This delicious Spinach Feta Quiche Recipe combines the earthy flavors of fresh spinach with tangy feta cheese in a perfectly creamy custard base. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing a light dinner, or meal-prepping for the week, this versatile quiche delivers restaurant-quality results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Spinach Feta Quiche Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that brings together the best of Mediterranean flavors in one elegant dish. The combination of nutrient-rich spinach and creamy feta cheese creates a perfect balance of flavors that’s both satisfying and sophisticated. What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility – it’s equally delicious served warm for breakfast, at room temperature for lunch, or as part of an elegant dinner spread.
The recipe is incredibly forgiving and customizable, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks. You can prepare it ahead of time, and it reheats beautifully, making it ideal for busy weekdays or entertaining guests. Plus, with its protein-packed eggs and calcium-rich cheese, this quiche provides excellent nutritional value while satisfying your comfort food cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
For the filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 ounces fresh spinach (or 1 cup thawed and drained frozen spinach)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
How to Make Spinach Feta Quiche Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Crust Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges decoratively. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork in several places to prevent puffing during baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Spinach Mixture Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. If using fresh spinach, add it to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s thoroughly thawed and drained, then add it to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove excess moisture. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Custard Base In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs until well beaten. Gradually add the milk or half-and-half, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. The mixture should be smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Quiche Spread the cooled spinach mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared pie crust. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the spinach, followed by the mozzarella or Swiss cheese if using. Slowly pour the egg mixture over the filling, ensuring it distributes evenly and doesn’t overflow the crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection Place the quiche on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden brown. The quiche is done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool and Serve Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This cooling period allows the custard to set properly, making it easier to cut clean slices.
Helpful Tips
Preventing a Soggy Bottom: To ensure your crust stays crisp, you can blind bake it for 10 minutes before adding the filling. Simply line the crust with parchment paper, fill with pie weights or dried beans, and bake at 375°F.
Draining Spinach Properly: Whether using fresh or frozen spinach, removing excess moisture is crucial. For frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out water using a clean kitchen towel. For fresh spinach, cook until just wilted and let excess liquid evaporate in the pan.
Achieving the Perfect Texture: Use room temperature eggs and dairy for the smoothest custard base. This helps everything combine more easily and creates a more even texture throughout the quiche.
Cheese Substitutions: While feta is the star of this recipe, you can experiment with goat cheese, ricotta, or even sharp cheddar for different flavor profiles. Just maintain the same total amount of cheese.
Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 6-8 slices
Difficulty Level: Easy to Intermediate
This Spinach Feta Quiche Recipe serves 6-8 people generously and can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. The combination of Mediterranean flavors makes it perfect for brunches, light dinners, or special occasions. The recipe scales well if you need to feed a larger crowd – simply double the ingredients and use two pie dishes.
Notes
Make-Ahead Instructions: You can assemble this quiche completely and refrigerate it overnight before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
Customization Options: This recipe is highly adaptable. Consider adding sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or fresh herbs like dill or oregano to complement the Mediterranean theme. You can also substitute the spinach with other greens like kale or Swiss chard.
Dietary Modifications: For a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk and reduce the cheese slightly. The recipe can also be made crustless for a lower-carb option – simply grease your pie dish well and bake for 5-10 minutes less.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? A: Absolutely! Use 1 cup of frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess water before using. This prevents the quiche from becoming watery.
Q: How do I know when the quiche is fully cooked? A: The quiche is done when the center is set and doesn’t jiggle when you gently shake the pan. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Q: Can I make this quiche ahead of time? A: Yes! You can assemble the entire quiche and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also bake it completely and reheat individual slices as needed.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover quiche? A: For best results, reheat individual slices in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. Avoid reheating the entire quiche as it may become overcooked.
Q: Can I freeze this quiche? A: Yes, both baked and unbaked quiche can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover quiche covered in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the quiche from absorbing other flavors.
Freezer Storage: For longer storage, wrap cooled quiche slices individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. This allows you to thaw and reheat only what you need. Properly stored, frozen quiche maintains quality for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat refrigerated quiche, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. For frozen slices, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first, then reheat as directed.
Conclusion
This Spinach Feta Quiche Recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular. The creamy custard base perfectly complements the earthy spinach and tangy feta cheese, while the flaky crust provides the ideal foundation for all these wonderful flavors.
Whether you’re preparing this quiche for a special brunch, a casual family dinner, or meal prep for the week ahead, you’ll find that it delivers consistent, delicious results every time. The Mediterranean-inspired flavors make it feel both familiar and special, while its make-ahead friendly nature makes it a practical choice for busy schedules.
Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own by experimenting with different herbs, vegetables, or cheese combinations. The basic technique remains the same, but the flavor possibilities are endless. Once you master this Spinach Feta Quiche Recipe, you’ll have a reliable, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion.