Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche is one of those recipes I come back to again and again when I want something simple, elevated, and packed with flavor. With a flaky, golden crust and a silky filling of creamy ricotta, savory spinach, and just a touch of nutmeg, it’s ideal for brunch, a casual dinner, or any time I feel like impressing without fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This quiche is a dream for anyone who enjoys refined flavors without complex steps. I love how the ricotta makes the filling so velvety, and the sautéed spinach and onion give it a beautiful savory depth. It’s elegant but practical, fancy but unfussy. It also makes a beautiful centerpiece for gatherings, yet is just as comforting served with a light salad on a weeknight.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A pinch of ground nutmeg
Directions
Preheat the Oven:
I begin by setting the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Crust:
I roll out the pie crust and press it into a 9-inch quiche dish. Then I prick the bottom with a fork and bake it for 8 minutes to give it a head start. After baking, I set it aside to cool slightly.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet over medium heat, I warm the olive oil and sauté the onion until it’s translucent, about 5 minutes. Then I add the spinach and cook just until wilted—another 2 minutes. I let the mixture cool for a few minutes before combining it with the eggs and cheese.
Make the Filling:
In a large bowl, I whisk together the ricotta, eggs, cream, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Once the mixture is smooth, I stir in the cooled spinach and onions until everything is evenly combined.
Assemble and Bake:
I pour the filling into the pre-baked crust and smooth the top. Then it goes into the oven for 35–40 minutes, or until it’s set in the center and golden on top.
Cool and Serve:
After baking, I let the quiche cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. It’s delicious warm or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6–8 slices, depending on how generous I am with portions.
Total time is about 1 hour, with 20 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of baking.
Variations
I love how adaptable this quiche is. Sometimes I swap part of the ricotta for cottage cheese to change the texture a bit. I also add crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra tang. Cooked bacon, ham, or smoked salmon turn it into a heartier dish. And if I’m in the mood for more veggies, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even roasted red peppers blend in beautifully.
storage/reheating
I store any leftovers in the fridge, tightly covered, for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place slices in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or warm gently in the microwave. This quiche also freezes well—just wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this quiche ahead of time?
Yes, I often make it the night before and reheat it before serving. It’s a great time-saver for brunch or busy evenings.
How do I know when the quiche is fully cooked?
I look for a golden top and gently shake the pan. If the center is no longer jiggly, it’s ready.
Can I make it without the crust?
Absolutely. I grease the pan well and pour the filling directly in—it turns into a lighter, crustless version.
What if I don’t have ricotta?
I’ve used cottage cheese or a mix of cream cheese and sour cream as substitutes. The texture changes slightly, but it’s still creamy and delicious.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, I just thaw it and squeeze out as much liquid as possible before sautéing with the onion.
Conclusion
This Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche is one of those recipes that feels like a little luxury every time I serve it. The flavors are balanced, the texture is divine, and it never fails to impress. Whether it’s for brunch, a holiday gathering, or a cozy dinner at home, this dish always hits the right note. It’s proof that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly special.
PrintElegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche
This Ricotta and Spinach Quiche is a creamy, savory delight perfect for brunch or a light dinner. Made with tender spinach, rich ricotta cheese, and a flaky crust, it’s easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins like mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6–8 slices
- Category: Brunch, Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French-Inspired, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheese (like mozzarella or Gruyère)
- 1 cup cooked spinach (squeezed dry)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll out and place pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
- Stir in ricotta, shredded cheese, and cooked spinach.
- Pour filling into the crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until the center is set and top is golden.
- Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Great with mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
- Can be made crustless—just grease the pan well.
- Freezes beautifully—wrap tightly and store up to 1 month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 145mg