Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite brunch dish: Ricotta Spinach Quiche! This quiche is my secret weapon—whenever I have friends over, it’s the dish that makes me look like a culinary superstar. I remember the first time I ever made this recipe. It was a chilly Sunday morning, and I had my best friends over for brunch. The smell of the baking quiche wafted through the house, and as soon as it came out of the oven, I knew I was onto something special. Everyone couldn’t get enough of it, and honestly, I was just a smug chef enjoying their compliments!
What I love most about this Ricotta Spinach Quiche is its versatility. It’s a delightful combination of creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and those lovely layers of cheese that blend together in a perfectly flaky crust. It’s suitable for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner! And the best part? You can make it ahead of time, so you can spend more time chatting with friends instead of being locked in the kitchen. Now, let’s dive into the delicious details of this recipe!
What’s in Ricotta Spinach Quiche?
- Pre-made pie crust: I always opt for a good-quality store-bought pie crust to save time. Brands like Pillsbury or Marie Callender’s work wonderfully.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and rich, ricotta is the star of this dish! Look for whole-milk ricotta for the best flavor.
- Fresh spinach: Nothing beats the freshness of chopped spinach—you can use frozen if you’re in a pinch, just make sure to drain it well!
- Eggs: These are crucial for setting the filling. Large, fresh eggs are my go-to.
- Heavy cream: Want a decadent filling? This is it! For a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nutty essence that balances beautifully with the spinach.
- Salt and black pepper: Just the basics, but essential for enhancing the flavors.
- Nutmeg (optional): A pinch of nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile wonderfully, but feel free to skip it if you don’t have any on hand.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: This provides that lovely bubbly topping that makes you want to dive right in!
- Olive oil or butter: Use this to sauté fresh spinach; it gives the dish an extra layer of richness.
- Optional: Chopped tomatoes or herbs for garnish add a lovely color and freshness to your quiche!
Is Ricotta Spinach Quiche Good for You?
Well, that depends on how you look at it! This quiche is absolutely a delightful treat. The ricotta cheese provides protein, which is great for a filling meal, and spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals. However, let’s be real—it has heavy cream and cheese, so it’s definitely more indulgent than health food! If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, consider using low-fat versions of ricotta and cream. Pairing the quiche with a crisp salad or fresh fruit is also a good way to balance out the dish and make it feel less heavy. It’s all about moderation, right?
Ingredients List
- 1 pre-made pie crust (9 inches)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing, if using fresh spinach)
- Optional: Chopped tomatoes or herbs for garnish
How to Make Ricotta Spinach Quiche?
- First things first, preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and warm for your quiche.
- If you’re using fresh spinach, heat the olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Then add your chopped spinach and sauté until it wilts—around 3-5 minutes. Once done, remove it from heat and let it cool a bit.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Whisk this mixture until it’s smooth and well combined.
- Next, stir in the spinach you just sautéed or the thawed frozen spinach if you went that route.
- Carefully pour the filling mixture into the pre-made pie crust, spreading it evenly. Let those flavors mingle!
- Now sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, because what’s a quiche without cheese?
- Pop it in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the quiche is set in the center and has a lovely light brown top.
- Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing—this will help it hold its shape!
- Feel free to garnish with chopped tomatoes or fresh herbs. Voilà! Your quiche is ready to dazzle!
Tips for a Perfect Ricotta Spinach Quiche
- Use fresh ingredients where possible—fresh spinach makes a huge difference!
- If you plan to use frozen spinach, ensure it’s well-drained so you don’t end up with a soggy quiche.
- This quiche can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it super easy for meal prepping or entertaining.
- Leftovers are fantastic! Just store them in the fridge, and they reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.
I can’t wait for you to give this Ricotta Spinach Quiche a try! Whether it’s for a cozy brunch with friends, a family gathering, or a weeknight meal, I guarantee it’ll impress everyone at the table. Plus, I’d love to hear how your baking adventure goes, so don’t forget to share your experiences with me. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!
