Ina Garten Spinach Quiche Recipe

Ina Garten’s spinach quiche recipe is one I turn to again and again because it’s simple, elegant, and full of flavor.

The key to getting a rich, creamy texture is using heavy cream—don’t swap it out for milk, or you’ll lose that velvety consistency.

I like to sauté the spinach beforehand to remove extra moisture, so the quiche doesn’t get watery as it bakes.

For the crust, I recommend using a store-bought one if you’re short on time—it bakes up beautifully with this recipe.

The flavors are balanced, with just the right amount of richness to feel indulgent without being heavy!

How to Make Ina Garten Spinach Quiche

Ingredients

• 1 Pie Crust
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 2 cups Fresh Spinach (chopped)
• 1 cup Gruyère Cheese (grated)
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• 4 Eggs
• 1 tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Black Pepper
• 1 pinch Nutmeg

You’ll want to have all these ingredients ready to go to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 400°F and position the rack in the middle.

This will help the quiche cook evenly from all sides.

Step 2:

Prepare the pie crust by thawing it and gently pricking it with a fork to prevent bubbles.

Bake it in the oven until it turns lightly golden, usually around 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 3:

In a skillet, heat the olive oil and add the chopped onion.

Cook until the onion softens, which should take about 3 minutes.

Step 4:

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and sauté until it wilts.

This should take another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, grated Gruyère cheese, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Combine this with the spinach mixture and pour it into the pie crust.

Step 6:

Bake your quiche in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set.

Remove and let it cool slightly before slicing.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Perfect Cheese Melting

To achieve a creamy texture, make sure to finely grate the Gruyère cheese so it melts seamlessly into the egg mixture.

This ensures every bite is filled with cheesy richness!

Balancing Flavors

While this quiche uses a simple salt and pepper seasoning, feel free to add herbs like thyme or basil to enhance the flavor profile further.

This adds a nice aroma and taste.

Experiment with Add-ins

For more variety, consider adding cooked bacon or mushrooms to the spinach quiche.

These extras can complement the spinach and cheese flavors beautifully.

Pie Crust Techniques

If you’re feeling adventurous, try making a homemade pie crust using fresh butter and flour.

The freshness can really elevate the dish.

What to Serve with Ina Garten Spinach Quiche

Green Salad

You really can’t go wrong with a classic green salad.

Pair your quiche with baby spinach, arugula, or kale dressed lightly with a vinaigrette.

The freshness provides a crisp complement to the quiche’s rich, creamy texture.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables bring vibrant colors and flavors to your meal.

Try carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini roasted with a little olive oil.

This adds a sweet, savory balance that works beautifully with the quiche.

Fresh Fruit Platter

A fresh fruit platter offers a contrasting natural sweetness.

Include slices of apple, pear, or clusters of grapes.

It introduces a refreshing finish to the rich flavors of your dish.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread delivers that crunchy, aromatic touch.

Its hearty warmth complements the quiche’s smooth, velvety filling.

Make sure to use fresh garlic for the best flavor.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy depth to the meal.

Cook them with a dash of olive oil and a sprinkle of thyme.

Their hearty texture pairs perfectly with the richness of the quiche.

Chilled Cucumber Salad

Chilled cucumber salad gives a refreshing twist.

Thin slices dressed with lemon juice and dill bring a cooling freshness.

This crisp and light side dish complements the heavier quiche effortlessly.

Variations and Substitutions

Don’t hesitate to get creative with this spinach quiche!

Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a unique twist.

If you prefer a different cheese, feta or cheddar can bring a different flavor to your dish.

A sprinkle of nutmeg can also add a warm touch to the filling.

Meat Alternatives

Adding cooked bacon or ham can introduce a savory depth.

For a meatless alternative, try sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.

Crust Options

You can use a prepared pie crust or even a gluten-free crust.

If you love homemade dough, adding herbs to your crust recipe can elevate it.

Dairy Substitutes

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative for a lighter option.

Using different kinds of milk can create gentle shifts in taste and texture.

Your quiche can easily adapt to whatever you have in your pantry or whatever dietary needs you are addressing!

How to Store Leftover Ina Garten Spinach Quiche

Storing your leftover Ina Garten spinach quiche is a breeze if you follow these simple steps!

First, letting the quiche cool to room temperature will keep your crust from getting soggy.

In the Refrigerator

Wrap the cooled quiche tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Then, place it in an airtight container.

It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

In the Freezer

To freeze, let the quiche cool completely after baking.

Wrap it first in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to best retain freshness.

Frozen quiche can last up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

Consider slicing the quiche into individual portions before storing.

This makes it easier to grab just a single piece when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Each slice will thaw and reheat more quickly than the entire quiche.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overfilling the Crust

One common mistake is overfilling the crust with filling ingredients.

Keeping the filling level right below the edge helps prevent spills during baking.

This also ensures the quiche bakes evenly and avoids a soggy crust.

Using Wet Spinach

It’s crucial to squeeze out as much water as possible from the spinach.

Excess water can lead to a runny texture and affect the overall flavor.

Using a clean towel or pressing it in a sieve works well.

Skipping the Crust Blind-Bake

Always pre-bake your crust before adding the filling.

This key step prevents the dreaded soggy bottom and results in a perfectly crisp crust.

Remember, the crust should be lightly golden before filling is added.