Imagine biting into a slice of creamy, savory bliss with a perfectly crisp crust and a flood of fresh flavors—this is exactly what you get with Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche. It’s the sort of dish that feels both indulgent and nourishing, packed with vibrant spinach, creamy ricotta, and just the right touch of Parmesan. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, packing it for an office lunch, or showcasing it at a light dinner, this quiche delivers elegance and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes the Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche so delightful is how each ingredient is carefully chosen to shine. A handful of humble pantry and fridge staples come together to create layers of taste, gorgeous color, and delicate texture—each one truly earns its place in the lineup!
- Pie crust: The sturdy, buttery foundation for your quiche—store-bought for convenience or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Olive oil: A little drizzle brings a touch of richness and helps coax sweetness from the onions.
- Onion: Finely chopped, it offers a subtle savory depth without overpowering the quiche.
- Fresh spinach: Chopped and just wilted, spinach brings vibrant green color and an earthy freshness to balance the creamy filling.
- Ricotta cheese: The star that sets this quiche apart, ricotta makes the texture luxuriously smooth and slightly tangy.
- Large eggs: They bind everything together and add a comforting, custardy base.
- Heavy cream: Adds beautiful richness and tenderness to every slice.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Just enough for a salty, nutty kick and a golden top.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, ensuring every ingredient sings.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds a classic, subtle warmth that takes the flavor to the next level.
How to Make Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche
Step 1: Prep and Pre-Bake Your Crust
Before you do anything else, get your oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your pie crust and settle it into a 9-inch pie plate or quiche dish, pressing gently into the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork—this prevents any pesky bubbles. Give it a quick solo bake for about 8 minutes until just set. This simple step keeps your crust crisp, even after filling.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Spinach
In a skillet, warm up the olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns sweet and translucent—about 5 minutes. Toss in chopped fresh spinach and let it wilt for 2 minutes. This gives you a mellow, flavorful vegetable base without excess moisture. Take the pan off the heat and allow it to cool briefly.
Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Ricotta Filling
Now, in a generous mixing bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, eggs, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and just a pinch of nutmeg. You want a mixture that’s velvety smooth—this is where Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche gets its luxurious texture.
Step 4: Combine and Fill
Once the onion and spinach mixture has cooled a bit, fold it gently into the ricotta mixture. Pour the whole thing into your prepared crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly. You’ll notice the beautiful green flecks of spinach swirling with the creamy custard—so inviting!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the filled quiche back in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until it’s golden on top and just set in the center. Give it a gentle jiggle—if it doesn’t wobble much, you’re done! Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing; this helps the quiche set so every slice holds together beautifully.
How to Serve Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche
Garnishes
Finish your Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche with a shower of fresh herbs like chives, basil, or parsley—each adds a pop of color and flavor that feels special. A few delicate microgreens or a drizzle of extra olive oil can also elevate the presentation from comforting to downright stunning.
Side Dishes
Pair this quiche with a crisp, lemony green salad for freshness, or go classic with roasted asparagus on the side. A handful of cherry tomatoes or a simple fruit salad balances the richness and makes your table look incredibly inviting.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche into neat triangles for a café-style vibe, or use a round cookie cutter to make adorable mini quiche bites for parties. Serve on a pretty cake stand or rustic wooden board—no matter how you present it, this quiche always looks impressive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover slices of Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche keep beautifully! Just cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and the texture stays delightfully tender, making for a quick lunch or snack the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze whole or sliced quiche. Wrap cooled pieces in plastic wrap, then foil, and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep their flavor for up to a month—just label with the date, and you’ll always have an elegant meal ready to reheat.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes (longer if frozen). This ensures the crust stays crisp and the custard warms through without getting rubbery—microwaving works in a pinch, though the crust may soften.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and squeeze out as much water as possible before sautéing—excess moisture can make your filling watery. Your Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche will still taste fantastic and save you a bit of prep time.
Is it possible to make this quiche gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the standard pie crust for a gluten-free version (either store-bought or homemade). The filling itself is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche without worry.
Can I add other vegetables or proteins?
Definitely! Try tossing in sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or cooked bacon. Just keep the extra additions to about a cup total so the filling doesn’t get too heavy or crowded.
Do I have to use heavy cream?
Heavy cream provides the richest texture, but you can use half-and-half or whole milk for something lighter. It might not be quite as decadent, but your Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche will still be delicious!
What’s the best way to transport quiche for potlucks or picnics?
Let your quiche cool completely, then wrap it well and transport in its pie plate. It’s easy to slice once you arrive, and this quiche tastes wonderful at room temperature—perfect for sharing at gatherings.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard to overstate just how special Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche is—simple to make, yet impressive every single time. Whether you’re a brunch pro or a first-time baker, give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!