This spinach quiche is a delicious and savory dish, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. With a creamy filling made from fresh spinach, eggs, cheese, and a crispy crust, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re a seasoned quiche maker or trying it for the first time, this recipe is straightforward and yields a rich, flavorful result.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Cuisine: French, Brunch, Savory Pie
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 200 g (7 oz) fresh spinach (or frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk
- 1 cup (100 g) grated cheese (Gruyère, cheddar, or mozzarella)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using a pre-made crust, place it in your pie dish and set it aside. -
Cook the Spinach:
If you’re using fresh spinach, wash and chop it. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. If you’re using frozen spinach, ensure it’s thawed and then squeeze out all excess moisture. Once cooked, set the spinach aside to cool. -
Prepare the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add a little more oil or butter and sauté the chopped onion until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic. -
Prepare the Quiche Filling:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and milk until well combined. Stir in the grated cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add the cooked spinach, onions, and garlic to the bowl and mix until everything is evenly distributed. -
Assemble the Quiche:
Pour the spinach and egg mixture into the prepared pie crust. Spread the mixture evenly, making sure the spinach and cheese are well distributed. -
Bake the Quiche:
Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly browned on top. You can check if it’s done by inserting a knife into the center of the quiche – it should come out clean. -
Cool and Serve:
Let the quiche cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to slice.
Nutritional Information
- Serving size: 1 slice (1/8 of the quiche)
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 6g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Vitamin A: 25%
- Vitamin C: 15%
- Calcium: 20%
- Iron: 10%
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Quiche is a traditional French dish, originating from the Lorraine region, and has become a beloved part of brunch menus around the world. Originally made with eggs, cream, and bacon, the variations are endless. This spinach version is a popular vegetarian alternative, loved for its richness and depth of flavor. It’s a versatile dish that can be served warm or cold, making it perfect for any occasion.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of heavy cream, eggs, and cheese creates a smooth, luscious filling that pairs perfectly with the spinach.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe doesn’t require any special skills – just simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This spinach quiche is ideal for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It’s also perfect for meal prep, as it keeps well in the fridge for a few days.
- Customizable: You can easily add or substitute other ingredients, such as mushrooms, bacon, or different types of cheese.
Health Benefits
- Packed with Protein: The eggs and cheese in this quiche provide a good source of protein, essential for muscle building and repair.
- Rich in Nutrients: Spinach is loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and folate, which are important for immune health and red blood cell production.
- Good Source of Calcium: The cheese and milk provide a healthy dose of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side Salad: Serve the quiche with a light salad of mixed greens and a simple vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal.
- For Brunch: Pair with some fresh fruit and a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect brunch spread.
- As a Main Course: This quiche is hearty enough to serve as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
- With a Squeeze of Lemon: A small squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top of each slice can brighten the flavors of the quiche.
Cooking Tips
- Avoid Overcooking: Be careful not to overcook the quiche, as it can cause the filling to become dry. Check for doneness by gently shaking the quiche – the filling should be set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
- Use Fresh Spinach: If using fresh spinach, make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture after cooking to avoid a soggy filling.
- Let it Rest: Allow the quiche to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing, which will help the filling set and prevent it from spilling out when cut.
Variations to Try
- Add Bacon or Ham: If you’re not vegetarian, you can add crispy bacon or diced ham for extra flavor.
- Different Cheeses: Try using feta, goat cheese, or a mix of Gruyère and cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms along with the onions and garlic for added depth of flavor.
- Spicy Spinach Quiche: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to spice things up.
Conclusion
This spinach quiche is a savory, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, lunch, or dinner, it’s sure to be a hit. With its creamy filling, crispy crust, and nutritious spinach, it’s a dish that will satisfy everyone at the table. Try this easy-to-make quiche for your next meal and enjoy its delicious, rich flavors.
10 Comprehensive FAQs
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Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture before using it in the quiche. -
Can I make this quiche ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the quiche in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge. -
Can I use a store-bought crust?
Absolutely! A store-bought pie crust can save time and still yield a delicious quiche. -
Can I make this quiche dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream and milk with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or coconut cream. Use dairy-free cheese to keep it vegan. -
Can I add other vegetables to the quiche?
Yes, you can add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or tomatoes to the filling. Just make sure to sauté them first to remove any excess moisture. -
How can I make the quiche crustless?
Simply omit the crust and pour the egg mixture directly into a greased pie dish. Bake it the same way for a crustless quiche. -
Can I freeze the quiche?
Yes, you can freeze the baked quiche for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat in the oven. -
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover quiche in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven to maintain the crispy texture. -
Can I make this quiche without cheese?
Yes, you can omit the cheese for a lighter quiche. You can also substitute with a non-dairy cheese if you prefer. -
How can I tell when the quiche is done?
The quiche is done when the filling is set but slightly wobbly in the center. You can also check by inserting a knife into the center – it should come out clean.
Enjoy your delicious spinach quiche!