Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that's also quick and easy to make? Look no further! This bacon spinach quiche recipe is perfect for a weekend brunch, a weeknight dinner, or even a potluck contribution. It's packed with flavor, combining the salty crunch of bacon with the healthy goodness of spinach, all encased in a flaky, buttery crust. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you to quiche perfection. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple yet elegant dish!
Ingredients:
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For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup ice water
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For the Filling:
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
Make the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling:
- Cook bacon: Cook bacon until crisp. Crumble and set aside.
- Sauté onion and spinach: Sauté the chopped onion in a pan until softened. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Drain any excess liquid.
Assemble and Bake the Quiche:
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie plate.
- Transfer to pie plate: Gently transfer the dough to the pie plate and trim any excess.
- Blind bake (optional): For a crispier crust, you can blind bake it for 10-12 minutes before adding the filling. Prick the bottom with a fork before baking.
- Add filling: Spread the cooked spinach and onion mixture evenly over the crust. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon and cheddar cheese.
- Whisk egg mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
- Pour over filling: Pour the egg mixture over the filling.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Let the quiche cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For a vegetarian quiche: Omit the bacon and add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a little heat.
- Different cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss, or Monterey Jack.
- Make it ahead: This quiche can be made ahead of time and reheated.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This bacon spinach quiche is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's a versatile dish that can be adapted to your liking, making it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying quiche!