Description
This Perfect Cauliflower & Spinach Quiche is a delightful, savory tart combining tender blanched cauliflower, sautéed spinach and onion, creamy eggs, and melted cheese in a flaky pie crust. With easy prep and a comforting flavor profile, it’s an ideal dish for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner that serves 6 to 8 people. The recipe features simple ingredients, optional nutmeg and Parmesan for added depth, and a straightforward baking method to achieve a perfectly set, golden quiche.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 pre-made pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Vegetables
- 1 medium cauliflower, chopped into small florets
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ onion, diced
Filling
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie crust into a 9-inch tart or pie pan and set it aside to prepare the filling.
- Blanch Cauliflower: Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan and blanch the cauliflower florets for 2-3 minutes until they are just tender. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté Onions: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream or milk, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg if using, until fully combined.
- Combine Filling: Stir the sautéed spinach and onions, blanched cauliflower, and shredded cheese into the egg mixture. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Fill Crust: Pour the prepared filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor.
- Bake Quiche: Place the pie pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set in the center and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Blanching the cauliflower before adding it to the quiche ensures it cooks through properly in the oven and remains tender.
- You can substitute heavy cream with milk or a non-dairy alternative to make the quiche lighter or dairy-free.
- Feel free to swap the shredded cheese for your favorite types like Gruyère or feta to customize the flavor.
- Letting the quiche cool slightly before slicing helps it to set and prevents it from falling apart.
- Store leftover quiche in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats well in the oven or microwave.
