Quiches have long been cherished for their versatility, simplicity, and delectable flavor combinations. Among the many variations, Spinach Ricotta Quiche stands out as a wholesome and satisfying dish. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing a family dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe combines fresh ingredients and creamy textures to create an unforgettable dining experience. In this article, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about crafting the perfect Spinach Ricotta Quiche, offering tips, insights, and expert tricks to ensure your dish stands out.
What Makes Spinach Ricotta Quiche Special?
Spinach Ricotta Quiche combines the vibrant flavors of fresh baby spinach, creamy ricotta cheese, and savory parmesan in a flaky crust. The blend of herbs like basil adds an aromatic touch, while the halved cherry tomatoes introduce bursts of freshness. With its combination of high-protein ingredients like eggs and cheese, this quiche offers a balanced meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Spinach Ricotta Quiche
To ensure your quiche turns out perfectly every time, let’s explore the key ingredients and why they matter:
- Refrigerated Dough
A reliable base, refrigerated pie dough offers convenience and consistency, providing the flakiness essential to quiche. - Eggs
Eggs act as the main binding agent, creating the custard-like texture of the filling. Beating them thoroughly ensures a smooth blend with the other ingredients. - Fresh Baby Spinach
Packed with nutrients, spinach adds color, flavor, and health benefits. Always chop it finely for even distribution in the filling. - Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta provides a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the firmer ingredients. - Shredded Mozzarella and Parmesan
These cheeses add savory notes and a melty finish that enhances the overall flavor profile. - Cherry Tomatoes
Their slight sweetness and acidity balance the richness of the cheese and eggs. - Fresh Basil
This herb elevates the quiche with a pop of freshness and subtle sweetness.
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Spinach Ricotta Quiche
1. Prepare Your Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the refrigerated dough on a floured surface until it measures about 11 to 12 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring it lines the base and sides snugly. Trim any excess dough, leaving a slight overhang, and crimp the edges for a polished finish.
2. Par-Bake the Crust
Using a fork, prick the bottom of the pie crust to prevent air pockets. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, just until it begins to set but remains pale. This step ensures the crust doesn’t become soggy when the filling is added.
3. Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 7 beaten eggs
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 2/3 cup skim milk
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
- 3 tablespoons chopped basil
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. Assemble the Quiche
Pour the egg mixture into the par-baked crust. In a separate small bowl, combine:
- 1/2 cup ricotta
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella
- Remaining 4 tablespoons parmesan
Dollop the ricotta mixture onto the filling, distributing it evenly. Place the halved cherry tomatoes on top for added color and flavor.
5. Bake to Perfection
To prevent the crust’s edges from over-browning, cover them with foil. Place the pie dish on a cookie sheet for stability and bake on the middle oven rack for 50 to 55 minutes. The quiche is done when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve
Let the quiche cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the custard to set fully, making it easier to serve neat slices.
Tips for a Flawless Spinach Ricotta Quiche
- Blind Baking: For an ultra-crisp crust, line the dough with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights during par-baking.
- Customizing the Filling: Swap spinach for kale, or add sautéed mushrooms for extra depth.
- Cheese Variations: Try feta or goat cheese for a tangier twist.
- Make It Ahead: The quiche can be baked a day in advance and reheated gently in the oven.
Nutritional Benefits of Spinach Ricotta Quiche
This recipe is a powerhouse of nutrients:
- Protein-Rich: Eggs and cheeses provide high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Vitamin-Packed: Spinach delivers vitamin K, vitamin A, and iron.
- Low-Calorie Option: With skim milk and part-skim cheeses, this quiche stays relatively light at 350 calories per serving.
Serving Suggestions for Spinach Ricotta Quiche
Spinach Ricotta Quiche pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:
- Light Salads: A simple mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the quiche.
- Soups: Pair it with tomato basil soup or a creamy potato leek soup.
- Breakfast Additions: Serve alongside fresh fruit, croissants, or a smoothie for a full brunch spread.
How to Store and Reheat Quiche
- Refrigeration: Wrap the quiche tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- Freezing: Slice the quiche and freeze individual portions. Wrap each slice in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave individual slices for a quicker option.
Why Spinach Ricotta Quiche is Perfect for Any Occasion
Spinach Ricotta Quiche is versatile enough for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a snack. It’s ideal for gatherings due to its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing flavor. The combination of creamy ricotta and nutrient-rich spinach ensures a dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Conclusion
The Spinach Ricotta Quiche is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. From its flaky crust to its creamy, savory filling, every bite is a celebration of flavor and texture. Whether you’re new to quiche-making or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Serve it warm, pair it with your favorite sides, and enjoy the satisfaction of a dish that truly stands out.
Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread.
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Spinach Ricotta Quiche: A Hearty, Healthy Delight
Description
Delight in a creamy Spinach Ricotta Quiche with fresh spinach, ricotta, and cherry tomatoes in a flaky crust. Perfect for any meal!
Ingredients
- Refrigerated dough for 1, 9-inch deep dish pie crust
- 7 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups chopped fresh baby spinach, 1 1/2 ounces
- 2/3 cup skim milk
- 6 tablespoons grated parmesan
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup part skim ricotta
- 1/3 cup part skim shredded mozzarella
- 3/4 cups halved grape or cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Spinach Ricotta QuicheSpinach Ricotta QuichePreheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Roll the dough out on a well-floured work surface until it’s approximately 11 to 12-inches in diameter.
- Transfer it to a 9-inch metal or glass pie dish. Press it firmly into the bottom and sides of the pie plate. Trim off any excess, leaving about 1/2-inch overhanging. Then fold/crimp the overhanging dough.
- Prick the bottom of the pie crust with a fork. Transfer the pie crust to your pre-heated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until par-baked.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs with spinach, milk, 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, basil, and salt; mix well.
- Pour mixture into the par-baked pie crust.
- In a small bowl, combine ricotta with mozzarella and remaining parmesan.
- Dollop the ricotta all around and top and place tomatoes around the cheese.
- Place foil on the edges of the crust to prevent them from burning.
- Place quiche on a cookie sheet and bake on the middle oven rack for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the top is browned and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.