Gourmet Spinach-Ricotta Quiche: The Ultimate Savory Brunch & Dinner Recipe

Prepare to impress your family and friends at your next breakfast, brunch, or dinner gathering with this show-stopping Spinach-Ricotta Quiche. Its rich, gourmet flavor profile and perfectly flaky crust are so exquisite, your guests will wonder if you picked it up from a high-end bistro. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

This savory quiche is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The harmonious blend of fresh spinach, creamy ricotta cheese, and aromatic red onion creates a delightful texture and taste. Enhanced with a hint of fresh basil and the savory depth of Parmigiano-Reggiano, every bite is a testament to simple ingredients coming together in perfection. Whether it’s the centerpiece of a holiday brunch or a cozy weeknight dinner, this Spinach-Ricotta Quiche promises to be a memorable dish that earns rave reviews.

Why You’ll Love This Spinach-Ricotta Quiche

Our Spinach-Ricotta Quiche recipe offers a multitude of reasons to become a staple in your culinary repertoire:

Unforgettable Flavor: The combination of earthy spinach, sweet red onion, fresh basil, and robust cheeses creates a complex yet balanced taste that is both fresh and deeply satisfying.
Perfect Texture: From the irresistibly flaky pastry crust to the creamy, custardy filling, this quiche delivers a delightful textural contrast in every forkful.
Versatile for Any Meal: While often associated with brunch, this savory quiche is equally fantastic for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or an elegant dinner served with a side salad.
Impressive & Easy: Despite its gourmet appearance and taste, this recipe is straightforward to follow, making it achievable for cooks of all skill levels. You’ll look like a seasoned chef with minimal effort!
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare parts of it in advance, or bake the entire quiche and reheat for convenience, making it ideal for entertaining or busy weekdays.

The Flavor Profile: A Symphony of Taste

What truly sets this Spinach-Ricotta Quiche apart is its carefully crafted flavor profile, where each ingredient plays a vital role:

Fresh Spinach: Provides a slightly earthy, vibrant green element that complements the richness of the cheese and cream. When wilted, it integrates seamlessly into the filling, adding both flavor and nutrition.
Creamy Ricotta Cheese: The star of the show, ricotta contributes an incredible creaminess and a subtle, milky sweetness that binds the filling together, creating that signature custardy texture. Its mild flavor allows other ingredients to shine without being overpowering.
Aromatic Red Onion: Finely chopped and sautéed, red onion brings a sweet and slightly pungent depth, forming the aromatic base of the quiche filling and enhancing overall savoriness.
Fresh Basil: A fragrant herb that infuses the quiche with a delicate, sweet, and peppery note, elevating the freshness of the spinach and ricotta.
Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese: This hard, aged Italian cheese adds a salty, nutty, and umami punch, providing a wonderful counterpoint to the milder ricotta and tying all the savory elements together.
Heavy Cream & Eggs: These form the classic custardy base, ensuring a rich, smooth, and perfectly set filling that holds its shape beautifully when sliced.
Flaky Pastry Crust: The foundation of any great quiche, a buttery, crisp crust provides the perfect contrast to the soft filling, adding a satisfying crunch and richness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spinach-Ricotta Quiche

How do I make this delicious Spinach-Ricotta Quiche?

Crafting this savory quiche involves a few simple stages. You’ll start by preparing and pre-baking your pie crust to ensure it’s wonderfully flaky. Meanwhile, you’ll sauté the red onion and spinach until tender. Then, you’ll combine eggs, creamy ricotta, heavy cream, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and fresh basil to create the luscious, custardy filling. The cooked vegetables are spread over the pre-baked crust, followed by the egg mixture. Finally, the quiche bakes until golden and set. For detailed, step-by-step instructions and ingredient measurements, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.

What are the unique flavor components in this Spinach-Ricotta Quiche?

This quiche boasts a distinctive flavor profile due to the thoughtful combination of ingredients. The delicate earthiness of fresh spinach pairs beautifully with the creamy, slightly sweet notes of whole-milk ricotta. Finely chopped and sautéed red onion provides a savory, aromatic foundation, while fresh basil introduces a bright, peppery freshness. Finally, the inclusion of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese adds a crucial salty, nutty, and umami depth that elevates the entire dish, creating a gourmet experience that’s both comforting and complex.

Can I prepare the Spinach-Ricotta Quiche ahead of time?

Absolutely! Quiches are fantastic for make-ahead convenience. You can prepare the filling mixture the day before and store it covered in the refrigerator. The pie crust can also be pre-baked and cooled. Alternatively, you can bake the entire quiche a day in advance, let it cool completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Reheat gently in the oven before serving for the best results.

What are some tips for achieving a perfect flaky crust?

A truly flaky crust is key to a gourmet quiche. If using a store-bought pastry, ensure it’s thoroughly chilled before working with it. For the best results, always pre-bake or “blind bake” your crust before adding the filling. This prevents a soggy bottom. Prick the bottom and sides with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. For homemade crusts, use very cold butter and avoid overworking the dough.

Can I substitute ingredients in this Spinach-Ricotta Quiche recipe?

Yes, while the original recipe offers a perfect balance, feel free to experiment! You can substitute different cheeses like Gruyère, white cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for Parmigiano-Reggiano. Other greens such as kale or Swiss chard can replace spinach (blanch and squeeze out excess water if using heartier greens). Feel free to add cooked mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for extra flavor dimensions.

How do I store leftover Spinach-Ricotta Quiche?

Leftover quiche should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for a quick meal, or for a crispier crust, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Spinach-Ricotta Quiche

Recipe by Addrecipes

3.2 from 97 votes

Course: BreakfastCuisine: European, AmericanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Total time

hour

minutes

This savory Spinach-Ricotta Quiche is the perfect dish for a fancy brunch or a cozy family dinner. The combination of fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, aromatic red onion, and savory Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese meld together to create a delightful flavor profile that guests and family alike will love. Plus, the convenience of a store-bought pastry for the crust adds a wonderfully flaky texture to this classic dish without the extra effort. Here’s how to make this gourmet delight.

Ingredients for Spinach-Ricotta Quiche

1 tablespoon butter
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
1 (8 ounce) package fresh spinach
1/2 (14 ounce) package pastry for 9-inch double-crust pie (enough for one crust)
4 large eggs
3/4 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Step-by-Step Directions for Spinach-Ricotta Quiche

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach and Onion Mixture. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and cook, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute until it begins to soften. Then, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach starts to wilt, which typically takes another minute. Cover the skillet and cook for 1 minute more, allowing steam to build up and further wilt the spinach. Remove the skillet from the heat, uncover, and give it a good stir. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare and Preheat the Oven for the Crust. While the spinach mixture cools, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Carefully press the pie pastry (using half of a 14-ounce package, which is enough for a single crust) into a 9 1/2-inch deep-dish pie pan. Ensure the pastry is evenly distributed up the sides of the pan. Prick the bottom and sides of the crust thoroughly with a fork. This step, known as “blind baking,” helps prevent the crust from puffing up and becoming soggy once the filling is added.
Step 3: Blind Bake the Pie Crust. Place the prepared pie crust in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. This initial baking step helps the crust to set and become wonderfully flaky. After 10 minutes, carefully remove the crust from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Egg and Ricotta Filling. In a blender or food processor, combine the 4 large eggs, 3/4 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese, 3/4 cup heavy cream, 1/3 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. Blend these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This ensures a silky, custardy texture for your quiche.
Step 5: Assemble the Quiche. Take your pre-baked crust and evenly spread the cooled spinach and onion mixture over the bottom. Once the vegetable layer is in place, carefully pour the smooth egg and ricotta mixture over the top, ensuring it is distributed evenly.
Step 6: Bake and Serve. Place the assembled quiche back into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the center of the quiche is set (a knife inserted near the center comes out clean) and the top is lightly golden brown. Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and let it stand for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the filling to fully set, preventing it from collapsing when cut.

Tips for Quiche Perfection

Achieving a perfect quiche every time is easier with these expert tips:

Don’t Skip Blind Baking: As mentioned in the directions, pre-baking the crust is crucial to prevent a soggy bottom.
Ensure Filling is Room Temperature: Adding a cold filling to a warm crust can shock it and affect the texture. Let your spinach and egg mixtures come closer to room temperature if time allows.
Don’t Overfill: Leave a little space at the top of the crust for the filling to expand slightly during baking.
Customize Your Cheese: While Parmigiano-Reggiano is excellent, consider a blend of cheeses. A little bit of Gruyère or a mild white cheddar can add another layer of flavor.
Test for Doneness: The classic test is inserting a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, your quiche is done. The center should have a slight jiggle, but not be liquid. Over-baking can lead to a rubbery texture.
Resting is Key: Allow your quiche to rest for at least 10-15 minutes after baking. This allows the custard to firm up, making for cleaner slices and a better texture.
Avoid Over-Wetting Spinach: Squeeze out any excess moisture from the cooked spinach before adding it to the quiche. Too much water can make the filling watery.

Creative Variations to Explore

This Spinach-Ricotta Quiche recipe is a fantastic base for culinary creativity. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

Mediterranean Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes, a handful of Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese to the spinach mixture for a Greek-inspired flavor.
Mushroom & Thyme: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the red onion, and add fresh thyme to the egg mixture for an earthy, aromatic variation.
Smoked Salmon & Dill: Fold in flaked smoked salmon and fresh dill into the egg mixture (after blending) for a sophisticated seafood quiche.
Spicy Kick: Introduce a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the red onion, or sprinkle some chopped jalapeños for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Heartier Option: Cook and crumble some bacon or sausage and add it to the spinach layer for a more substantial meal.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile Spinach-Ricotta Quiche pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it suitable for any meal:

For Brunch: Serve alongside fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon or sausage, and a basket of warm muffins or croissants. A mimosa or fresh orange juice completes the experience.
For Lunch: Enjoy a slice with a light, crisp green salad dressed with a vinaigrette. A simple tomato and cucumber salad also works beautifully.
For Dinner: Pair with a more robust side, like roasted asparagus, steamed green beans with garlic, or a quinoa salad. A glass of crisp white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) would be an excellent accompaniment.
As an Appetizer: Cut into smaller squares or wedges for a delightful finger food at parties and potlucks.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To ensure your delicious Spinach-Ricotta Quiche remains fresh and flavorful:

Cool Completely: Before storing, allow the quiche to cool entirely on a wire rack. This prevents condensation, which can make the crust soggy.
Refrigeration: Cover the cooled quiche tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, slices of quiche can be wrapped individually in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
- Oven: For best results and a crispy crust, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place individual slices or the whole quiche (uncovered) on a baking sheet and heat for 15-25 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, individual slices can be microwaved on a medium setting for 1-2 minutes. Note that the crust will not be as crisp.

Whether you’re hosting a grand brunch or simply seeking a delicious and comforting meal, this Spinach-Ricotta Quiche is a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Its balanced flavors, satisfying texture, and impressive presentation make it a true culinary gem. Enjoy the process of creating this delightful dish, and savor every exquisite bite!