If you’re looking for a delightful dish that’s both wholesome and impressively tasty, then let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: the Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche Recipe. This quiche brings together the creamy richness of ricotta cheese and the fresh, vibrant flavor of spinach, all wrapped inside a perfectly flaky crust. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy enough for guests but is surprisingly easy to prepare—whether it’s for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen for those moments you want something delicious and comforting without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this quiche is simple yet essential, carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each element plays a role, from the tender pie crust to the creamy ricotta and fresh spinach, ensuring every bite is a memorable experience.
- 1 9-inch pie crust: Use store-bought or homemade for the perfect flaky base that holds the filling beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps soften the aromatics.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet, mellow depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that complements the spinach wonderfully.
- 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Adds vibrant green color and fresh earthy flavors that lighten the dish.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: The creamy heart of the quiche that keeps every bite smooth and luscious.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Adds richness and helps create that custardy texture everyone loves.
- 3 large eggs: The binding agent that sets the filling with a delicate, tender firmness.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor boost for extra depth.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors for perfect seasoning.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle warmth and spice.
- â…› teaspoon ground nutmeg: A tiny hint of warmth that elevates the savory filling beautifully.
How to Make Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the crust and veggies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges neatly to create that classic quiche look. In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an extra minute — the kitchen will start smelling amazing! Toss in the chopped spinach and cook just until it wilts, around 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly before moving on.
Step 2: Make the creamy filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, eggs, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until you have a smooth, velvety mixture. This combination is the heart and soul of the Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche Recipe, bringing lush creaminess balanced with those delicate spices. Gently fold the cooled spinach mixture into the bowl with the ricotta blend, ensuring even distribution for every bite.
Step 3: Bake to golden perfection
Pour the luscious filling into your prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center sets and the top turns a lovely light golden color. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is firm but still slightly jiggles in the middle—classic quiche perfection. Let the quiche cool for about 10 minutes before slicing; this resting time helps it settle and makes serving a breeze.
How to Serve Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can make your Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche Recipe look even more inviting. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling. You can also scatter a few extra shavings of Parmesan cheese right before serving for an elegant touch and a touch more savory flavor.
Side Dishes
This quiche shines beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, or some roasted cherry tomatoes to add a bit of natural sweetness. For brunch, fresh fruit or a simple tomato and cucumber salad give your meal refreshing contrast without overpowering the delicate flavors of the quiche.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, slice the quiche into neat wedges and arrange them on a beautiful platter with small dollops of sour cream or crème fraîche on the side. For a rustic feel, place the entire quiche on a wooden board with a scattering of walnuts or toasted pine nuts nearby for textural contrast. The Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche Recipe makes a stunning centerpiece that’s just as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your quiche has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week. Simply reheat gently to enjoy the flavors at their best.
Freezing
The Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche Recipe also freezes beautifully. To freeze, wrap whole or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for a perfectly preserved taste and texture.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat your quiche slices in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crisp on top. This helps maintain the flaky crust and creamy filling much better than microwaving, which can sometimes make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach for this quiche?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and squeeze out excess moisture from the spinach before adding it to the filling to avoid a watery quiche.
Is this quiche recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche Recipe is completely vegetarian as it contains no meat. You can also customize it with other veggies or cheese to suit your preferences.
Can I substitute ricotta with another cheese?
Ricotta is key to the creamy texture and mild flavor, but you can try cottage cheese or a smooth goat cheese if you want a slightly different taste and consistency. Just expect the texture to vary.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Baking the crust a little before adding the filling (known as blind baking) helps keep it crisp. Also, make sure not to overfill and avoid excess moisture by properly cooking and draining the spinach.
How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Store your leftover quiche in an airtight container and enjoy within 3 days for the best flavor and freshness.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely believe that the Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche Recipe is one of those dishes that brings both comfort and elegance to the table effortlessly. It’s a lovely way to enjoy a fresh, flavorful meal any time of day without spending hours in the kitchen. So don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients, get cooking, and share this wonderful quiche with your loved ones. You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so spectacular!
Print
Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche is a delightful savory pie featuring a flaky crust filled with creamy ricotta, sautéed spinach, and aromatic seasonings. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, its rich yet light texture and balanced flavors make it a sophisticated vegetarian option that is both comforting and impressive.
Ingredients
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 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- â…› teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Crust: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges to form a neat border, ensuring it’s evenly positioned and ready to hold the filling.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the roughly chopped spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare Filling Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, heavy cream, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and fully combined to create a creamy base.
- Combine Spinach Mixture: Fold the sautéed spinach mixture into the ricotta filling thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the spinach and onions throughout the custard.
- Fill and Bake: Pour the prepared filling into the pie crust and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking. Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top has turned a light golden color indicating it’s perfectly cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the filling to firm up, making it easier to slice and enhancing the flavors before serving.
Notes
- For a heartier quiche, consider adding cooked crumbled bacon or sautéed mushrooms to the filling.
- This quiche can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any meal occasion.
- Use fresh spinach for the best texture and flavor; frozen spinach can be substituted but be sure to drain excess moisture.
- Letting the quiche cool slightly before slicing ensures clean slices and a better presentation.
