Quiche is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, whether it’s for a cozy brunch or a light dinner. One of the best versions of this classic dish is the Spinach Quiche. This savory delight features a buttery, flaky crust filled with a creamy and rich mixture of eggs, milk, and spinach. You can also add a variety of other ingredients to customize it to your liking, such as cheese, onions, and garlic. Perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking for a flavorful yet easy-to-make meal, this Spinach Quiche is sure to impress.
What is Spinach Quiche?
A Spinach Quiche is a type of savory pie made with a filling of eggs, cream or milk, and spinach. The custard filling is combined with other flavorful ingredients such as onions, garlic, and cheese, and is baked inside a pastry crust until golden and set. This dish is rich, creamy, and packed with nutrients from the spinach. It’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or even as a light dinner option. It’s a great way to get your greens in without compromising on taste.
The Origin of Quiche
The word “quiche” comes from the German word kuchen, which means cake. The dish itself originated in the region of Lorraine, France. The classic French Quiche Lorraine features a filling of eggs, cream, and bacon, but over time, various types of quiche have been developed with different fillings. Spinach, being a popular and nutritious vegetable, is a perfect ingredient for quiche and has become a staple in many kitchens worldwide.
Ingredients for Spinach Quiche
To make this delicious Spinach Quiche, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 deep-dish pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1.5 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup butter
- 6 large eggs
- 1.5 cups milk (whole milk or half-and-half)
- 1.5 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyere)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to create a smooth, creamy custard filled with fresh spinach, onions, garlic, and cheese – all baked into a crispy crust.
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your quiche will bake evenly and cook to perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust
If you’re using a store-bought crust, simply place it into a 9-inch pie dish. For a homemade crust, roll it out and fit it into your pie dish. Blind bake the crust for 10 minutes with pie weights, then remove the weights and bake for another 5 minutes to ensure it is fully cooked and crisp.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In a medium-sized skillet, melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Next, add the chopped spinach to the pan. Cook it down until wilted, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Prepare the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 6 large eggs and 1.5 cups of milk (whole milk or half-and-half) until smooth and well-combined. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Step 5: Assemble the Quiche
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the bottom of the prepared pie crust. Then, spoon the sautéed spinach and onion mixture over the cheese layer. Finally, pour the egg and milk custard mixture over the top, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
Step 6: Bake the Quiche
Place the quiche into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. To check for doneness, insert a knife or toothpick into the center of the quiche – it should come out clean.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Once baked, let the quiche cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the custard to set and makes the quiche easier to cut. You can serve the quiche warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
Variations of Spinach Quiche
One of the great things about quiche is its versatility. While the Spinach Quiche recipe above is delicious on its own, you can easily add other ingredients to customize it to your tastes. Here are a few variations to try:
1. Mushroom and Spinach Quiche
Add sautéed mushrooms to the spinach mixture for extra flavor. Mushrooms pair wonderfully with spinach and add a rich, earthy flavor to the quiche.
2. Feta and Spinach Quiche
For a Mediterranean twist, try adding crumbled feta cheese to the quiche along with the spinach. The tanginess of the feta complements the spinach beautifully.
3. Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Quiche
Sun-dried tomatoes can add a burst of sweet and savory flavor to the quiche. Simply chop a few sun-dried tomatoes and mix them in with the spinach for an extra layer of flavor.
4. Bacon and Spinach Quiche
If you prefer a non-vegetarian option, try adding some crispy bacon to the filling. Bacon adds a smoky flavor that balances out the richness of the custard.
5. Gluten-Free Spinach Quiche
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pie crust or make a crustless quiche. The custard filling will still be creamy and delicious without the crust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this quiche ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the quiche the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Simply bake it, let it cool, and refrigerate. The next day, reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warm.
2. Can I freeze spinach quiche?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked quiche before cooking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the quiche in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
3. What kind of cheese should I use in spinach quiche?
While you can use any cheese you like, cheddar, Swiss, and Gruyere are some of the best options. They melt well and add a rich, creamy flavor. You can also use a blend of cheeses for added flavor.
4. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess water before using it in the quiche. Fresh spinach will give a slightly better texture, but frozen spinach works just fine.
5. How do I know when the quiche is done?
The quiche is done when the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center. The top should be golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
Conclusion
A Spinach Quiche is the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and nutrition. It’s a delicious way to enjoy greens in a savory dish, and it’s versatile enough to be customized with your favorite ingredients. Whether you stick to the classic spinach and cheese combination or experiment with variations like mushrooms, feta, or bacon, this quiche will undoubtedly become a favorite in your household. It’s ideal for any occasion, from brunch to a light dinner, and the best part is that it’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time. So, gather your ingredients, get your oven preheated, and enjoy a slice of this delightful, homemade spinach quiche!
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Spinach Quiche Recipe: A Delicious Brunch or Light Dinner Option
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A Spinach Quiche is a type of savory pie made with a filling of eggs, cream or milk, and spinach. The custard filling is combined with other flavorful ingredients such as onions, garlic, and cheese, and is baked inside a pastry crust until golden and set. This dish is rich, creamy, and packed with nutrients from the spinach. It’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or even as a light dinner option. It’s a great way to get your greens in without compromising on taste.
Ingredients
- 1 deep-dish pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1.5 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup butter
- 6 large eggs
- 1.5 cups milk (whole milk or half-and-half)
- 1.5 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyere)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the crust: If using a store-bought crust, place it in a 9-inch pie dish. If homemade, roll it out and fit it into the dish. Blind bake for 10 minutes with pie weights, then remove weights and bake for another 5 minutes.
- Sauté the vegetables: Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt & pepper.
- Prepare the custard: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the quiche: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the bottom of the crust. Add the spinach mixture, then pour the egg custard over the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool & serve: Let the quiche rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Feel free to customize this quiche by adding your favorite ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, crumbled bacon, or feta cheese. It’s a versatile dish perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner—and it reheats beautifully for leftovers!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: Spinach Quiche Recipe