Cheesy Spinach Quiche

Introduction

Quiche is one of those delightful dishes that can effortlessly transition from breakfast to brunch, lunch, or dinner. Among the many varieties, the Cheesy Spinach Quiche stands out as a favorite, combining the creamy richness of cheese with the vibrant freshness of spinach, all encased in a buttery, flaky crust. This dish is not only delicious but also highly versatile, making it perfect for casual family meals, elegant gatherings, or even meal prep for busy weeks.

A good quiche strikes the perfect balance between a tender, flaky crust and a custardy, flavorful filling. The spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients, while the cheese brings a comforting creaminess that ties everything together. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the recipe, delve into the health benefits of the ingredients, share tips for achieving the perfect quiche, and suggest variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients and Their Benefits

Pastry Crust: The crust is the foundation of a great quiche. Whether you make your own from scratch or use a store-bought version, it should be flaky and tender. The crust provides a delicious, buttery base that complements the creamy filling.
Spinach: Spinach is the star vegetable in this quiche, bringing both flavor and nutrition. It’s rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and iron. Spinach adds a fresh, slightly earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of the cheese and eggs.
Cheese (Gruyère, Cheddar, Swiss): The cheese is what gives this quiche its creamy, indulgent texture. Gruyère offers a nutty, slightly sweet flavor, cheddar brings a sharp tang, and Swiss adds a mild, buttery taste. The combination of cheeses provides depth and complexity to the dish.
Eggs: Eggs are the heart of the quiche, creating the custardy filling that holds everything together. They provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients like vitamin D and choline, which are important for brain health.
Cream or Milk: Cream or milk is used to create the custard base for the quiche. It adds richness and a smooth texture to the filling. While heavy cream will make the quiche richer, whole milk can be used for a lighter version.
Onions or Shallots: Onions or shallots add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the quiche. They are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, making them a nutritious addition to the dish.
Garlic: Garlic enhances the savory flavor of the quiche and pairs well with the spinach and cheese. It’s also known for its health benefits, including immune-boosting properties and the ability to lower blood pressure.
Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg adds warmth and a subtle spice that complements the creamy filling. Nutmeg is often used in custards and cream-based dishes to enhance their flavor.
Olive Oil or Butter: Sautéing the spinach, onions, and garlic in olive oil or butter ensures they are tender and flavorful before being added to the quiche. Olive oil adds heart-healthy fats, while butter adds a rich flavor.

The Recipe: Cheesy Spinach Quiche

Servings: 6-8

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 small onion or 2 shallots, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Swiss cheese
4 large eggs
1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Make the Crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it into a ball. Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling:
- While the dough is chilling, heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion or shallots and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted (if using fresh spinach) or heated through (if using frozen spinach). Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the spinach mixture cool slightly.
Roll Out the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch tart or pie pan, pressing it into the bottom and sides of the pan. Trim any excess dough and prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
Blind Bake the Crust:
- Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment paper and weights, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Set the crust aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Custard:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream or milk, and a pinch of nutmeg until smooth. Stir in the grated cheeses until well combined.
Assemble the Quiche:
- Spread the sautéed spinach mixture evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked crust. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the spinach, spreading it out evenly.
- Place the quiche in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
Serve:
- Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature. This quiche pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or fresh fruit.

Health Benefits of Cheesy Spinach Quiche

This cheesy spinach quiche is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s also packed with nutrients:

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, folate, and iron. These vitamins and minerals support everything from immune health to bone health and blood circulation.
High-Quality Protein: Eggs provide high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health. Protein also helps keep you feeling full and satisfied, making this quiche a great option for any meal.
Heart-Healthy Fats: The olive oil or butter used to sauté the vegetables, along with the cheese and cream, provide healthy fats that are important for brain function, hormone production, and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Antioxidants: Spinach, onions, garlic, and nutmeg are all rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. Antioxidants play a key role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Versatile and Customizable: This quiche can be adapted to fit various dietary needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking to add more vegetables to your diet, enjoy a protein-rich meal, or simply indulge in a delicious dish, this quiche has something to offer.

Tips for Perfecting Your Quiche

Use Cold Ingredients for the Crust: To achieve a flaky, tender crust, it’s important to use cold ingredients. Keep the butter and water as cold as possible and avoid overworking the dough. If the dough becomes too warm while you’re working with it, chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before continuing.
Blind Bake the Crust: Blind baking the crust before adding the filling helps prevent it from becoming soggy. This step ensures that the crust stays crisp and flaky, even after the filling is added.
Sauté the Spinach: Cooking the spinach before adding it to the quiche helps remove excess moisture, which can make the quiche soggy. If you’re using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before sautéing.
Season Generously: Both the spinach mixture and the custard should be well-seasoned. Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg bring out the flavors in the dish and prevent the quiche from tasting bland.
Let the Quiche Cool Before Slicing: Allowing the quiche to cool for a few minutes before slicing helps the filling set, making it easier to cut clean slices. This also gives the flavors time to meld together.

Variations of the Recipe

This Cheesy Spinach Quiche is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:

Gluten-Free Quiche: To make the quiche gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also make a crustless quiche by pouring the filling directly into a greased pie dish.
Vegan Quiche: For a vegan version, replace the butter in the crust with a plant-based alternative, such as vegan butter or coconut oil. Use a flaxseed or chia seed mixture in place of the eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). Replace the cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast, and use coconut milk or almond milk in place of the cream.
Low-Carb Quiche: To make a low-carb quiche, skip the crust altogether and pour the filling into a greased pie dish. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour for the crust to reduce the carbohydrate content.
Herb-Infused Quiche: For a more herbaceous quiche, increase the amount of fresh herbs in the recipe. Consider adding herbs like dill, tarragon, or chives for a fresh, aromatic flavor.
Spicy Quiche: If you like a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the spinach mixture. This will give the quiche a spicy kick that pairs well with the creamy cheese filling.

Pairing Suggestions

This Cheesy Spinach Quiche pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes and beverages:

Salads: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the quiche. You can also serve it with a more robust salad, such as a spinach and strawberry salad or a quinoa and kale salad.
Soup: Pair the quiche with a bowl of soup for a comforting meal. Creamy soups like tomato bisque or roasted butternut squash soup work particularly well with the flavors of the quiche.
Wine: A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, pairs perfectly with this quiche. The acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of the cheese and enhances the flavors of the spinach.
Breads: Serve the quiche with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up any remaining filling. A slice of whole-grain bread also adds a nice texture contrast to the creamy quiche.
Fruit: For a refreshing contrast, serve the quiche with a side of fresh fruit or a fruit salad. Berries, melon, or citrus fruits are particularly good choices.

FAQs

1. Can I make the quiche ahead of time?
Yes, this quiche can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the crust and filling separately, then assemble and bake the quiche when you’re ready to serve it. Alternatively, you can bake the quiche, let it cool, and reheat it in the oven before serving. The quiche can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. What other vegetables can I use?
This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to use any vegetables you like. Other great options include mushrooms, broccoli, zucchini, or leeks. Just be sure to sauté or roast the vegetables before adding them to the quiche to remove excess moisture.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The quiche can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven before serving.

4. Can I make this quiche without dairy?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of this quiche by using a dairy-free butter alternative for the crust and replacing the cheese with a dairy-free cheese substitute. You can also use coconut milk or almond milk in place of the cream.

5. What can I serve with this quiche?
This quiche pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including salads, soups, and bread. For a complete meal, serve it with a green salad and a light soup. You can also pair it with roasted vegetables or a grain-based salad for a heartier meal.

Conclusion

The Cheesy Spinach Quiche is a delightful dish that combines the best of fresh spinach, creamy cheese, and flaky pastry. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, an elegant dinner, or a versatile dish for any meal, this quiche is sure to impress.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to eat well. Plus, with its versatility, you can easily customize it to fit your dietary preferences or the ingredients you have on hand.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for a savory, satisfying meal, give this Cheesy Spinach Quiche a try. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire, offering a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition.