Savory Spinach and Mushroom Quiche: A Delightful Brunch Classic

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Spinach and Mushroom Quiche

Ingredients:

For the crust:

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
  • 3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or your choice)
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions:

Preparing the Crust

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
  3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. It should be moist but not sticky.
  4. Form the Dough: Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Preparing the Filling

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
  2. Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Wilt the Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Assembling the Quiche

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the dish, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough.
  3. Blind Bake the Crust: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10-15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden.
  4. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until well combined.
  5. Assemble the Quiche: Spread the sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and onions evenly over the bottom of the baked crust. Sprinkle the grated Gruyère and Parmesan cheese over the vegetables. Pour the egg mixture over the top, making sure it covers the filling evenly.

Baking the Quiche

  1. Bake: Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
  2. Cool and Serve: Allow the quiche to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling to set and makes it easier to cut.

Tips and Variations:

  • Cheese Substitutions: You can substitute Gruyère and Parmesan with other cheeses like cheddar, feta, or goat cheese, depending on your preference.
  • Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes. Cooked bacon, ham, or sausage can also be added for a non-vegetarian option.
  • Crust Alternatives: For a quicker version, you can use a store-bought pie crust. There are also gluten-free and whole wheat crust options available.

Storage:

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
  • Freezing: Quiche can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Spinach and mushroom quiche is a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It's perfect for entertaining guests or for a simple family meal. The combination of the buttery crust, savory filling, and creamy texture makes it a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy your homemade quiche!



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