Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious and healthy meal that's also quick to prepare? Then look no further! This spinach bacon quiche recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a delightful weekend brunch. It's packed with flavor, bursting with nutrients, and surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade culinary masterpiece!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes a 9-inch quiche.
- 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
- 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
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the 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 the 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 refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork. Blind bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Assembling and Baking the Quiche:
- Sauté vegetables: While the crust is baking, sauté the chopped onion in a pan until softened. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Drain any excess liquid.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
- Assemble the quiche: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and sautéed spinach mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust. Pour the egg mixture over the filling. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the crust is golden brown. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the quiche cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips for the Best Spinach Bacon Quiche:
- For a crispier crust, you can pre-bake it with pie weights or dried beans for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
- Don't overcook the spinach; it should be wilted but still bright green.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, use all heavy cream instead of a mixture of heavy cream and milk.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses – Gruyère, Swiss, or even a blend would be delicious.
Variations:
- Add mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the onions and spinach for an extra layer of flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a touch of heat.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the bacon and add some roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a more accurate calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input your exact ingredient quantities. However, this quiche is generally a good source of protein and provides a healthy dose of vegetables.
This spinach bacon quiche is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor and nutrition. It's a perfect addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Give it a try and let us know what you think!