Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche

The aroma of buttery pastry melding with creamy ricotta and vibrant spinach creates an irresistible invitation to the table when you prepare this Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche. This sophisticated dish balances delicate textures with rich flavors, making it perfect for brunches, light dinners, or elegant entertaining. The Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche transforms simple ingredients into a refined meal that looks as impressive as it tastes. You’ll learn how to achieve the perfect balance of creamy filling and flaky crust, along with professional techniques to elevate this classic dish to restaurant quality.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche delivers on all fronts – taste, texture, and visual appeal. The contrast between the crisp, golden pastry and the silky, cheese-laden interior creates a sensory experience that’s truly satisfying. Each bite offers the perfect balance of creamy ricotta, earthy spinach, and savory Parmesan.

What makes this spinach and ricotta pie truly special is its versatility. Elegant enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a weeknight meal, this quiche adapts to any occasion. The ingredients work harmoniously – the slight sweetness of sautéed onions balances the subtle bitterness of spinach, while the nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic note that elevates the entire dish.

Perhaps best of all, this recipe allows for preparation in stages. You can pre-bake the crust and prepare the filling ahead of time, making assembly quick and stress-free when you’re ready to serve this stunning quiche to appreciative guests.

Ingredients List for the Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche

These carefully selected ingredients create the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this classic quiche. The combination of fresh spinach and creamy cheeses creates a filling that’s both light and satisfying.

• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of nutmeg

Pro Tips

Creating the perfect Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche requires attention to a few critical details that make all the difference:

First, don’t skip pre-baking (blind baking) the crust. This crucial step prevents the dreaded “soggy bottom” that can ruin an otherwise perfect quiche. The brief initial baking creates a barrier that keeps the crust crisp even when filled with the moist ricotta mixture.

Second, ensure your spinach is properly drained after cooking. Excess moisture is the enemy of a perfectly set quiche filling. After wilting the spinach, press it gently against a fine-mesh sieve or between paper towels to remove any excess liquid that could make your filling watery.

Finally, allow the quiche to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This patience pays off with clean, picture-perfect slices. The resting period allows the proteins in the eggs to set fully, ensuring your quiche maintains its structure when served rather than collapsing into a messy (albeit delicious) puddle on the plate.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Roll out the pie crust and press it into a 9-inch quiche dish or pie plate. Prick the bottom with a fork. Pre-bake the crust for 8 minutes. Remove from oven.

Step 3: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 4: In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, eggs, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until well combined. Stir in the cooled spinach and onion mixture.

Step 5: Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the top is golden brown.

Step 6: Let the quiche cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Variations

The Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For a Mediterranean twist, add 1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes and 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese to the filling. The tangy tomatoes and salty feta complement the creamy ricotta beautifully, creating a flavor profile reminiscent of Greek cuisine.

For a protein-rich variation, add 1/2 cup of diced ham or crumbled cooked bacon to the spinach mixture. This addition creates a more substantial quiche perfect for hearty appetites and transforms the dish into a complete one-pan meal.

Those following a gluten-free diet can enjoy this ricotta spinach tart by using a gluten-free pie crust or creating a crust alternative with pressed almond flour and butter. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation without sacrificing the essence of the dish.

Storage and Serving

The Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche keeps beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

When reheating, avoid the microwave which can make the crust soggy. Instead, place slices in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes until just warmed through.

For serving, pair this luxurious spinach and cheese quiche with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. For brunch, accompany with fresh seasonal fruit and sparkling wine for an elegant presentation. When serving as a light dinner, roasted cherry tomatoes and a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc make perfect companions to the creamy, herb-scented quiche.

FAQs

Can I make this Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire quiche up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate it unbaked, and then bake when needed. Alternatively, you can fully bake it, cool completely, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Substitute with 1 cup of frozen spinach, thawed and very well drained. Squeeze out all excess moisture before adding to your recipe.

Why is my quiche watery?
This usually happens when excess moisture remains in the spinach. Ensure you thoroughly drain the spinach after cooking, and let the sautéed mixture cool before adding it to the egg mixture.

Can I make this quiche crustless?
Yes! For a low-carb version, simply grease your pie dish well and pour the filling directly into it. Bake as directed, though it may need 5-10 minutes less in the oven.

What’s the best way to tell when the quiche is done?
The quiche is done when the center is just set but still has a slight wobble. Insert a knife about an inch from the center – it should come out clean. Remember that the quiche will continue to firm up as it cools.

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