If you are looking for a delightful dish that combines comfort and elegance, the Creamy Spinach Ricotta Quiche That’ll Brighten Your Day Recipe is exactly what you need. This quiche boasts a tender, flaky crust filled with a luscious blend of ricotta cheese and fresh spinach, accented with Parmesan and a subtle hint of nutmeg. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug—perfect for brunches, light dinners, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something refreshing and satisfying. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this quiche brightens not just your plate but your mood too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Creamy Spinach Ricotta Quiche That’ll Brighten Your Day Recipe come alive. Each element is simple yet vital — from the flaky crust to the creamy filling, every ingredient plays a role in balancing taste, texture, and visual appeal.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our flaky crust; sifting it beforehand ensures a light and airy texture.
- 1/2 cup butter (chilled): Chilled butter is essential to creating a tender, flaky crust that melts in your mouth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors with a subtle boost; sea salt adds a touch of sophistication.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Provides that creamy richness, with fresh ricotta delivering the best flavor and texture.
- 3 large eggs: These bind the ingredients together and add a hearty, satisfying texture to the filling.
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped): Adds color, vibrancy, and a fresh vegetable flavor that complements the richness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces a savory depth that elevates the flavor; Pecorino Romano is a great alternative for a twist.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers warmth and a touch of spice; freshly cracked pepper always tastes best.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a subtle, aromatic hint that perfectly rounds out the creamy filling.
How to Make Creamy Spinach Ricotta Quiche That’ll Brighten Your Day Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flaky Crust
Start by combining the flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut the chilled butter into small cubes and quickly work it into the flour using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t overwork the dough; little lumps of butter help create that signature flakiness. Add a splash of cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Shape it into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and let it chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. This step is essential for a tender crust that will hold all that creamy goodness.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the dough chills, wash and chop your fresh spinach. In a skillet over medium heat, gently sauté the spinach until just wilted, then drain any excess liquid to keep the filling from becoming soggy. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ricotta, eggs, grated Parmesan, black pepper, and nutmeg until smooth. Fold in the cooled spinach carefully to keep its vibrant green color shining through.
Step 3: Assemble the Quiche
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit your 9-inch quiche or pie pan. Press the dough evenly into the pan, trimming any excess from the edges. Pour the creamy spinach and ricotta filling into the crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. This is where all your hard work starts to look like a masterpiece ready to bake.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the quiche into the preheated oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden and the center is set but still slightly wobbly to touch. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing; this resting time allows the filling to firm up and keeps each slice intact when served.
How to Serve Creamy Spinach Ricotta Quiche That’ll Brighten Your Day Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few thoughtful garnishes can transform this quiche from delicious to stunning. Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like basil, chives, or flat-leaf parsley just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a few shaved Parmesan curls can also add that final touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
This creamy spinach ricotta quiche pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp salads—think arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a simple tomato and cucumber salad. For heartier sides, roasted baby potatoes or lightly steamed asparagus complement the quiche’s creamy texture and add variety to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings or special occasions, slice the quiche into small, bite-sized wedges and serve on a wooden board with colorful napkins or edible flowers for a festive touch. Alternatively, serve it warm in rustic ceramic plates with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche to balance the richness perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Creamy Spinach Ricotta Quiche That’ll Brighten Your Day Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store any leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to preserve moisture and freshness.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this quiche later, it freezes beautifully. Wrap the fully cooled quiche tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices of quiche on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. This method helps maintain the crust’s flakiness better than microwaving, which can make it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach for fresh, but make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to avoid a watery filling.
Is it possible to make this quiche gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to make the crust. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I add other vegetables or proteins to the quiche?
Definitely! Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or cooked bacon can be great additions. Just be careful not to overload the filling so it bakes evenly.
What can I use if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese blended until smooth or cream cheese for a richer texture, but the classic creamy ricotta is hard to beat.
How can I tell when the quiche is fully cooked?
The quiche is done when the edges look golden and set, and the center jiggles only slightly when you gently shake the pan. It will continue to firm up as it cools.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Spinach Ricotta Quiche That’ll Brighten Your Day Recipe has all the qualities you want in a homemade comfort food: simple ingredients, easy preparation, and irresistible flavor. It’s a wonderful way to add a little sunshine to your dining table, whether for a cozy family meal or a festive gathering. I hope you’ll love making and sharing it as much as I do!
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Creamy Spinach Ricotta Quiche That’ll Brighten Your Day Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Spinach Ricotta Quiche is a delightful blend of fresh spinach, rich ricotta, and a flaky homemade crust, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. Bright, flavorful, and satisfying, it offers a creamy filling with a hint of nutmeg and Parmesan, all baked to golden perfection to brighten your day.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (forms the base of our flaky crust; sift for lightness.)
- 1/2 cup butter (chilled – ensures a tender, flaky texture for the crust.)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (enhances all flavors; opt for sea salt for a touch of sophistication.)
Filling
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (provides that creamy richness; fresh is best for flavor.)
- 3 large eggs (bind the ingredients together and add a hearty texture.)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped; brightens up the quiche with color and flavor.)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a savory depth; substitute with Pecorino for a different twist.)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adds warmth; freshly cracked is always a winner.)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (a hint of spice that complements the creamy filling beautifully.)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, chilled butter cut into small pieces, and salt. Using your fingers or a pastry blender, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add just enough cold water, a tablespoon at a time, to bring the dough together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready once the quiche is assembled.
- Roll out the crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it into a 9-inch pie or tart pan, pressing it to the edges and trimming any excess. Prick the bottom of the crust gently with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.
- Blind bake the crust: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes to partially cook the crust, then remove the weights and parchment and bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese and eggs until smooth. Stir in the chopped fresh spinach, grated Parmesan, black pepper, and nutmeg, mixing until well combined.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the filling into the warm crust, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 to 40 minutes until the filling is set and a light golden color on top.
- Cool and serve: Remove the quiche from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set perfectly. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water to avoid a soggy quiche.
- You can swap Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- For an extra flaky crust, use cold butter straight from the fridge and avoid overworking the dough.
- This quiche is great served with a light green salad for a balanced meal.
