Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with the Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche—a savory slice of French-inspired comfort designed to impress at any meal. This quiche boasts a velvety ricotta filling blended with delicate spinach, creamy Gruyère, and the subtle warmth of nutmeg, all cradled in a buttery crust. It’s elegant enough for special gatherings but blissfully simple to make, promising both beautiful flavor and an inviting, golden presentation every single time. Whether you’re planning a charming brunch, looking for a new vegetarian centerpiece, or simply indulging in a make-ahead treat, this is the dish you’ll dream about long after the last bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche comes from balancing just a handful of carefully chosen ingredients. Each one earns its place, working together to create that perfect creamy, savory bite in every forkful.
- Pie crust (9-inch, store-bought or homemade): This golden shell provides the foundation and crunch that make quiche irresistible.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Gives your sautéed veggies a subtle, fruity richness.
- Yellow onion (1 small, finely chopped): Adds gentle sweetness and depth to the filling.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Amplifies the savory notes and brings warmth to the dish.
- Fresh spinach (5 ounces, roughly chopped): Infuses freshness, a pop of color, and earthy flavor.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): The star ingredient, offering creamy texture and delicate flavor.
- Gruyère or Swiss cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Melty, nutty, and essential for that classic quiche savoriness.
- Eggs (4 large): The binding magic that allows everything to set just right.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the custard tender and light.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Adds richness for an ultra-creamy texture.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A gentle whisper of spice that wakes up every slice.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Pulls all the flavors together and brightens the dish.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Lends a faint, balancing heat on the finish.
How to Make Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Place your pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, then trim and crimp the edges for a neat border. This step is essential, as a well-prepared crust means your Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche will both look gorgeous and slice easily later on. Once the crust is in the dish, set it aside while you make the filling.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion for about 3 to 4 minutes until it turns soft and translucent—this develops a gentle, sweet flavor base. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant, before adding the chopped spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts, which should take around 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat, giving the veggies a chance to cool slightly before they dive into the egg mixture later.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg. Spend a moment to really whisk—this ensures the quiche is lusciously light and even. Now, fold in the creamy ricotta and shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese. The mixture will look irresistibly rich and velvety, ready for the veggies to join in.
Step 4: Combine the Fillings
Add your cooled spinach, onion, and garlic mixture into the custard and give everything a gentle stir. Incorporate them just enough so there are lovely green and cheese marbles throughout the mixture without over-blending. This ensures every bite of your Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche is perfectly balanced.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Pour the filling into your prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop the quiche into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for a center that’s set (no jiggly custard) and a top that’s lightly golden. Once baked, let it cool for about 10 minutes—this short wait makes slicing and serving a breeze, and the flavors deepen just a touch more.
How to Serve Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche
Garnishes
Elevate each slice by showering it with fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill. A pinch of bright lemon zest or a scattering of microgreens can add visual drama and lively flavor, making your Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal by pairing the quiche with a simple side salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Roasted asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or even a fruit salad bring a splash of color and freshness to the table, complementing the rich flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, cut your quiche into slim wedges or even squares for easy finger-food bites. You can also bake the filling in mini tart shells for charming individual servings that wow at brunch buffets or tea parties—another way to let the Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply wrap leftover Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche slices tightly in plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making them perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts or speedy lunches.
Freezing
This quiche freezes surprisingly well! Allow it to cool completely before wrapping individual slices or the whole quiche tightly in foil and transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Store for up to one month, and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. This keeps the crust beautifully crisp and the filling tender. For a quicker option, microwave individual slices for 1 to 2 minutes, but note the crust will soften slightly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works well in this recipe. Be sure to thaw it fully and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Use about 1/2 cup packed, well-drained spinach in place of the fresh for your Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche.
What other cheeses can I substitute for Gruyère or Swiss?
Feel free to swap in other melty, flavorful cheeses like cheddar, fontina, or even mozzarella. Each will give your Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche a slightly different character while still blending beautifully with the ricotta.
How do I keep my quiche crust from getting soggy?
For a crisper bottom, you can blind-bake the crust for 10 minutes before filling. Simply prick the base with a fork, line with parchment, add pie weights, and bake—then cool slightly before pouring in your Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche filling.
Can I make this quiche ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche can be baked up to a day in advance. Cool it, then refrigerate and reheat gently before serving. This makes early morning brunch prep totally stress-free.
Is this quiche suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is ideal for a vegetarian menu. Just ensure your cheese selection is made with vegetarian-friendly rennet to keep the Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche completely meat free.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s as delightful to share as it is to savor, look no further than the Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche. I hope you try this recipe soon and experience for yourself just how simple and special homemade quiche can be!
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Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche is a delightful and savory dish perfect for breakfast or brunch. A buttery pie crust filled with a creamy mixture of spinach, ricotta, and Gruyère cheese, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare the crust: Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, trim and crimp the edges, and set aside.
- Sauté onions and spinach: In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic, then spinach and cook until wilted.
- Prepare the filling: Whisk eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in ricotta and Gruyère. Add the spinach mixture and pour into the pie crust.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until set and golden. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- This quiche can be served warm or at room temperature.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pie crust.
- Enhance the flavor with sun-dried tomatoes or cooked mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
