This spinach quiche with bacon is a tasty dish filled with fresh spinach, crunchy bacon, and creamy eggs, all baked in a flaky pie crust. It’s perfect for breakfast or a brunch treat!
Honestly, bacon makes everything better, right? Just be ready to share, because everyone will want a piece of this yummy quiche. I love serving it with a side salad for a balanced meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: You can use a store-bought pie crust for convenience. If you’re feeling adventurous, a homemade crust can add a personal touch. For a gluten-free version, try a gluten-free crust or even a cauliflower crust.
Eggs: Fresh large eggs work best for richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can try using egg whites; just keep in mind this may alter the flavor slightly.
Half-and-Half: This lends creaminess to the dish. You can substitute it with whole milk for fewer calories or even a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk if needed, but it may change the texture slightly.
Cheese: Swiss cheese adds great flavor, but feel free to experiment! Gruyère gives a nutty taste, while mozzarella provides a gooey texture. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can mimic cheese flavors.
Bacon: I love the smokiness of bacon in this recipe, but turkey bacon or veggie bacon are good swaps for a lighter option. You could even skip it for a vegetarian take!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is preferred for its vibrant flavor, but you can use frozen spinach when fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to drain it well to remove excess moisture.
How Do I Get the Perfect Quiche Texture?
The key to a great quiche is in the egg mixture and baking time. Make sure to whisk the eggs thoroughly with the half-and-half; this helps create a creamy texture. Don’t skip the resting time after baking; it allows the filling to set and makes slicing easier.
- Whisk eggs, dairy, salt, and spices until smooth. This adds air for fluffiness.
- Pour the mixture over the fillings in the crust gently to avoid splashing.
- Keep an eye on the quiche while baking. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
By using these tips, you’ll achieve a creamy, well-set quiche every time!
Spinach Quiche with Bacon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
For the Filling:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half (or whole milk for a lighter quiche)
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (or Gruyère or mozzarella)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 10 oz fresh spinach (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This spinach quiche with bacon will take about 15 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to bake. After that, allowing it to cool for about 10-15 minutes will help it set nicely for slicing. So, plan for about 1 hour total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using a store-bought crust, place it into a 9-inch pie plate if it’s not already fitted. Make sure it’s nice and even along the edges!
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they’re crispy and browned. Once they’re nice and crunchy, remove them from the pan and chop them into small pieces. Drain some of the bacon fat from the skillet, but leave about a tablespoon in for added flavor.
3. Cook the Spinach and Aromatics:
Add a little olive oil or butter if needed. Sauté the chopped onion (if you’re using it) in the skillet until it turns translucent—this should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until it’s wilted. If you’re using frozen spinach, just make sure it’s warmed up and any extra liquid has evaporated. Once done, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool a bit.
4. Mix Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until everything is blended well. Add in the shredded cheese, along with the cooked spinach mixture and chopped bacon, stirring gently to combine.
5. Fill the Pie Shell:
Carefully pour your filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly so every slice will have a share of that tasty goodness.
6. Bake:
Pop the quiche into the oven and bake it for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s set in the center and the top is lightly golden. You can do a quick test by inserting a knife in the center; if it comes out clean, it’s perfect!
7. Cool and Serve:
After baking, let the quiche cool for about 10-15 minutes. This will help it set up nicely for slicing. Once it’s a bit cooler, slice it into wedges and serve it warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delightful spinach quiche with crispy bacon alongside a fresh salad or fruit!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the filling. This will prevent the quiche from becoming watery.
What If I Don’t Have Half-and-Half?
No problem! You can substitute half-and-half with whole milk for a lighter option. If you’re looking for a richer flavor, try using heavy cream instead. Just be mindful of the increased richness!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm slices in the microwave or oven until heated through. You can add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Quiche Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding in some extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added flavor and fullness. You might also add some herbs for extra freshness!