This Cheesy Spinach Quiche Delight is a warm and comforting dish that brings together creamy cheese and fresh spinach in a flaky crust. Perfect for breakfast or brunch!
Honestly, what’s not to love about cheese? It makes everything better! I enjoy this quiche with a side salad for a complete meal. It’s quick to whip up and always impresses guests!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: You can use a store-bought crust to save time, but homemade is usually flakier and tastier. If gluten-free is needed, consider almond flour crusts or a cauliflower crust.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for its vibrant taste. If you’re using frozen, make sure to squeeze out all the excess water. Kale can also be a nutrient-packed substitute, just chop it finely!
Cheese: Gruyère adds a lovely nuttiness, but cheddar or mozzarella work well too. For a lighter option, consider using low-fat cheese varieties.
Heavy Cream: You can swap for half-and-half or even a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch for thickness if you’re looking for a lighter alternative.
How Do I Ensure My Quiche Filling Sets Perfectly?
The key to a perfectly set quiche is controlling the oven temperature and baking time. Follow these steps for best results:
- Preheat your oven thoroughly to 375°F (190°C) before inserting the quiche.
- Blind bake your crust for about 8-10 minutes to prevent it from getting soggy.
- Keep an eye on the quiche toward the end of baking. It’s ready when the edges are firm and the center has a slight jiggle but isn’t liquid.
- Letting it cool for even 10 minutes helps set the filling more firmly before slicing.
With these tips, your quiche will be a delicious success every time!
Cheesy Spinach Quiche Delight
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Quiche:
- 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or use frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as Gruyère, Swiss, or cheddar)
- 1/2 cup ricotta or cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional but recommended)
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful quiche takes about 15 minutes to prepare, with an additional 35-40 minutes for baking. Don’t forget to let it cool for about 10 minutes after baking for the best slicing. So, in total, you’ll be looking at around 1 hour for preparation and cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). This ensures the quiche cooks evenly and develops a nice golden brown color on top.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
Place your pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate and use a fork to gently prick the bottom of the crust. This step is known as blind baking, and it helps keep the crust from getting soggy. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add in the finely chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, which will take about 3-4 minutes. Next, throw in the chopped spinach and cook until it’s wilted (if using fresh) or just warmed through (if frozen). Take off the heat and let it cool a little.
4. Mix the Egg Filling:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream (or half-and-half), salt, black pepper, and nutmeg until it mixes well. This is where all the magic happens, giving your quiche its creamy base!
5. Combine Everything:
Now add the shredded cheese and ricotta (if you’re using it) into your egg mixture. Then, fold in the cooled spinach and onion mixture until everything is nice and mixed together.
6. Pour and Spread:
Pour the delicious filling into the blind-baked pie crust, spreading it out evenly to ensure every bite is tasty.
7. Bake the Quiche:
Place the quiche into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set and the top is a beautiful golden brown.
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This helps it set up, making it easier to slice. Garnish your quiche with freshly chopped chives or parsley just before serving.
9. Slice and Enjoy:
Serve your Cheesy Spinach Quiche warm or at room temperature. It pairs lovely with a light salad for a complete meal!
This quiche is rich, cheesy, and packed with fresh spinach—perfect for any time of day! Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach for This Recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the frozen spinach and squeeze out any excess moisture before using it to avoid a soggy quiche.
Can I Make This Quiche Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just assemble everything and bake when you’re ready to serve!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Substitute the Cheese?
Definitely! You can use any cheese you prefer or have on hand. Feta or goat cheese can add a delicious twist, while a blend of mozzarella and parmesan offers a great flavor profile.
