How to Make Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Quiche: A Simple Guide
Quiche is a delicious and versatile dish that works for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. One of the most popular and comforting varieties is the creamy spinach and mushroom quiche. Packed with flavor, healthy vegetables, and a silky custard filling, this dish is sure to impress your guests—or even yourself! And the best part? It’s easy to make. In this blog, I’ll walk you through a simple step-by-step guide to create this delicious quiche at home.
Ingredients
Before we get started, here’s what you’ll need:
For the crust:
– 1 store-bought pie crust or homemade pie crust (your choice!)
For the filling:
– 1 cup fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
– 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
– 1 small onion (finely chopped)
– 3 eggs
– 1 cup heavy cream (you can also use milk or half-and-half for a lighter option)
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix work well)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: A pinch of nutmeg or garlic powder for extra flavor
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your quiche will cook evenly and develop that golden-brown crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust
If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, follow the instructions on the package to fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Make sure it covers the bottom and sides properly. If you’re making your own crust, roll out the dough on a floured surface until it’s large enough to fit your pie pan. Carefully press the dough into the pan and trim any extra edges. Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust lightly to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
Bake the crust for 5-7 minutes in the preheated oven to lightly firm it up. This step helps prevent a soggy bottom when you add the filling.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and saute until it becomes soft and translucent (about 2-3 minutes). Next, add the mushrooms and cook them until they release their moisture and turn golden brown (6-8 minutes). Lastly, toss in the spinach and stir until it wilts. This should take only about 1 minute.
Season the mixture with a pinch of salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or nutmeg to enhance the flavors. Remove the pan from heat and set the vegetables aside.
Step 4: Make the Egg Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream (or milk). This will create the creamy custard base for your quiche. Add a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like (such as nutmeg). Stir in 3/4 of your shredded cheese, reserving the rest to sprinkle on top later.
Step 5: Assemble the Quiche
Now comes the fun part—assembling everything! Take your partially baked pie crust and start layering. Spread the cooked vegetable mixture evenly over the bottom of the crust. Then, pour the egg and cream mixture on top, making sure it covers the vegetables completely.
Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top. This will give your quiche a mouthwatering golden and bubbly finish when it’s baked.
Step 6: Bake the Quiche
Carefully transfer your assembled quiche to the preheated oven. Bake it for 35-45 minutes, or until the top becomes golden and the center is set. To check if it’s done, insert a knife or toothpick into the middle of the quiche—if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling time allows the custard to set completely and makes it easier to slice.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Slice your creamy spinach and mushroom quiche into wedges and serve! It pairs beautifully with a side salad, roasted potatoes, or even just a warm cup of coffee. You can enjoy it hot, warm, or even cold—it’s delicious any way you eat it.
Tips for Perfect Quiche
- Don’t overfill: Be careful not to overfill the pie crust, as the egg mixture will puff up slightly while baking.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and mushrooms will give you the best flavor.
- Try different cheeses: While cheddar and mozzarella work well, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere or feta for a unique twist.
- Make it ahead: Quiche is perfect for meal prep. You can bake it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave.
Conclusion
Making creamy spinach and mushroom quiche couldn’t be easier. With a flaky crust, flavorful vegetables, gooey cheese, and silky custard, this dish is guaranteed to wow your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or treating yourself to a fancy meal, this quiche is the perfect choice. Give it a try, and you’ll see just how fun and rewarding it is to make at home!
Happy cooking!
