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This spinach and herb cheese quiche transforms the classic Lorraine recipe into an elegant modern dish. The creamy cheese melts perfectly into fresh spinach leaves, creating a delightful flavor combination from the very first bite. This recipe, which originated during an impromptu cooking session, has become a family favorite, especially for weekend brunches.
The enticing aroma and delicate flavors of this quiche never fail to impress guests, making it a reliable choice for gatherings and special occasions.
Essential Ingredients Guide
- Herb cheese (150g) - Choose garlic and herb variety for classic flavor. Let it soften at room temperature for 30 minutes before using
- Fresh spinach (200g) - Baby spinach leaves work best. In winter, thoroughly drained frozen spinach is a good substitute
- Heavy cream (200ml) - Use full-fat cream for the richest result
- Pastry crust - Homemade or store-bought, pre-baking ensures a crispy base
The quality of ingredients is crucial - fresh spinach and good cheese make all the difference in the final result.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1. Preparing the Crust
- Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F. Roll pastry into pie dish, pressing gently against sides.
- Prick base thoroughly with fork.
- Blind bake with parchment and weights for 10 minutes, then 5 minutes uncovered.
- 2. Preparing Spinach
- Wash spinach thoroughly in cold water.
- Sauté in batches with butter until wilted. Season lightly.
- Drain thoroughly through strainer and squeeze in clean towel.
- 3. Making Filling
- Beat eggs until foamy. Gradually whisk in cream.
- Gently fold in cheese chunks. Season with freshly grated nutmeg.
- 4. Assembly and Baking
- Layer spinach evenly in pre-baked crust.
- Pour filling carefully over spinach. Bake 25-30 minutes until set but slightly wobbly.
For extra flavor, try sprinkling toasted pine nuts on top before baking - it adds wonderful texture and nutty taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The fresh, acidic notes complement the rich quiche perfectly.
Flavor Pairing
The herbed cheese naturally enhances spinach's subtle flavor, while creating a perfectly balanced savory filling.
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Storage and Reheating
Store quiche in refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in 300°F oven for 10 minutes to maintain crust crispness.
This quiche represents the perfect blend of traditional French cooking with modern ingredients. The careful preparation yields a dish that's both elegant and comforting.
The combination of flaky crust, creamy filling, and fresh spinach creates a memorable dish that's perfect for any occasion. While it requires attention to detail, the end result is a beautifully balanced quiche that showcases the best of home cooking.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- → Can this quiche be made ahead?
- Yes, you can bake it the day before and gently warm it in the oven. It’s also yummy when served cold.
- → How can I keep the quiche from being watery?
- Make sure to thoroughly drain the spinach. You can also squeeze out any extra water using a clean kitchen towel.
- → Which type of Boursin should I use?
- The garlic and herb variety works great, but feel free to try other flavors you enjoy.
- → Is it okay to freeze this quiche?
- Yes, it freezes well after being cooked. Let it thaw in the fridge, then reheat in the oven.
- → What’s the best crust to use?
- For a rustic feel, go with a pie crust. Puff pastry adds lightness. Both work wonderfully.