Spinach Mushroom Quiche – A Deliciously Savory, Flaky Breakfast or Brunch Recipe
1. Introduction
If you’ve ever craved something savory, comforting, and full of flavor, Spinach Mushroom Quiche is the dish you’ve been waiting for. Whether it’s for a weekend brunch, a light dinner, or a meal prep option, this quiche is a delicious way to enjoy the combination of earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach, all encased in a buttery, flaky crust. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for almost any occasion.
Quiche may sound fancy, but it’s actually quite easy to make, especially when you use a pre-made pie crust or make your own from scratch. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility—you can customize it with different vegetables, proteins, and even add cheese for an extra creamy texture. In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step through the process, give you tips for success, and share some variations you can try to suit your dietary preferences.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have the perfect recipe for a flavorful, hearty quiche that is sure to impress. Let’s get baking!
2. Ingredients Breakdown
The key to a great quiche is using the right balance of ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the main ingredients that go into making Spinach Mushroom Quiche, along with some substitution options to suit different preferences.
Main Ingredients:
- Spinach: Fresh spinach is the star vegetable in this quiche. It’s packed with vitamins A and K, iron, and fiber, making it a great choice for a healthy filling. You can use frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available, but be sure to drain it well before using. Fresh spinach gives a nice texture and a burst of color to the quiche.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms add an earthy, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the spinach. Use white button mushrooms, cremini, or even shiitake mushrooms for a more exotic flavor. Slice them thinly to ensure they cook evenly and distribute well throughout the quiche.
- Eggs: Eggs provide the structure and creamy texture for the quiche. They help bind everything together, creating a smooth, custardy filling. You’ll need 4 to 5 large eggs for this recipe. For a lighter version, you can use 3 eggs and replace the rest with egg whites or a flax egg for a vegan alternative.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives the quiche its rich, velvety texture. You can substitute it with half-and-half for a lighter version or use coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative. If you prefer to keep it lighter, you can also use milk instead of heavy cream.
- Cheese (optional): While cheese is optional in this recipe, adding some grated cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère can enhance the flavor and creaminess of the quiche. Cheese also helps with the structure of the quiche, giving it a more satisfying texture. You can skip the cheese or use a dairy-free option if you prefer.
- Pie Crust: A buttery, flaky pie crust is the traditional base for a quiche, providing a crisp contrast to the creamy filling. You can use a store-bought pie crust to save time, or make your own from scratch if you’re feeling ambitious.
- Onions and Garlic (optional): Adding sautéed onions and garlic enhances the flavor of the filling. They provide a mild sweetness and savory depth to the quiche. If you’re not a fan of onions, feel free to omit them or swap them for shallots for a milder taste.
Substitutions:
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust or make your own gluten-free crust from almond flour or rice flour.
- Dairy-Free: Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk. You can also skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Vegan: To make this quiche vegan, substitute the eggs with a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use non-dairy milk and cheese.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Spinach Mushroom Quiche:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pie Crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, place it in your pie dish. If you’re making your own, roll out the dough and fit it into your pie dish, trimming any excess. Blind bake the crust for 10-12 minutes if needed, following the package instructions for store-bought crust. - Sauté the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until they release their moisture and become tender. Add the chopped fresh spinach (about 4 cups) and cook for another 2-3 minutes until it wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set the mixture aside to cool slightly. - Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup of heavy cream (or your chosen substitute), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add 1 cup of grated cheese (if using) and mix until fully combined. - Assemble the Quiche
Once the sautéed vegetables have cooled slightly, spread them evenly over the prepared pie crust. Pour the egg and cream mixture over the vegetables, ensuring the filling is evenly distributed. If you want a more solid filling, you can add more eggs or reduce the cream for a firmer texture. - Bake the Quiche
Bake the quiche in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. You can check if the quiche is done by gently shaking the pan; the filling should not jiggle. - Cool and Serve
Let the quiche cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the filling to firm up, making it easier to cut clean slices. Serve warm or at room temperature.
4. Tips and Variations
Here are some expert tips and variations to help you customize your Spinach Mushroom Quiche:
- Use Fresh Spinach: While frozen spinach works, fresh spinach provides a better texture and flavor. Be sure to cook it down enough to remove excess moisture so the quiche filling doesn’t become watery.
- Add Protein: For extra protein, add cooked bacon, sausage, or ham to the quiche filling. Just make sure to chop it into small pieces before mixing it with the egg mixture.
- Experiment with Cheese: Gruyère, Swiss, and sharp cheddar are great cheese options for quiche. If you prefer a tangy bite, try goat cheese or feta.
- Make It Spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Keep it vegetarian by loading up on additional vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes. You can even try roasting the vegetables beforehand for added flavor.
5. Serving Suggestions
A Spinach Mushroom Quiche is hearty enough to serve as a main dish, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Side Salad: A light side salad with mixed greens, a tangy vinaigrette, and maybe a few nuts or dried cranberries complements the rich quiche perfectly.
- Roasted Potatoes: Serve the quiche with roasted potatoes or hash browns for a filling, comforting breakfast or brunch.
- Tomato Soup: For a cozy, filling meal, pair your quiche with a bowl of fresh, creamy tomato soup.
- Fresh Fruit: A fresh fruit salad or some sliced melon provides a refreshing balance to the savory flavors of the quiche.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftovers can be stored and enjoyed later. Here’s how to store and reheat your quiche:
- Fridge: Store any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Quiche freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Reheating: To reheat individual slices, microwave for 30-60 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
7. Recipe Notes
- Make-Ahead: You can make this quiche a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld together, and it’s a great option for meal prepping or hosting.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk) and vegan cheese. You can also make the crust dairy-free by using a vegan butter substitute.
- Egg Substitutes: To make the quiche egg-free, you can use a chickpea flour mixture or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Carbs | 14g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 9g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Cholesterol | 180mg |
| Calcium | 100mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 ½ cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare the crust.
- Sauté the mushrooms and spinach until tender.
- Whisk the eggs, cream, and seasonings.
- Assemble the quiche with the vegetable mixture and pour the egg mixture on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set.
- Cool before slicing and serving.
Notes:
- Best served warm.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition:
Calories: 250 | Fat: 18g | Protein: 9g | Carbs: 14g
🏷️ Diet Tags
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-Free (if using a gluten-free crust)
🌿 Health Benefits
- Packed with iron and vitamins A and C from spinach
- Provides a good source of protein from eggs and cheese
FAQs
1. Can I make this quiche dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free milk and vegan cheese to make the quiche dairy-free.
2. Can I add other vegetables to this quiche?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli for more flavor and nutrition.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store the quiche in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
4. Can I make this quiche without a crust?
Yes, you can make a crustless quiche by simply greasing the baking dish and pouring the filling directly into it. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious!
10. Final Thoughts
This Spinach Mushroom Quiche is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dinner. It’s comforting, flavorful, and can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences. I hope this recipe becomes a go-to in your kitchen. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below, and enjoy every bite of your delicious quiche!