When it comes to simple yet delicious meals, a Spinach Ricotta Quiche is a standout. This dish is creamy, flavorful, and super easy to whip up, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a lazy Sunday brunch. Picture a flaky crust filled with tender spinach and velvety ricotta, all perfectly baked to a golden finish. It’s a delightful way to sneak in some veggies without compromising on taste. Did you know that the word “quiche” originates from the German word “kuchen,” meaning cake? So, if you think about it, you’re actually serving a savory pie — and who doesn’t love pie?
What makes this Spinach Ricotta Quiche special is its versatility. It’s not just a great meal option; it’s also a fantastic way to feed the family in an appealing manner. Kids and adults alike will love the melty cheese and savory spinach blend. Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare! If you’re a fan of other quiche recipes on our blog, like the classic Lorraine Quiche, you’ll find that this recipe offers a fresh twist that will surely become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the captivating world of quiche making!
What is Spinach Ricotta Quiche?
Have you ever wondered what exactly a quiche is? It’s quite the charming little dish, isn’t it? Think of it as a savory pie that’s comfortably filled with eggs, cheese, and whatever delicious ingredients you choose to include. The “Spinach Ricotta” part of the name beautifully implies a fantastic pairing that gives you both creamy richness and greens in one delightful slice. It’s almost like a hug for your taste buds! There’s an age-old saying: “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and I’d say this quiche is a worthy contender! When you serve this dish, you’ll see smiles all around the table. So why not grab those fresh ingredients and give this quiche a try?
Why You’ll Love This Spinach Ricotta Quiche
This Spinach Ricotta Quiche is truly something special. First off, it’s bursting with flavor, thanks to the creamy ricotta cheese mingling with the earthy spinach. Trust me, each bite is like a savory serenade! Secondly, making this quiche at home is a cost-saving delight compared to those pricey café versions. You can serve it to your family or guests without breaking the bank! Lastly, you can customize the fillings to your heart’s desire. Add sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes for extra flair, or brighten it with fresh herbs to elevate the taste. If you enjoy quiche, exploring our other amazing recipes, such as Broccoli Cheese Quiche, would be a smart move. So roll up your sleeves and let’s see how to make this delicacy in your own kitchen!
How to Make Spinach Ricotta Quiche
Quick Overview
Making a Spinach Ricotta Quiche is not only satisfying but also surprisingly easy. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with nutritious spinach, all wrapped in a flaky crust. You can get this quiche ready in about 15-20 minutes of prep time, and then just let the oven do the magic for about 30-35 minutes. You’re left with a scrumptious dish that’s ready to impress!
Key Ingredients for Spinach Ricotta Quiche
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar)
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Fresh herbs (like parsley or basil) for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Place your pie crust in a 9-inch pie pan. If you’re using a store-bought crust, follow the instructions on the package regarding pre-baking.
- Sauté the Spinach: In a skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, then add the chopped spinach. Cook until wilted, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool a bit.
- Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, and cream or milk. Whisk together until smooth. Stir in the sautéed spinach and season with salt and pepper. Add in half of the shredded cheese, blending everything together.
- Assemble the Quiche: Pour the spinach and ricotta mixture into the prepared pie crust. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top, creating a cheesy layer.
- Bake: Place the quiche in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice it up and enjoy warm, or serve at room temperature for a delightful brunch option!
Top Tips for Perfecting Spinach Ricotta Quiche
- Fresh vs. Frozen Spinach: While fresh spinach is recommended for its vibrant flavor, frozen spinach can work too! Just make sure to drain it well before adding it to the mix.
- Cheese Substitutions: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Feta or goat cheese could nicely complement the spinach if you’re looking for a tangy twist!
- Don’t Rush Cooling: Allowing the quiche to cool slightly before slicing will help it hold its shape and make serving easier.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, storing them is easy. Place any uneaten quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes, but be cautious as it may make the crust a bit soggy.
There you have it! Dive into the delightful world of Spinach Ricotta Quiche, and surprise your family with this easy, flavorful dish. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this quiche is sure to impress!
Spinach Ricotta Quiche
Ingredients
For the Quiche
- 1 pie crust 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped Fresh spinach is recommended for vibrant flavor.
- 1 cup 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 3 large 3 large eggs
- 1 cup 1 cup shredded cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar) You may substitute with feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
- 1 cup 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 clove 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Fresh herbs (like parsley or basil) for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place your pie crust in a 9-inch pie pan. If you’re using a store-bought crust, follow the instructions on the package regarding pre-baking.
- In a skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, then add the chopped spinach. Cook until wilted, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool a bit.
Mixing the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, and cream or milk. Whisk together until smooth.
- Stir in the sautéed spinach and season with salt and pepper. Add in half of the shredded cheese, blending everything together.
Assembling and Baking
- Pour the spinach and ricotta mixture into the prepared pie crust. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top, creating a cheesy layer.
- Place the quiche in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice it up and enjoy warm, or serve at room temperature.
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