Spring Brunch Spinach And Feta Quiche
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
I love making this Spring Brunch Spinach and Feta Quiche for gatherings with family and friends. It’s a delightful way to celebrate the season with vibrant flavors and colors. The fluffy egg filling combined with fresh spinach and tangy feta creates a light yet satisfying dish that everyone enjoys. Plus, it's incredibly easy to customize with your favorite veggies or herbs. Whether for brunch or a quick dinner, this quiche is sure to impress and satisfy appetites.
When I first tried my hand at quiche, I was amazed by how simple yet impressive it turned out. I experimented with various fillings but quickly fell in love with the combination of spinach and feta. The creaminess of the feta paired beautifully with fresh spinach, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. I discovered that pre-baking the crust helps maintain its crispiness, crucial for a satisfying texture.
After several trials, I fine-tuned the cooking time to ensure the eggs are fluffy and the quiche cooks evenly. I also learned that allowing it to rest before slicing allows the flavors to meld together wonderfully and makes for easier serving. It’s become a staple for our spring brunches!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Bright and fresh flavors that celebrate spring
- Creamy feta adds a delightful tang to every bite
- Perfect for brunch celebrations or quick dinners
The Importance of Fresh Ingredients
The success of your Spring Brunch Spinach and Feta Quiche starts with fresh ingredients. Fresh spinach not only adds vibrant color but also provides essential nutrients and a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with feta cheese. Opt for bright green, crunchy leaves – limp spinach can lead to a watery quiche. If you're short on fresh spinach, frozen can be used; just be sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it before mixing it into the filling to avoid excess moisture.
Feta cheese is another key player in this quiche, offering a creamy texture and tangy flavor that elevates the dish. I recommend using a good quality feta for the best taste. If you're feeling adventurous, consider trying goat cheese or a sharp cheddar as alternatives, but note that this will alter the flavor profile slightly. The balance between the creamy cheese and the egg filling is crucial to achieving that satisfying quiche texture.
Perfecting the Egg Mixture
The egg mixture is the heart of this quiche, delivering a custard-like filling that binds all the ingredients together. Be sure to whisk the eggs and milk until fully combined; this ensures a homogenous mixture that cooks evenly. For a fluffier texture, you may want to use whole milk or even cream instead of low-fat milk. Just remember that cream will yield a richer quiche, which can be delightful but may require longer cooking time to set.
Adding a touch of nutmeg, although optional, introduces a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the savory components beautifully. Alternatively, feel free to experiment with other herbs such as dill or oregano for a different twist. Whichever flavor you choose, keep in mind that a little goes a long way; you want these flavors to enhance the dish, not overwhelm it.
Ingredients
For the Quiche Filling
- 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Onions
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add Spinach
Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Prepare Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until well combined.
Assemble the Quiche
Spread the spinach and onions evenly in the pie crust. Sprinkle feta cheese over the top, then pour the egg mixture over everything.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and lightly golden on top.
Cool and Serve
Let the quiche cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like dill or basil. You can also substitute the spinach for other greens like kale or Swiss chard based on what you have available.
Make-Ahead Tips
This quiche is an excellent make-ahead option. You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge to save time on the day of your brunch. Simply mix the cooled spinach, onions, and feta cheese into the egg mixture, and hold off on pouring it into the crust until just before baking. This helps maintain the crust's crispness when baked.
For longer storage, consider fully baking the quiche and then cooling it completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through – about 20-25 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
For a delightful brunch spread, serve your quiche with a light side salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette. The refreshing acidity cuts through the creamy quiche, creating a well-balanced meal. Consider pairing it with crusty bread or savory muffins for added variety and texture. You could also add a fruit platter to introduce sweetness to the table.
If you’re looking to turn this quiche into a heartier dinner option, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a piperade. Adding a spicy element, such as pepper flakes sprinkled over the top before serving, can enhance the experience while balancing the creamy feta. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this quiche ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the quiche a day in advance and reheat it before serving. Just cover it well in the fridge.
→ Can I freeze leftover quiche?
Absolutely! Wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
→ What can I substitute for feta cheese?
You can use goat cheese or even shredded mozzarella if you prefer a milder flavor.
→ Is it necessary to pre-bake the crust?
Yes, pre-baking helps prevent a soggy crust and ensures your quiche is perfectly cooked.
Spring Brunch Spinach And Feta Quiche
I love making this Spring Brunch Spinach and Feta Quiche for gatherings with family and friends. It’s a delightful way to celebrate the season with vibrant flavors and colors. The fluffy egg filling combined with fresh spinach and tangy feta creates a light yet satisfying dish that everyone enjoys. Plus, it's incredibly easy to customize with your favorite veggies or herbs. Whether for brunch or a quick dinner, this quiche is sure to impress and satisfy appetites.
Created by: Beatrice Holloway
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Quiche Filling
- 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until well combined.
Spread the spinach and onions evenly in the pie crust. Sprinkle feta cheese over the top, then pour the egg mixture over everything.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and lightly golden on top.
Let the quiche cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like dill or basil. You can also substitute the spinach for other greens like kale or Swiss chard based on what you have available.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 8g