Elevate your culinary game with our delectable Ricotta Spinach Quiche recipe! Bursting with savory flavors and wholesome ingredients, this dish is a delightful blend of creamy ricotta, tender spinach, and aromatic herbs, all nestled in a flaky pie crust. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, this savory quiche is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this culinary masterpiece!
Ingredients:
- 1 9-inch deep dish pie crust (frozen, refrigerated, or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 cups packed baby spinach leaves
- 1/3 cup chopped green onions
- 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided use
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper or 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
- 8-10 cherry tomatoes, halved
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prick the bottom of the pie crust with a fork and bake for 5 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside.
- In a medium-sized skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add spinach and green onions, cooking for 1-2 minutes or until the spinach has wilted and released its juices. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and ricotta cheese. Add chopped basil, salt, pepper (or red pepper flakes), onion powder, and nutmeg. Stir in the spinach mixture, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan until evenly distributed.
- Pour the mixture into the pre-baked pie crust, using a fork to evenly distribute the spinach. Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes on top and sprinkle with the reserved 1/2 cup shredded cheese and 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Continue baking for an additional 30-40 minutes or until the center is set when gently shaken.
- Once baked, cool the quiche on a cooling rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Flavor Explosion: Each bite of this quiche offers a burst of savory flavors, thanks to the combination of ricotta, spinach, and aromatic herbs.
- Perfect Anytime Dish: Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this quiche is always a hit.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients like mushrooms, bell peppers, or cooked bacon.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare this quiche in advance and simply reheat it when needed for a quick and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 418 kcal
- Servings: 8 servings
Serving Tips:
- Serve slices of Ricotta Spinach Quiche alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Garnish each slice with a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs, such as basil or parsley, for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
- Pair the quiche with a side of roasted potatoes or crispy hash browns for a hearty brunch or breakfast.
- Drizzle a balsamic glaze over the quiche slices before serving for a touch of sweetness and acidity.
- Accompany the quiche with a selection of condiments, such as salsa, hot sauce, or creamy aioli, to customize each bite to your liking.
Storage Tips:
- Store any leftover quiche slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the quiche. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. The quiche can be frozen for up to 1-2 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen quiche slices overnight in the refrigerator before reheating according to the instructions above.
- To maintain optimal freshness and texture, avoid reheating the entire quiche at once if possible. Instead, reheat individual slices as needed to prevent any potential sogginess.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Ricotta Spinach Quiche remains delicious and enjoyable, whether you’re serving it fresh out of the oven or enjoying leftovers later on.
Variations:
- Mushroom and Spinach Quiche: Add sautéed mushrooms along with the spinach for an earthy flavor and extra heartiness.
- Bacon and Cheddar Quiche: Cook crispy bacon until golden brown, crumble it, and add it to the egg mixture along with shredded cheddar cheese for a classic flavor combination.
- Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Quiche: Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese into the egg mixture for a tangy and flavorful twist.
- Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche: Steam or blanch broccoli florets until tender-crisp, then chop them and mix them into the egg mixture along with shredded cheddar cheese for a colorful and nutritious variation.
- Asparagus and Goat Cheese Quiche: Blanch asparagus spears until tender, chop them into bite-sized pieces, and mix them with creamy goat cheese for a sophisticated and elegant flavor profile.
- Spinach and Artichoke Quiche: Add chopped marinated artichoke hearts along with the spinach for a Mediterranean-inspired twist, and sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
- Smoked Salmon and Dill Quiche: Flake smoked salmon into the egg mixture and add chopped fresh dill for a luxurious and savory variation that’s perfect for brunch.
- Spinach and Feta Quiche: Replace the ricotta cheese with crumbled feta cheese for a tangy and salty flavor that pairs beautifully with the spinach.
- Spinach and Ham Quiche: Dice cooked ham and add it to the egg mixture along with the spinach for a hearty and satisfying variation.
- Tomato and Basil Quiche: Layer sliced tomatoes on top of the quiche before baking and sprinkle with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant and summery twist.
These variations offer a wide range of flavor combinations and ingredient options to suit your preferences and dietary needs, allowing you to customize your quiche according to your taste preferences and creativity. Feel free to mix and match ingredients to create your own unique quiche masterpiece!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
- Yes, frozen spinach can be used as a convenient alternative. Thaw it thoroughly and squeeze out excess moisture before incorporating it into the quiche.
- Can I make the quiche crustless?
- Absolutely! Simply skip the pie crust and pour the quiche mixture directly into a greased pie dish or baking dish. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Can I make the quiche ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the quiche ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight before baking. Alternatively, you can fully bake the quiche, cool it, and then refrigerate it. Reheat individual slices as needed.
- Is it possible to make the quiche dairy-free?
- Yes, you can substitute dairy-free alternatives such as almond milk, coconut cream, and tofu for the dairy ingredients like heavy cream, ricotta, and cheese.
- What can I serve with Ricotta Spinach Quiche?
- This quiche pairs well with a variety of sides including fresh salads, roasted vegetables, crusty bread, or fruit salad.
- Can I freeze leftover quiche?
- Yes, you can freeze leftover quiche. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- How long does the quiche need to cool before slicing?
- Allow the quiche to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows it to set properly and makes slicing easier.
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of our Ricotta Spinach Quiche for a memorable dining experience. With its creamy texture, vibrant colors, and delightful taste, this quiche is guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try it out today and treat yourself to a slice of culinary heaven!