If you’re looking for a delightful dish that effortlessly combines creamy textures, fresh greens, and savory flavors, this Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautiful balance of silky ricotta cheese and vibrant spinach nestled inside a flaky pie crust, making it perfect for brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner. Simple yet sophisticated, this quiche is sure to impress anyone at your table while filling your kitchen with the most inviting aromas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche Recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each item plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that bring this dish to life.
- Pie crust: Either store-bought or homemade, it offers a buttery and flaky foundation that holds everything together beautifully.
- Olive oil: Adds a mild richness and helps soften the onions perfectly.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet base flavor that balances the freshness of spinach.
- Fresh spinach, chopped: Brings a bright, vibrant green color and a luscious earthy note to the filling.
- Ricotta cheese: The star ingredient contributing creamy texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- Large eggs: Essential for setting the custard and creating a tender, custardy interior.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the quiche’s custard mixture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a sharp, nutty depth and golden crust when baked.
- Salt and pepper: Crucial for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Pinch of nutmeg: A subtle warmth that elevates the overall flavor without overpowering.
How to Make Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using a store-bought crust, gently fit it into your pie dish, pressing it evenly into the base and up the sides. To prevent sogginess, prick the bottom a few times with a fork. Blind bake the crust for about 8 minutes until it’s just starting to set but not browned. This step creates a sturdy, flaky barrier for your filling.
Step 2: Sauté the aromatics and spinach
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the finely chopped onion. Cook until softened and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted and most of the moisture has evaporated. This concentrates the spinach’s flavor and keeps your quiche from becoming watery.
Step 3: Mix the filling
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the heavy cream, eggs, and grated Parmesan. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir in the cooked onion and spinach mixture until everything is evenly incorporated. This creamy custard base is what sets this Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche Recipe apart with its luscious texture and layered flavor.
Step 4: Assemble and bake
Pour the filling into the partially baked pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake the quiche for 35 to 40 minutes until the custard is just set and slightly golden on top. A gentle jiggle in the center means it’s perfectly cooked. Allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing — this helps the quiche slice cleanly and enhances the flavors.
How to Serve Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives over the warm quiche. You could also add a small dollop of crème fraîche or a few shreds of Parmesan right before serving to add a touch of elegance and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair this quiche with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for an effortless balance of textures and flavors. For heartier occasions, roasted baby potatoes or a bowl of tomato soup make delightful companions that complement the creamy richness of the quiche.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting brunch, slice the quiche into small squares or wedges and arrange them on a decorative platter with edible flowers or microgreens. You can also serve individual mini quiches by using tartlet pans to delight your guests with perfectly portioned servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store slices in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor. It’s perfect for quick lunches or light dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
You can freeze the whole quiche or individual slices for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes to restore the crispness of the crust and warm the filling evenly. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but may soften the crust, so oven reheating is preferred whenever possible.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the frozen spinach before adding it to avoid a watery quiche.
Is it possible to make this quiche gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free pie crust or make one at home with gluten-free flour blends. This will still yield a deliciously flaky base for the rich ricotta and spinach filling.
Can I substitute the ricotta with another cheese?
You can swap ricotta for cottage cheese or cream cheese, but it will slightly change the texture and flavor. Ricotta offers a unique creaminess that’s ideal for this recipe.
How do I know when the quiche is fully cooked?
The quiche is done when the custard feels set and only slightly jiggles in the center. The edges should be lightly golden and pulling away from the crust.
Can I prepare the filling the day before?
Yes! Mixing the filling the day before can enhance flavors, but keep the mixture covered and refrigerated. Just stir it lightly before pouring into the crust to bake.
Final Thoughts
This Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche Recipe is one of those special dishes that feels both comforting and refined. Its creamy filling and bright spinach make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. I truly encourage you to try making it yourself—you’ll love how easy it is and how it brings people together around your table with warm smiles and satisfied appetites.
Print
Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Quiche
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche is a delightful savory pie perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner. Featuring a flaky pie crust filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, enriched with eggs, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, this quiche offers a comforting blend of flavors with a hint of nutmeg. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, it makes a sophisticated yet simple meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare onions and spinach: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, around 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Make custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg until smooth and well combined.
- Combine filling: Fold the sautéed onion and spinach mixture into the custard mixture, ensuring an even distribution.
- Prepare crust: Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it against the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough from edges if necessary.
- Fill and bake: Pour the filling mixture into the prepared pie crust. Place the quiche in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the quiche to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- To prevent a soggy crust, you can blind bake the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Spinach can be replaced with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
