Ricotta Spinach Quiche

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Introduction:

Elevate your breakfast or brunch spread with a dish that combines creamy ricotta cheese, tender spinach, and flaky pastry crust with our Ricotta Spinach Quiche recipe. Bursting with flavor and sophistication, this savory quiche is perfect for any occasion, from leisurely weekend brunches to elegant dinner parties. Join us as we delve into the art of crafting this delectable dish and discover why it’s a must-have addition to your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients:

  • 1 9 inch deep dish pie crust (frozen, refrigerated, or homemade)
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 1 1/2 cups packed baby spinach leaves
  • 1/3 cup chopped green onions
  • 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, divided use
  • 1-2 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper or 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
  • 8-10 cherry tomatoes, halved

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Prick the bottom of the pie crust with a fork and bake for 5 minutes.
  2. In a medium-sized skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add spinach and green onions, cooking for 1-2 minutes or just until the spinach has wilted and released juice. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute longer. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, and ricotta with basil, salt, pepper, onion powder, and nutmeg. Stir in the spinach mixture, 1 cup of cheese, and 1 Tbsp Parmesan until evenly distributed. Pour into the pie crust.
  4. Use a fork to evenly distribute the spinach. Arrange the tomatoes on top and sprinkle with the reserved 1/2 cup shredded cheese and 1 Tbsp Parmesan.
  5. Bake for 10 minutes, then lower the oven temperature to 350°F. Bake for an additional 30-40 minutes or until the center is set when gently shaken.
  6. Cool on a cooling rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
  7. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 50 minutes | Stand time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  8. Kcal: 418 kcal | Servings: 8 servings

Serving Tips:

  1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, garnish the Ricotta Spinach Quiche with fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or basil for a pop of color and added freshness. This enhances the presentation and adds a burst of flavor to each slice.
  2. Slice Carefully: Allow the quiche to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before slicing. Use a sharp knife to cut clean, even slices, ensuring that each serving has a perfect combination of filling and crust.
  3. Accompaniments: Serve Ricotta Spinach Quiche with a side salad dressed with vinaigrette or a selection of fresh fruit for a balanced and satisfying meal. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top of each slice for extra creaminess.
  4. Brunch Buffet: If serving the quiche as part of a brunch buffet, consider offering a variety of toppings and condiments such as salsa, hot sauce, or flavored mayonnaise for guests to customize their slices according to their taste preferences.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Ricotta Spinach Quiche in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 2-3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven before serving.
  2. Freezing: You can freeze Ricotta Spinach Quiche for longer storage. Once cooled completely, wrap the quiche tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  3. Reheating: To reheat refrigerated or frozen quiche, preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and place the quiche on a baking sheet. Cover the quiche loosely with foil to prevent excessive browning and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes until warm.
  4. Serve Freshly Baked: For the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to serve Ricotta Spinach Quiche freshly baked. However, if you do need to store leftovers, follow the above storage tips to ensure it stays fresh and delicious for later enjoyment.

FAQs:

1. Can I Use Frozen Spinach for this Recipe? Yes, frozen spinach can be used in this recipe as a convenient alternative to fresh spinach. Thaw the frozen spinach according to package instructions, then squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the quiche filling. You may need to adjust the quantity of spinach based on personal preference.

2. Can I Make the Quiche Crustless? Certainly! If you prefer a crustless version of the quiche, simply omit the pastry crust. Grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking, then pour the ricotta and spinach mixture directly into the dish. Bake as directed in the recipe, adjusting the baking time if necessary.

3. Can I Substitute Cottage Cheese for Ricotta Cheese? While ricotta cheese is traditionally used in quiche recipes for its creamy texture, you can substitute cottage cheese if desired. Simply blend the cottage cheese until smooth before adding it to the filling mixture. Keep in mind that cottage cheese has a slightly different flavor and texture compared to ricotta, so the end result may vary slightly.

4. Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Quiche? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the quiche by adding other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or sun-dried tomatoes. Simply sauté the vegetables until tender before adding them to the ricotta and spinach mixture. Be sure to adjust the seasoning to taste to accommodate any additional ingredients.

5. Can I Make the Quiche Ahead of Time? Yes, you can prepare the quiche ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve. Simply assemble the quiche according to the recipe instructions, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the quiche from the refrigerator, uncover it, and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the quiche is chilled.

Conclusion:

Ricotta Spinach Quiche is a versatile and elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy ricotta filling, flavorful spinach, and flaky pastry crust, it’s sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a leisurely lunch, or entertaining friends for dinner, Ricotta Spinach Quiche is a delicious and sophisticated option that’s sure to please. So, gather your ingredients, roll out the pastry dough, and prepare to savor every bite of this savory delight.

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