There’s something truly enchanting about the humble quiche-its golden,flaky crust cradling a luscious blend of savory ingredients,baked to perfection.Among the countless variations, the Mushroom & Spinach Quiche Delight stands out as a symphony of earthy mushrooms and vibrant spinach, harmonizing beautifully in a creamy custard that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether enjoyed as a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or an elegant brunch centerpiece, this quiche invites you to savor every bite, celebrating the rich flavors and wholesome goodness that make it a timeless favorite. Join us as we explore the secrets behind crafting this irresistible dish that’s as nourishing as it is indeed tasty.
Savor the Flavor: Mushroom & Spinach Quiche Delight starts with mastering the foundation: a perfectly flaky, golden crust that cradles the rich filling. This dish captures the earthy depth of freshly picked mushrooms and vibrant spinach, balanced by a luscious custard that melts in your mouth. Whether hosting brunch or enjoying a comforting meal, this recipe is designed to inspire confidence and creativity in the kitchen.
Prep and Cook Time
- Planning: 25 minutes
- Cooking: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield
- Serves 6 generous slices
Difficulty Level
- Medium – Perfect for home cooks looking to elevate their savory baking skills
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons ice-cold water
- For the filling:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 10 ounces cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 1 medium shallot, finely diced
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¾ cup grated Gruyère cheese
Instructions
- Make the crust: in a large bowl, combine the sifted flour and salt. Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits. Slowly add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking.
- Shape the dough into a flat disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to rest and chill.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced shallots and sauté for 2 minutes until translucent.
- Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until they release their moisture and turn golden, about 7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface,roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. gently transfer to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Press the dough into the edges and trim any excess.
- Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.Blind bake for 15 minutes. Remove weights and parchment, bake an additional 5 minutes until the crust is light golden.
- Mix custard: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Layer the mushroom-spinach mixture evenly into the crust. Sprinkle grated gruyère cheese on top.
- Pour the creamy custard over the filling carefully, ensuring it settles evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the custard is set and the top is a lovely golden-brown.
- Allow quiche to rest for 10 minutes before removing from pan and slicing.
Chef’s Tips for Success
- Choosing mushrooms: opt for firm, fresh cremini or button mushrooms with no dark spots for the best earthy flavor. Avoid pre-sliced packs – whole mushrooms sliced at home retain more flavor.
- Spinach selection: Baby spinach or young leaves tend to be sweeter and tender. Ensure leaves are thoroughly dried with a salad spinner to avoid watery quiche.
- Crust care: Keep your ingredients cold,and handle the dough as little as possible to maintain flakiness.
- Custard consistency: For a creamier filling, replace half-and-half or milk with heavy cream. Don’t overbake to keep it silky.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the crust and filling a day ahead. Simply refrigerate the blind-baked crust and sautéed filling separately; assemble and bake when ready.
Serving Suggestions
Slice and serve warm or at room temperature with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette for a perfect contrast. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs or chives for an herbaceous pop of color and aroma. This quiche pairs beautifully with a light tomato chutney or a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt for added richness.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| fat | 22 g |
For more on perfect pie crusts, check out our guide to flaky pie crusts. To deepen your knowledge about selecting fresh mushrooms, visit the mushroom Council’s expert tips.
Q&A
Q&A: savor the Flavor: Mushroom & Spinach Quiche Delight
Q1: What makes the Mushroom & Spinach Quiche Delight so special compared to regular quiches?
A1: This quiche highlights the earthy richness of mushrooms paired with vibrant, fresh spinach, creating a medley of flavors that is both comforting and sophisticated.The combination balances creaminess with an herbaceous punch, making every bite a delightful experience beyond the typical quiche.
Q2: Can I use fresh or frozen spinach for this quiche,and how does it affect the texture?
A2: Both fresh and frozen spinach work well,but fresh spinach offers a slightly brighter green color and a tender texture. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain the spinach to avoid excess moisture, which can make the quiche soggy.
Q3: What types of mushrooms are best suited for this recipe?
A3: Cremini, button, or baby bella mushrooms are fantastic choices-they have a mild, earthy flavor that complements the creamy custard nicely. For a deeper, woodsy taste, consider adding a few shiitake or oyster mushrooms.
Q4: How do I ensure the quiche crust stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy from the filling?
A4: blind-baking the crust before adding the filling is key. Press a piece of parchment paper over the dough and fill with pie weights or dried beans, than bake until lightly golden. This step creates a barrier, helping the crust maintain its crispness under the moist filling.
Q5: Can this quiche be prepared ahead of time?
A5: Absolutely! You can assemble the quiche the day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it fresh before serving to preserve the flaky crust and creamy interior.leftovers also reheat beautifully for a fast meal.
Q6: What dairy or dairy-free options work best in the custard?
A6: Customary quiche custard uses eggs and cream or whole milk for richness. For a lighter version, milk or half-and-half work well. For dairy-free options,unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream can be used,though they’ll subtly change the texture and flavor.
Q7: Are there herbs or spices that enhance the flavor without overpowering the mushrooms and spinach?
A7: Fresh thyme, a pinch of nutmeg, or finely chopped chives add lovely complementary notes. These herbs gently elevate the earthiness and brightness of the ingredients without competing for attention.
Q8: Is the Mushroom & Spinach Quiche suitable for vegetarian diets?
A8: Definitely! This quiche is naturally vegetarian, packed with wholesome veggies and dairy. It makes a nutritious, balanced meal option for anyone seeking delicious meat-free dishes.
Q9: How should I serve the quiche for the best dining experience?
A9: serve warm or at room temperature alongside a crisp green salad or roasted veggies. Its versatility makes it ideal for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, allowing the delicate flavors to shine.
Q10: What’s a creative twist to personalize this quiche?
A10: Consider adding caramelized onions for sweetness, roasted red peppers for color, or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch. These subtle additions can transform the dish into your signature quiche delight!
Closing Remarks
As the final flaky bite of your Mushroom & Spinach Quiche Delight melts away, your left not just with a satisfied palate, but with a deeper gratitude for the harmonious dance of earthy mushrooms and vibrant spinach enveloped in golden, buttery crust. This quiche isn’t merely a dish-it’s a party of simple ingredients elevated to soulful heights. Whether enjoyed for a leisurely brunch or a comforting dinner, let this recipe inspire your kitchen adventures and remind you that sometimes, the most delightful flavors come from the heart of nature’s pantry.So next time you crave a savory slice of comfort, savor the flavor and let this quiche delight be your delicious answer.
