Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's also quick and easy to make? Look no further! This Mushroom Spinach Quiche is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a delightful weekend brunch. Packed with savory mushrooms, nutritious spinach, and a creamy, custardy egg filling, this quiche is a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table. It’s a fantastic example of healthy meals that don’t compromise on taste, making it a staple in our homemade cooking repertoire. This easy recipe is perfect for beginners, yet satisfying enough for experienced cooks.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet (14.1 ounces) ready-made pie crust
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (or cheddar)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate. This helps prevent sticking and ensures a clean release.
Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, around 7-8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and spinach; cook until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool slightly. This step builds flavor and prevents the quiche from becoming watery.
Prepare the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until well combined. This ensures a smooth and evenly cooked quiche.
Assemble the quiche: Carefully unfold the pie crust into the prepared pie plate. Pour the mushroom and spinach mixture into the crust. Pour the egg custard evenly over the vegetables. Sprinkle the Gruyere cheese over the top.
Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the crust is golden brown. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean. Let the quiche cool slightly before slicing and serving. Allowing it to cool prevents a messy slice and ensures easier serving.
Tips for the Best Mushroom Spinach Quiche:
- Don't overcook the vegetables: Overcooked vegetables will release too much water, resulting in a soggy quiche. Aim for tender-crisp vegetables.
- Use good quality ingredients: The flavor of your quiche will be greatly enhanced by using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Blind baking (optional): For a crispier crust, pre-bake the crust for 10-12 minutes before adding the filling. This prevents a soggy bottom.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and nutmeg to your liking.
Variations:
- Add different cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like Swiss, Parmesan, or Fontina.
- Include other vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions for extra flavor and color.
- Add herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can add a delicious aromatic touch.
- Make it vegetarian: This recipe is already vegetarian; however, you can easily make it vegan by substituting the eggs with a vegan egg replacement and using a vegan cheese.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This Mushroom Spinach Quiche is a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy! It's a quick dinner idea, a perfect brunch option, and easily adaptable to your dietary needs. This recipe is a testament to how delicious and healthy meals can be easily prepared at home, saving you time and money. It's one of our best recipes for its ease and impressive results.