Spinach Crustless Quiche: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

Spinach Crustless Quiche: a delightful and surprisingly easy dish that will redefine your brunch game! Forget the fuss of making a traditional crust; this recipe delivers all the savory, creamy goodness of a classic quiche without the extra carbs and effort. Are you ready to discover a breakfast (or lunch, or dinner!) option that’s both healthy and incredibly satisfying?

While the exact origins of quiche are debated, it’s generally believed to have originated in the Lorraine region of France. Traditionally, quiche Lorraine featured a pastry crust filled with a custard of eggs and cream, along with lardons (bacon). Over time, variations emerged, incorporating different cheeses, vegetables, and meats. Our Spinach Crustless Quiche is a modern twist on this classic, embracing a lighter, healthier approach without sacrificing any of the flavor.

People adore quiche for its versatility and comforting nature. The creamy texture, combined with savory fillings, makes it a crowd-pleaser. This crustless version takes that appeal a step further. It’s perfect for those seeking gluten-free or low-carb options, and it’s incredibly convenient to prepare. The combination of spinach, cheese, and eggs creates a harmonious blend of flavors that’s both nutritious and delicious. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra greens! Get ready to experience the joy of a perfectly baked quiche, simplified and made even better.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes

Preparing the Spinach Mixture

Okay, let’s get started! First, we need to prepare our spinach mixture. This is the base of our delicious crustless quiche, and it’s important to get the flavors just right. Don’t worry, it’s super easy!

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. You want the onion to be nice and sweet, so don’t rush this step. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
2. Wilt the Spinach: Add the roughly chopped spinach to the skillet. It might seem like a lot of spinach at first, but it will wilt down considerably. Cook, stirring frequently, until the spinach is completely wilted and tender, about 3-5 minutes. The spinach should be bright green and easy to stir.
3. Season the Spinach Mixture: Season the spinach mixture with salt and black pepper. Give it a good stir to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. At this point, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. I personally love the subtle kick it adds!
4. Remove from Heat and Cool Slightly: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the spinach mixture cool slightly. This is important because we don’t want to cook the eggs when we add them later. While it’s cooling, you can move on to preparing the egg mixture.

Preparing the Egg Mixture

Now, let’s move on to the egg mixture. This is what will bind everything together and give our quiche its lovely texture. It’s a simple mixture, but the quality of the ingredients really shines through.

1. Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs until they are light and frothy. You want to incorporate plenty of air, which will help the quiche rise nicely in the oven.
2. Add the Milk and Cream: Pour in the milk and heavy cream and whisk until well combined. The cream adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
3. Add the Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded Gruyere cheese. The Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor, while the Gruyere provides a lovely melt and a slightly tangy taste. Reserve a little of the Gruyere to sprinkle on top later.
4. Season with Nutmeg: Add the nutmeg and whisk to combine. Nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the spinach and cheese perfectly. Don’t skip this step – it makes a big difference!

Combining and Baking the Quiche

Alright, we’re almost there! Now it’s time to combine the spinach mixture with the egg mixture and bake our crustless quiche to golden perfection.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your oven is properly preheated before you put the quiche in, as this will ensure even cooking.
2. Grease the Baking Dish: Grease a 9-inch pie dish or baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the quiche from sticking to the dish and make it easier to remove after baking.
3. Combine the Mixtures: Add the slightly cooled spinach mixture to the egg mixture and stir gently to combine. Make sure the spinach is evenly distributed throughout the egg mixture.
4. Pour into Baking Dish: Pour the spinach and egg mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so that the quiche will bake uniformly.
5. Sprinkle with Cheese (Optional): Sprinkle the reserved Gruyere cheese over the top of the quiche. This will create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
6. Bake the Quiche: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the quiche is set and golden brown. The center should be just slightly jiggly, but not liquid. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
7. Let Cool Slightly: Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. This will allow the quiche to set up a bit more and make it easier to cut.

Serving Suggestions

This spinach crustless quiche is delicious served warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve with a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect complement to the rich and savory quiche.
• Add a Slice of Toast: A slice of whole-wheat toast or a crusty baguette is great for soaking up any leftover juices.
• Pair with Fresh Fruit: A bowl of fresh berries or sliced melon adds a touch of sweetness and freshness to the meal.
• Make it a Brunch Spread: Serve the quiche alongside other brunch favorites like bacon, sausage, and pancakes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips and Variations

Want to customize your spinach crustless quiche? Here are a few tips and variations to try:

• Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the spinach mixture, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just make sure to sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
• Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or feta. Each cheese will add its own unique flavor to the quiche.
• Add Cooked Meat: For a heartier quiche, add cooked bacon, sausage, or ham to the spinach mixture.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or soy milk instead of milk and cream for a dairy-free version. You can also use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the quiche ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover spinach crustless quiche, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it for a minute or two, or bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this delicious and easy spinach crustless quiche! It’s a great way to get your veggies in and it’s perfect for any occasion. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what variations you come up with!

Conclusion:

This Spinach Crustless Quiche isn’t just another recipe; it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights, brunch gatherings, or even a quick and healthy lunch. I truly believe you’ll find yourself making this again and again. Why? Because it delivers all the satisfying flavors of a traditional quiche without the fuss of making (or buying!) a crust. It’s packed with nutrients, incredibly versatile, and surprisingly simple to throw together.

Think about it: a creamy, cheesy base studded with vibrant spinach, all baked to golden perfection. The absence of a crust not only saves you time and effort but also makes it a naturally gluten-free and lower-carb option, perfect for those watching their intake. Plus, it allows the flavors of the filling to really shine through.

But the best part? It’s endlessly customizable! Feel free to swap out the spinach for other greens like kale or chard. Add some sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or crumbled bacon for extra flavor and texture. For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Cheese lovers, rejoice! Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, feta, or even a sharp cheddar. The possibilities are truly endless.

Serving suggestions? This Spinach Crustless Quiche is delicious served warm, at room temperature, or even cold straight from the fridge. It’s fantastic as part of a larger brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and pastries. For a light lunch, pair it with a simple green salad. And for a satisfying dinner, serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a crusty loaf of bread. I personally love to top it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley.

Variations to Try:

* Mediterranean Quiche: Add sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese.
* Mushroom and Swiss Quiche: Sauté sliced mushrooms and use Swiss cheese.
* Ham and Cheese Quiche: Dice cooked ham and use your favorite cheese blend.
* Spicy Chorizo Quiche: Add crumbled chorizo and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe that I urge you to give it a try. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, and it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress.

Once you’ve made your own version of this delicious Spinach Crustless Quiche, I’d absolutely love to hear about it! Share your photos and variations on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] or leave a comment below. Let me know what you added, what you changed, and how much you enjoyed it. Your feedback is invaluable, and I can’t wait to see what culinary creations you come up with! Happy baking!

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