Are you ready to impress your friends and family with a delicious Mushroom Spinach Quiche? This easy and flavorful recipe is perfect for brunch or a light dinner. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a dish that looks gourmet but requires minimal effort. Let’s dive into making this delightful quiche that combines fresh veggies, creamy filling, and a flaky crust. Your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients
List of Essential Ingredients
– 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if preferred)
– 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
– 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
– 1 cup shredded cheese (such as Gruyère or cheddar)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley) for garnish
To make a great Mushroom Spinach Quiche, you need fresh ingredients. The pie crust is the base. You can use a pre-made crust for ease. If you’re feeling adventurous, make a homemade crust.
Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. Choose vibrant green spinach for the best flavor. Mushrooms give the quiche a nice earthiness. Use any variety you like, but button or cremini work well.
Onions add sweetness when cooked. They pair well with garlic powder, which brings a nice depth of flavor. Eggs and heavy cream create a creamy filling. The eggs set the quiche, while the cream makes it rich.
Cheese is essential for that gooey, melty goodness. Gruyère has a nutty taste, while cheddar is always a favorite. Season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors.
Finally, olive oil helps sauté the veggies and adds healthy fats. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley make a lovely garnish. They also add a fresh touch to each slice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat the oven and prepare the pie crust
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you use a frozen pie crust, it’s best to let it thaw. You want the crust ready for the filling.
2. Sautéing the onion, mushrooms, and spinach
In a skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 small, finely chopped onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. Next, add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms. Sauté these for another 3-4 minutes until soft. Finally, stir in 2 cups of chopped spinach. Cook until it wilts, then set aside to cool a bit.
3. Mixing the egg and cream filling
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs and 1 cup of heavy cream. Add in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined. Fold in the sautéed onion, mushrooms, and spinach mixture. Lastly, add in 1 cup of shredded cheese, like Gruyère or cheddar. Ensure everything is mixed evenly.
Baking the Quiche
1. Pouring the filling into the crust
Take your prepared pie crust and pour the filling into it. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly across the crust.
2. Baking time and temperature details
Place the quiche in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The top should look golden brown. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your quiche is ready.
3. Cooling and slicing the quiche
Once baked, let the quiche cool for a few minutes. This helps it set. After cooling, slice it into wedges. You can garnish each slice with fresh herbs for a nice touch.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Quiche
To make a great quiche, start with the crust. A flaky crust holds the filling well. If you use a pre-made crust, look for one that is all-butter for the best taste. If you make your own, chill the dough before rolling it out. This keeps it flaky.
Next, sauté your vegetables properly. Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft. This takes about 3-4 minutes. Then add sliced mushrooms and cook until they are tender. Finally, stir in the spinach and cook until it wilts. This step brings out their flavors.
For the custard, beat eggs and mix them with cream. Whisk them until they blend well. The mixture should be smooth but not too airy. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper for seasoning. This will give your quiche a rich taste.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your quiche with a fresh salad. A simple green salad works well. It adds crunch and color to your meal. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for a heartier side.
For garnishing, sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or parsley on top. This adds a pop of color and flavor. You can use a sharp knife to cut the slices. A pie server helps to lift them out cleanly.
Try serving the quiche on a pretty platter. It makes your meal look inviting. Additionally, you can add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on the side. This adds creaminess and a nice tang.
Variations
Dietary Adjustments
You can easily make this quiche fit your diet. For a gluten-free crust, use almond flour or a store-bought gluten-free pie crust. These options give you a great base without gluten.
If you want a dairy-free filling, try using almond milk or coconut cream instead of heavy cream. You can also use dairy-free cheese for a tasty twist. These swaps make the quiche light but still creamy.
Flavor Enhancements
To boost flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or dill. These herbs add depth and freshness. You can also try spices like paprika or nutmeg for a warm, rich taste.
If you want to mix it up, add other veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes work well. For protein, try cooked bacon or diced ham. These additions will make your quiche even more filling and delicious.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your mushroom spinach quiche fresh, follow these steps:
– Refrigeration: Let the quiche cool to room temperature. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or cover it with aluminum foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Proper sealing helps keep the quiche moist and tasty.
– Freezing: If you want to store the quiche longer, freezing is a great option. Slice the quiche into individual portions. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze them for up to 2 months. This way, you have a quick meal ready anytime.
Reheating Tips
When you’re ready to enjoy your quiche again, here’s how to reheat it:
– Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the quiche on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is warm all the way through. This method keeps the crust crispy.
– Microwave Method: For a faster option, you can use the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it on medium for 1-2 minutes. Check if it’s warm enough. If not, heat in 30-second intervals. This method may soften the crust, but it’s quick.
– Serving Temperature: Quiche is best enjoyed warm. Aim for an internal temperature of about 165°F (74°C). This ensures it’s safe and delicious.
FAQs
Common Questions About Mushroom Spinach Quiche
How do I ensure my quiche doesn’t get soggy?
To prevent a soggy quiche, bake the crust first. Pre-baking it for about 10 minutes helps. Use a fork to poke holes in the crust. This allows steam to escape. Also, make sure to drain any extra moisture from the mushrooms and spinach after cooking. This keeps the filling firm.
Can I make quiche ahead of time?
Yes, you can make quiche ahead of time. You can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just cover it well to keep it fresh. You can also freeze it. Wrap it tightly and store it for up to three months. When ready to eat, bake it straight from the fridge or thaw it overnight.
What are great side dishes to serve with quiche?
Quiche pairs well with several side dishes. A fresh green salad adds crunch and color. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. For something light, try sliced tomatoes or a fruit salad. Each of these sides adds balance to your meal.
Nutritional Information
Calorie count and serving size considerations
Each slice of this quiche has about 300 calories. The total recipe serves six, so it’s great for a family meal. Keep in mind that the calorie count can change based on the cheese and cream you use.
Key nutritional benefits of the ingredients used
This quiche is packed with nutrients. Spinach provides iron and vitamins A and C. Mushrooms add fiber and antioxidants. Eggs are a great source of protein, and cheese gives calcium. Together, these ingredients create a tasty and nutritious dish.
In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious mushroom and spinach quiche. You learned about essential ingredients like fresh veggies and eggs. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation and baking, along with tips to perfect your quiche. You also discovered variations for dietary needs and proper storage methods.
Quiche is great for any meal and easy to customize. Try it out and enjoy a tasty dish that fits your style!
