Spinach Ricotta Quiche: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
Spinach ricotta quiche is a classic dish that’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner. It’s packed with flavor, relatively easy to make, and can be customized to your liking. This recipe provides a detailed guide to creating a perfectly baked quiche with a creamy, savory filling and a golden-brown crust. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Spinach Ricotta Quiche
* **Flavorful and Nutritious:** The combination of spinach and ricotta cheese creates a delicious and nutritious filling. Spinach provides vitamins and minerals, while ricotta adds a creamy texture and protein.
* **Versatile:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences. Add different cheeses, vegetables, or herbs to customize the flavor.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** This quiche is ideal for brunch, lunch, dinner, potlucks, or even a make-ahead breakfast.
* **Easy to Make:** While it may seem intimidating, this recipe is surprisingly simple to follow.
* **Freezable:** Leftovers can be easily frozen for a quick and convenient meal later on.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients. This will make the process smoother and more efficient.
For the Crust (Homemade or Store-Bought)
* **1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour:** Provides the structure for the crust.
* **1/2 teaspoon salt:** Enhances the flavor of the crust.
* **1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes:** Adds richness and flakiness to the crust. Make sure it’s very cold!
* **1/4 cup ice water:** Binds the dough together. Use ice water to keep the butter cold.
**Alternative:**
* **1 (14.1 oz) refrigerated pie crust:** A convenient option for saving time.
For the Filling
* **1 tablespoon olive oil:** For sautéing the spinach.
* **1 clove garlic, minced:** Adds a savory flavor to the filling.
* **10 ounces fresh spinach, washed and chopped:** The star of the show!
* **1 cup ricotta cheese:** Creates a creamy and rich texture.
* **1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese:** Adds a salty and nutty flavor.
* **4 large eggs:** Bind the filling together.
* **1/2 cup heavy cream:** Adds richness and moisture to the filling.
* **1/4 teaspoon salt:** Enhances the flavors of the filling.
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper:** Adds a touch of spice.
* **Pinch of nutmeg (optional):** Adds a warm and subtle flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **9-inch pie plate or quiche dish:** To bake the quiche in.
* **Large bowl:** For mixing the filling.
* **Medium skillet:** For sautéing the spinach.
* **Rolling pin (if making homemade crust):** To roll out the dough.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Whisk:** For mixing the eggs and cream.
* **Fork:** For pricking the crust (if blind baking).
* **Parchment paper or aluminum foil (if blind baking):** To line the crust.
* **Pie weights or dried beans (if blind baking):** To weigh down the crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the detailed instructions for making this delicious spinach ricotta quiche.
Part 1: Making the Crust (Homemade or Store-Bought)
**Option 1: Homemade Crust**
1. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. **Cut in the butter:** Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter pieces should be about the size of peas.
3. **Add ice water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Stop adding water when the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. **Form a disc:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently form it into a disc, about 1 inch thick.
5. **Wrap and chill:** Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.
6. **Roll out the dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
7. **Transfer to pie plate:** Carefully transfer the dough to the pie plate. Press it gently into the bottom and up the sides of the plate. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges decoratively.
**Option 2: Store-Bought Crust**
1. **Unroll the crust:** Unroll the refrigerated pie crust according to the package directions.
2. **Transfer to pie plate:** Carefully transfer the crust to the pie plate. Press it gently into the bottom and up the sides of the plate. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges decoratively.
Part 2: Blind Baking the Crust (Optional but Recommended)
Blind baking the crust helps prevent it from becoming soggy when filled with the wet filling. If you’re using a store-bought crust, it’s highly recommended to blind bake it.
1. **Preheat oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prepare the crust:** Line the crust with parchment paper or aluminum foil, making sure it extends over the edges of the pie plate.
3. **Add pie weights:** Fill the lined crust with pie weights or dried beans. This will prevent the crust from puffing up during baking.
4. **Bake:** Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the crust are lightly golden. Remove the parchment paper and pie weights.
5. **Continue baking (optional):** If the bottom of the crust still looks wet, bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
6. **Cool slightly:** Let the crust cool slightly before adding the filling.
Part 3: Preparing the Spinach Ricotta Filling
1. **Sauté the spinach:** Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. **Add the spinach:** Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts and reduces in volume, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. **Drain excess moisture:** Transfer the spinach to a colander and press out any excess moisture. This will help prevent the quiche from becoming soggy.
4. **Combine the ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Whisk until well combined.
5. **Add the spinach:** Add the sautéed spinach to the cheese mixture and stir to combine.
Part 4: Assembling and Baking the Quiche
1. **Preheat oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Pour in the filling:** Pour the spinach ricotta filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
3. **Bake:** Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center of the quiche should come out clean.
4. **Cool slightly:** Let the quiche cool in the pie plate for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set up further.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Spinach Ricotta Quiche
* **Use cold ingredients:** When making the crust, make sure the butter and water are very cold. This will help create a flaky crust.
* **Don’t overmix the dough:** Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten, resulting in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together.
* **Blind bake the crust:** Blind baking the crust helps prevent it from becoming soggy when filled with the wet filling.
* **Drain the spinach well:** Make sure to drain the spinach thoroughly to remove any excess moisture. This will prevent the quiche from becoming soggy.
* **Use good quality cheese:** Using good quality ricotta and Parmesan cheese will enhance the flavor of the quiche.
* **Don’t overbake the quiche:** Overbaking the quiche can result in a dry and rubbery filling. Bake until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
* **Let it cool:** Let the quiche cool slightly before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set up further and makes it easier to slice.
Variations and Customizations
This spinach ricotta quiche recipe is a great base that you can easily customize to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
* **Add other vegetables:** Consider adding other vegetables such as mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or zucchini to the filling.
* **Add different cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyere, mozzarella, or feta.
* **Add herbs:** Fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme can add a lot of flavor to the quiche.
* **Add meat:** Cooked bacon, sausage, or ham can be added to the filling for a heartier quiche.
* **Make it gluten-free:** Use a gluten-free pie crust to make this quiche gluten-free.
* **Make it dairy-free:** Use a dairy-free ricotta cheese and a plant-based milk alternative for the heavy cream to make this quiche dairy-free.
## Serving Suggestions
Spinach ricotta quiche can be served warm, at room temperature, or even cold. It’s delicious on its own or with a side salad. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Brunch:** Serve with fresh fruit, yogurt, and coffee or tea.
* **Lunch:** Serve with a side salad and a vinaigrette dressing.
* **Dinner:** Serve with a roasted vegetable side dish and a glass of wine.
* **Potluck:** Bring the quiche to a potluck or party. It’s always a crowd-pleaser.
## Storing and Reheating Instructions
* **Storing:** Leftover quiche can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the quiche in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the crust may become soggy.
* **Freezing:** To freeze the quiche, let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw the quiche in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Protein: 15-20 grams per serving
* Fat: 25-35 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams per serving
## Conclusion
This spinach ricotta quiche recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic dish. With its creamy filling, flaky crust, and customizable options, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for brunch, lunch, dinner, or a potluck, this quiche is sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this delightful culinary creation!