Quiche is one of those dishes that impresses guests, yet it only requires simple ingredients and cooking techniques.
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As with many beautiful and tasty dishes we enjoy, the French created quiche hundreds of years ago in the region of Lorraine. And yes, that is where we get the dish called quiche Lorraine.
Years ago, when I discovered how to make quiche, I was surprised at what a simple dish it is. I had eaten it at many brunches, bridal showers, and other gatherings, and assumed it was difficult to create at home. Now, I make it regularly, and it’s even a go-to when I am low on groceries and need a quick dinner. If you’ve got a pie crust, eggs, cheese, and milk, you can whip up a basic quiche.
In this recipe, we will learn how to make a spinach bacon quiche that is to die for. The saltiness of bacon and the health benefits of spinach make it a perfect dish for a family mealtime or get-together with friends.
The greatest benefit of any quiche is that you can’t go wrong. If you want the subtle taste of a ham and cheese quiche or the classic French flavors of a quiche lorraine, go for it. I like a lot of flavor but nothing too crazy with a quiche, and I find the combination of spinach and bacon is perfect to get that result. Plus, in our house, if I mention bacon, the kids quickly get to the table. Beyond bacon (that magical substance), the sharpness of the cheeses and the slight hint of nutmeg really make this a phenomenal dish.
Is Spinach Bacon Quiche Healthy?
It’s important to note that although spinach bacon quiche has spinach and eggs, two healthy options full of protein and iron, it isn’t suitable for those on more restrictive diets. This particular recipe isn’t gluten-free, vegan, or keto-friendly. However, we can fix that!
Don’t give up the fabulous flavors of spinach bacon quiche. Instead, make some substitutions. To avoid extra carbs and gluten, consider a crustless quiche or try this gluten-free pie crust made with almond flour. You can easily remove the bacon from the spinach bacon quiche if you’re vegan, or replace it with vegan bacon. You could also substitute the bacon with mushrooms or another vegetable to make the quiche more substantial.
Still, as a vegan, how can you replace the base of a quiche…eggs? It’s time to let your tofu shine. You can use tofu instead of eggs and also substitute dairy milk with almond milk for the filling and toss in some plant-based cheese.
What is the secret to a great quiche crust?
A quiche crust is the same thing as a pie crust. Unfortunately, pie crusts often intimidate even the most experienced cooks. I am here to tell you there is no need to shy away from rolling out and baking a pie crust. It’s frustrating, for sure, when the dough is falling apart as you roll it. Whether you make the 9-inch pie crust from scratch or purchase it ready-made, one of the secrets to a no-fail crust is to chill the dough before you roll it. Pie crust loves to be cold. Place yours in the refrigerator for an hour before rolling it out for the quiche. It will easily stick to the counter if it gets too warm and probably fall apart.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 (9-inch) pie crust
- 2 oz diced bacon
- 1 small onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 6 oz baby spinach, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Cheddar)
- 5 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pinch ground nutmeg
- Ground black pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Prep
Preheat your oven and prepare the pie crust in a greased pie plate, then chill.
Cook Filling
Brown the bacon, soften the onions, and wilt the spinach in a skillet, ensuring all excess moisture is removed.
Mix
Combine eggs, milk, and seasonings in a bowl to create a smooth egg mixture.
Assemble
Layer the spinach mixture and cheese into the crust, then pour the egg mixture on top.
Bake
Bake until the quiche is set and golden, then cool slightly before serving.
Serve
Cut the quiche into wedges and enjoy your meal!
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
You can store your leftover quiche in a covered container in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Any longer, and the crust will get soggy. You can also cover the entire quiche with plastic wrap and store it. To freeze leftover quiche or a whole quiche, wrap it in plastic wrap and then again with foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
A beautiful golden brown crust is appealing on a quiche. If yours isn’t browning, you can speed up the browning process by brushing any type of milk along the edges before baking it.
If you aren’t a fan of nutmeg, you can try other spices that you like. Garlic powder, rosemary, or thyme would all be delicious in this recipe.
A pie crust with a lot of liquid can become soggy. Be sure to follow the directions, poke the holes, and chill the crust before baking. If you still have a soggy crust, next time you make the quiche, prebake the crust at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Your quiche is a beautiful golden brown, and it’s time to eat! Let’s look at some serving ideas for your beautiful dish.
I love a chilled salad next to my spinach bacon quiche. They complement each other nicely and give my family a well-rounded, healthy meal. Two of my faves are broccoli salad and Meditteranean cucumber salad.
Some other fun options are a slice of yogurt banana bread or an easy pasta salad. When it’s in season, a side of asparagus goes well with any quiche. And if you don’t want another food with your quiche, enjoy a yummy drink with it, such as strawberry lemonade or a refreshing mimosa.
Spinach Bacon Quiche
Ingredients
- 1 x 9-inch pie crust
- 2 oz diced bacon
- 1 small onion chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 6 oz baby spinach stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheese Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Cheddar
- 5 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pinch ground nutmeg
- Ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 410°F with a lined baking sheet inside. Grease a 9-inch deep dish pie plate and fit the crust into it. Prick the crust bottom with a fork and refrigerate.
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In a large skillet, cook bacon until browned. Add chopped onion and cook until soft. Incorporate spinach and cook until wilted. If necessary, pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
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Whisk eggs, milk, flour, salt, nutmeg, and black pepper in a bowl to create the egg mixture.
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Spread the spinach mixture in the crust, top with shredded cheese, and evenly pour the egg mixture over it.
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Lower the oven temperature to 375°F and bake the quiche for 45-50 minutes until set. Cover with foil if the top browns too much. Let it cool for 10 minutes before cutting into wedges.
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DEVOUR!
Nutrition
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