If you’re on the lookout for a delightful way to enjoy vegetables in a comforting, savory dish, this Perfect Cauliflower & Spinach Quiche Recipe is just what you need. It brings together tender cauliflower florets and vibrant spinach wrapped in a flaky crust, baked with a creamy, cheesy custard that’s bursting with flavor. This quiche strikes the ideal balance of nutritious veggies and indulgent richness, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. Once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a favorite in your meal rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this quiche lies in its accessible, fresh ingredients, which come together to create layers of taste and texture you’ll love. Every item has its own role, from the crispy crust that holds everything to the creamy filling that perfectly complements the vegetables.
- 1 pre-made pie crust: Use store-bought or homemade for a buttery, flaky base that bakes golden and crisp.
- 1 medium cauliflower, chopped into florets: Adds a mild, nutty flavor and satisfying bite.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Brings vibrant color and a subtle earthiness to the quiche.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Ideal for gently sautéing the onions and spinach without overpowering their taste.
- ½ onion, diced: Provides a sweet, savory foundation that deepens the overall flavor.
- 3 large eggs: The essential binding element that gives the quiche its custardy texture.
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk (dairy or non-dairy): Adds richness and smoothness to the filling.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend): Melts beautifully, creating gooey, cheesy pockets throughout.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: A subtle punch of flavor that complements the vegetables.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and a hint of spice.
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional): A lovely aromatic touch that elevates the custard’s depth.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Sprinkled on top for an irresistible golden crust with a nutty finish.
How to Make Perfect Cauliflower & Spinach Quiche Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your pie crust into a 9-inch tart or pie pan, gently pressing it into the edges for a neat fit. Setting this base early ensures it’s ready for the filling and will bake evenly, giving you that perfect golden crust every time.
Step 2: Blanch the Cauliflower
Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the cauliflower florets and blanch them for 2 to 3 minutes. This quick cooking step softens the cauliflower just enough without making it mushy, preserving its bite and bright flavor. Once done, drain thoroughly and set aside to cool.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Spinach
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they’re tender and slightly translucent. Next, add the chopped spinach and sauté for another 2 minutes until the greens are just wilted. This gentle cooking helps mellow the onion’s sharpness and brings a silkiness to the spinach, building richness for the filling.
Step 4: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream or milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg until smooth and well combined. To this, add the sautéed onions and spinach, blanched cauliflower, and shredded cheese. Stir gently but thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients, ensuring every slice will have that perfect balance of veggies and gooey cheese.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the mixed filling carefully into your lined pie crust. If you like, sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor and a beautifully browned finish. Place the quiche in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The quiche is done when the center is set and the top has a lovely golden hue. Let it rest a few minutes before slicing to help it firm up and make serving a breeze.
How to Serve Perfect Cauliflower & Spinach Quiche Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate this quiche perfectly. Fresh herbs like chopped chives, parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a fresh pop and a splash of color. A light drizzle of quality olive oil or a spoonful of crème fraîche on top just before serving adds a luscious finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This quiche pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads tossed in tangy vinaigrettes, roasted cherry tomatoes, or even a refreshing cucumber salad. For brunch or light lunch, serve alongside crusty bread or a bowl of seasonal fruit to round out your plate nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the quiche in individual mini tart pans for an elegant, portion-controlled presentation that’s perfect for gatherings. Alternatively, cut it into wedges and stack it between toasted slices of sourdough bread for a gourmet sandwich twist. You can also top it with a spoonful of tomato chutney or relish for a sweet-savory contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, wrap leftover quiche tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a convenient, ready-to-go meal that tastes almost as good as fresh.
Freezing
The Perfect Cauliflower & Spinach Quiche Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole quiche tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil to prevent freezer burn. You can keep it frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the texture, though it works if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I use a gluten-free crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! A gluten-free pie crust works just as well in the Perfect Cauliflower & Spinach Quiche Recipe. Just be sure your crust of choice can hold up to the baking time without becoming too soggy.
Is it possible to make this quiche vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by substituting the eggs with a chickpea flour batter or silken tofu, and use non-dairy cream and vegan cheese. The flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
What cheese works best in this quiche?
Cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices for their meltability and flavor. A blend often creates a great balance. Parmesan sprinkled on top adds a lovely nutty crunch, but feel free to experiment with your favorites like Gruyère or Fontina.
Can I add other vegetables to this quiche?
Yes! This recipe is very versatile. Vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can be sautéed and added alongside the spinach and cauliflower for a more complex flavor profile.
How do I know when the quiche is fully cooked?
You’ll see that the quiche is set when the center is firm to the touch and no longer jiggles. The edges should be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Perfect Cauliflower & Spinach Quiche Recipe that makes it a standout in any meal setting. Its incredible blend of flavors, ease of preparation, and versatility make it one of those dishes you’ll want to keep coming back to time and time again. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a household favorite before you know it!
Print
Perfect Cauliflower & Spinach Quiche Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Quiche
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Perfect Cauliflower & Spinach Quiche is a savory, nutritious dish combining tender cauliflower florets, fresh spinach, sautéed onions, and a creamy egg custard baked in a buttery pie crust. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, this quiche is versatile and can be made with dairy or non-dairy milk and your choice of cheese.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 pre-made pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Vegetables
- 1 medium cauliflower, chopped into small florets
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ onion, diced
Other Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie crust in a 9-inch tart or pie pan and set aside to get ready for the filling.
- Blanch Cauliflower: In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Blanch the cauliflower florets for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Cook Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes until wilted. Remove skillet from heat.
- Mix Egg Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream or milk, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional nutmeg until fully combined.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Stir the sautéed spinach and onions, cooked cauliflower, and shredded cheese into the egg mixture. Mix thoroughly for even distribution.
- Assemble Quiche: Pour the filling evenly into the prepared pie crust. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
- Bake: Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the quiche to cool for a few minutes before slicing into 6 pieces and serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with milk or a non-dairy alternative.
- You can use any shredded cheese you prefer or have on hand, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend.
- Optional nutmeg adds a warm flavor, but can be omitted if preferred.
- Make sure not to overcook the vegetables to keep texture in the quiche.
- Let the quiche cool slightly before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
