Looking for a dish that combines creamy textures, savory flavors, and a hint of spice? This Zesty Spinach and Bacon Quiche brings it all together in a flaky pie crust. Perfect for brunch or a light dinner, it's a recipe you'll want to make again and again.
Pie crust serves as the foundation, giving the quiche its structure and that wonderful flaky texture. Bacon provides a smoky, savory crunch with every bite. Use good quality for best results. Spinach adds a fresh, earthy flavor while boosting the nutritional value. Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds a tangy richness. Eggs are the binder, creating that classic quiche custard. Half-and-half makes the custard creamy without being too heavy. Salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and nutmeg season the quiche, adding depth and a touch of warmth.
This quiche pairs beautifully with a light green salad topped with a lemon vinaigrette. For an extra touch, serve with a glass of chilled white wine or a mimosa for brunch gatherings.
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything bakes evenly once it's all put together. Lay out your pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate, crimping the edges for a decorative touch if you like. Set it aside for now.
Next, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it's crispy. Remove it from the skillet and let it cool slightly before crumbling it into pieces. Pour off most of the bacon fat, but leave just a bit in the skillet for sautéing.
Throw in the spinach and cook it in that residual bacon fat until wilted, which should take about 2 minutes. This step ensures the spinach is tender and flavorful.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and nutmeg. This is your quiche filling, so make sure it's well combined.
Now, it's time to assemble. Start by layering the crumbled bacon, wilted spinach, and shredded cheddar cheese in the pie crust. Pour the egg mixture on top, making sure it spreads evenly over the other ingredients.
Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You'll know it's done when the center is set and the top is a lovely golden brown. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps it set and makes slicing easier.