Quiche is a classic French dish that has become a beloved brunch staple worldwide. Its versatility allows for endless variations, making it suitable for any occasion. This Spinach and Cheese Quiche, featuring a buttery, flaky crust filled with a rich, creamy mixture of fresh spinach and two types of cheese, is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something truly special. The combination of Gruyere and blue cheese, along with the subtle hints of nutmeg, makes this quiche a flavorful and satisfying meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering or a quiet weekend brunch, this quiche is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the detailed steps to create this delicious dish.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (170g) cold butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4-6 tablespoons cold water
For the Filling:
- 14 oz (400g) fresh spinach
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed (optional)
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 7 oz (200g) Gruyere cheese, shredded (or substitute with cheddar)
- 3 oz (90g) blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Butter and olive oil for frying
Method
Prepare the Crust:
- Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, combine 2¼ cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and the cubed cold butter. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Water: Gradually add 4-6 tablespoons of cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and process until the dough just begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Form the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a work surface, shape it into a ball, and flatten it into a disk. Wrap the disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
Prepare the Filling:
- Sauté Onions: While the dough chills, prepare the filling. In a large pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow and red onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Cook Spinach: Add the crushed garlic (if using) and the spinach to the pan. Cook until the spinach is wilted and has reduced in size. Remove from heat and drain any excess liquid to prevent the quiche from becoming soggy.
Prepare the Quiche Base:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll Out Dough: Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully transfer it to a 9-10 inch (24-25cm) pie pan. Gently press the pastry onto the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Trim off any excess dough.
- Blind Bake: Pierce the bottom of the crust with a fork. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights, dry beans, or rice for blind baking. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the crust is slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Assemble the Quiche:
- Spread Spinach Mixture: Spread the cooked spinach and onion mixture evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust.
- Add Cheeses: Sprinkle the shredded Gruyere cheese and cubed blue cheese over the spinach mixture.
Make the Egg Mixture:
- Whisk Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 eggs, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg until well combined.
- Pour Over Filling: Pour the egg and cream mixture evenly over the spinach and cheese in the pie crust.
Bake the Quiche:
- Bake: Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. The center should be slightly jiggly but will firm up as it cools.
Cool and Serve:
- Cool Slightly: Allow the quiche to cool slightly before slicing and serving. This helps the filling to set properly.
- Serve: The quiche can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile dish for any meal.
Conclusion
This Spinach and Cheese Quiche is a delightful combination of fresh spinach, savory onions, and two types of rich, flavorful cheese all encased in a buttery, flaky crust. The creamy egg filling ties everything together, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or even dinner, this quiche is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. Enjoy the process of making and savoring this classic dish, and share it with your loved ones. Bon appétit!
Tips and Sharing
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste. Feta, goat cheese, or even a sharp cheddar can add unique flavors.
- Add-ins: Customize your quiche by adding other ingredients such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or even cooked bacon or ham.
- Storage: Store any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be reheated in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this quiche with a simple green salad or a cup of soup for a complete meal.
Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Spinach and Cheese Quiche with family and friends!