche into bite-sized squares and arranging them with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Watery filling: Excess moisture from the spinach can cause the quiche filling to become watery. Be sure to thoroughly drain and pat dry the spinach before adding it to the dish.
• Uneven baking: Rotating the quiche halfway through the baking time can help ensure even cooking and prevent the edges from overbrowning.
• Cracked surface: Rapid temperature changes can cause the quiche’s surface to crack. Allow the quiche to cool gradually in the oven with the door ajar before removing it.
• Skipping the blind baking: Blind baking the crust before adding the filling helps prevent a soggy bottom, so don’t skip this important step.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Spinach Quiches retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the quiche up to the point of baking, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked quiche to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat individual slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the crust soggy.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the Spinach Quiche ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Spinach Quiche can be prepared up to 2-3 days in advance. Simply follow the instructions through step 4, then cover and refrigerate the unbaked quiche until ready to bake. When ready to serve, remove the quiche from the fridge, let it come to room temperature, and then bake as directed.
Can I substitute the spinach with another vegetable?
Yes, you can easily swap the spinach for other greens or vegetables. Some tasty alternatives include sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, or a combination of these ingredients. Just be sure to adjust the overall volume to maintain the proper egg-to-filling ratio.
Is this quiche suitable for a dairy-free diet?
With a few simple substitutions, you can enjoy a delicious dairy-free version of this Spinach Quiche. Replace the heavy cream and milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use a high-quality dairy-free cheese alternative. These swaps will allow those with lactose intolerance or vegans to indulge in the savory goodness of this recipe.
What if my quiche crust shrinks or puffs up during baking?
If the crust starts to shrink or puff up during baking, try gently pressing it back into the dish with the back of a spoon or fork. You can also try docking the crust (poking small holes in the bottom and sides) before baking to help prevent excessive shrinkage or puffing.
Can I add additional ingredients to the Spinach Quiche?
Absolutely! The Spinach Quiche is a versatile canvas that allows for countless variations. You can mix in diced ham, crumbled bacon, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to enhance the flavor and create your own signature version of this dish.
Conclusion
These Spinach Quiches represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a show-stopping brunch centerpiece or a comforting weeknight dinner, they’re sure to impress with their rich, creamy texture and delightful flavor profile. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Spinach Quiches demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So, why not treat yourself and your loved ones to the irresistible indulgence of a homemade Spinach Quiche today?
