The inviting aroma of caramelized onions softly mingling with fresh spinach greets you as you step into your kitchen—what a delightful way to kick off a meal! I’m excited to share this Delightful Caramelized Onions and Spinach Quiche Recipe, a timeless classic that’s not only easy to make but also perfect for brunch with loved ones. With its flaky crust and creamy custard, this quiche transforms simple ingredients into a comforting dish that’s sure to impress. Plus, you can easily adapt it to your taste by adding kale, crumbled feta, or whatever veggies you have on hand. Who wouldn’t love a dish that’s both a crowd-pleaser and a wellness boost? Are you ready to create a little slice of happiness for your next gathering?
Why is this quiche a must-try?
Simplicity Meets Flavor: This quiche is effortless to whip up, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. Versatile Variations: Add your favorite veggies or cheeses, like kale or crumbled feta, to customize each bite. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Ideal for brunch or dinner, it’s a comforting dish that impresses guests without keeping you in the kitchen for hours. Nutrient-Rich Goodness: Packed with fresh spinach, it’s a wholesome choice that feels indulgent yet nourishing. Don’t miss out on pairing it with a refreshing side salad, or if you're looking for more ideas, check out my Tomato Garlic Pasta for a perfect complement!
Delightful Caramelized Onions and Spinach Quiche Ingredients
For the Crust
• Pre-made Pie Crust – Perfect for saving time; you can use a homemade crust for a personal touch.
For the Filling
• Fresh Spinach (2 cups) – Adds vibrant color and nutrients; consider substituting with kale for a heartier taste.
• Sweet Onions (2 large) – Essential for sweetness and depth; caramelize to unlock their full flavor potential.
• Eggs (4 large) – The binder for a rich custard; integral for the quiche's luxurious texture.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup) – Creates a decadent creaminess; feel free to swap with milk for a lighter version.
• Shredded Gruyère Cheese (1 cup) – Enhances the flavor and creaminess; cheddar or feta can be delightful alternatives.
• Olive Oil (2 tbsp) – Ideal for sautéing onions; butter makes for a richer, more indulgent flavor.
• Salt and Pepper – Fundamental seasonings; adjust to enhance the taste of the quiche.
Optional Add-ins
• Kale – For those who prefer a different green; it offers a hearty texture.
• Crumbled Feta Cheese – For a tangy kick; it complements the sweetness of the onions beautifully.
• Diced Bell Peppers or Sautéed Mushrooms – Great ways to elevate your veggie game with more flavor profiles.
This Delightful Caramelized Onions and Spinach Quiche Recipe is not only simple but also adaptable, making it your next go-to for any gathering. Enjoy!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Delightful Caramelized Onions and Spinach Quiche Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the quiche. This ensures a crisp, perfectly cooked crust and a beautifully set filling. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients and tools, including a greased pie dish and mixing bowls for a smooth cooking experience.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust
Roll out your pre-made pie crust and carefully fit it into the greased pie dish, ensuring there are no air bubbles and the crust sits evenly. Trim any excess crust hanging over the edges. Once your crust is ready and sitting snugly in the dish, it’s time to move on to caramelizing the onions.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the sliced sweet onions and stir occasionally, allowing them to cook for about 15–20 minutes. Watch for a lovely golden brown color indicating they’re caramelized, which adds that delightful depth of flavor to your quiche.
Step 4: Sauté the Spinach
Once the onions are caramelized, add 2 cups of fresh spinach to the skillet. Sauté for about 3 minutes or until the spinach is wilted and vibrant. Season the mixture lightly with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavors. This beautiful blend of onions and spinach is the essential filling for your Delightful Caramelized Onions and Spinach Quiche.
Step 5: Combine the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs and 1 cup of heavy cream until smooth and well combined. Stir in 1 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese, ensuring it mixes thoroughly into the custard for that creamy texture. This mixture will create a rich and binding layer for your quiche filling.
Step 6: Assemble the Quiche
Spread the caramelized onion and spinach mixture evenly over the prepared pie crust. Carefully pour the egg and cheese mixture over the top, making sure to distribute it evenly. The filling should just about cover the vegetables, creating a beautiful and inviting layer for the Delightful Caramelized Onions and Spinach Quiche.
Step 7: Bake the Quiche
Place the assembled quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Enjoy the tantalizing aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the filling to firm up, making it easier to slice. Serve warm or at room temperature, and delight in sharing this comforting dish with family and friends gathered around your table.
Make Ahead Options
These Delightful Caramelized Onions and Spinach Quiches are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can caramelize the onions and sauté the spinach up to 24 hours in advance, allowing their flavors to meld beautifully when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can prepare the entire quiche (without baking) and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before you pop it in the oven. When you're ready to serve, simply bake straight from the fridge, increasing the baking time by a few minutes for even cooking. This method not only saves you time on busy weekdays but ensures the quiche remains just as delicious, with a flaky crust and creamy filling that tastes freshly made.
Delightful Caramelized Onions and Spinach Quiche Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking and explore new flavors that excite your palate!
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Kale Swap: Substitute spinach with kale for a heartier taste, adding vibrant color and extra nutrients. The robust flavor of kale pairs beautifully with caramelized onions.
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Feta Cheese Twist: Mix in crumbled feta for a tangy kick. This addition not only elevates the flavor but also complements the sweetness of the onions perfectly, offering a delightful contrast.
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Bell Pepper Boost: Incorporate diced bell peppers for a burst of sweetness and color. They add texture and a lovely crunch, which create a new layer of flavor to your quiche.
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Mushroom Magic: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy note. Whether you use cremini, shiitake, or button mushrooms, they meld beautifully with the creamy filling.
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Savory Sausage Addition: For a meatier option, mix in cooked and crumbled sausage or bacon. This adds richness and a satisfying heartiness that transforms the quiche into a filling meal.
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Herb Infusion: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like thyme or basil to the egg mixture. Their aromatic profiles will infuse the quiche with delightful fragrance and taste.
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Spice Up the Heat: Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce. This is an excellent way to bring a bit of warmth to the comforting flavors.
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Nutty Quinoa or Rice: For a unique twist, consider adding cooked quinoa or rice to the filling. This will bring in additional texture and make the quiche even more satisfying.
Whether you're in the mood for something lighter or richer, these variations can seamlessly transform your quiche. Don’t forget to pair it with a refreshing salad or some delightful Raspberry Lemon Shortbread for a perfect brunch extension!
How to Store and Freeze Delightful Caramelized Onions and Spinach Quiche
Fridge: Store leftover quiche in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its texture while keeping it fresh for whenever cravings strike.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap slices of quiche tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 2 months without losing flavor.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat the quiche from the fridge at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. For frozen quiche, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Room Temperature: It's best to consume the quiche within 2 hours if left at room temperature to ensure food safety.
What to Serve with Savory Caramelized Onion and Spinach Quiche
The delightful combination of caramelized onions and fresh spinach will transport your taste buds, so let's round out your meal beautifully.
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Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast that balances the creamy quiche perfectly.
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Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweet burst of flavor complements the savory quiche, and their warm radiance brightens the plate.
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Herb-Infused Couscous: Light, fluffy, and subtly flavored couscous holds its own alongside the richness of the quiche, providing pleasant texture.
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Garlic Bread: Golden and toasty, garlic bread offers a satisfying crunch. Its buttery essence contrasts wonderfully with the quiche's creamy interior.
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Sparkling Water with Lemon: A refreshing beverage that cleanses the palate while enhancing the meal’s flavors without overpowering them.
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Fruit Tart for Dessert: A light and fruity endnote, a fruit tart brings a sweet finish to the meal, echoing the quiche's delicate flavors.
Combine these sides and drinks to ensure an unforgettable dining experience, perfect for sharing with loved ones!
Expert Tips for Caramelized Onion and Spinach Quiche
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Patience is Key: Caramelizing onions requires slow cooking over medium heat to bring out their natural sweetness. Rushing this step will result in bitterness.
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Season Wisely: Remember to season with salt and pepper as you layer your ingredients. It enhances the flavor of the delightful caramelized onions and spinach quiche.
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Test for Doneness: Ensure your quiche is cooked to perfection by inserting a knife into the center. It should come out clean, signaling that your filling is set.
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Cool Before Slicing: Allow the quiche to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps the filling firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.
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Explore Variations: Don’t hesitate to include your personal touch—try adding kale, crumbled feta, or your favorite veggies to make the delightful caramelized onions and spinach quiche truly unique.
Delightful Caramelized Onions and Spinach Quiche Recipe FAQs
What type of onions works best for this quiche?
Absolutely! Sweet onions, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, are ideal for this quiche because they caramelize beautifully, adding a rich sweetness. If you prefer a sharper flavor, yellow onions can also be used, but make sure to caramelize them well for the best results.
How should I store leftover quiche?
To keep your leftover quiche at its best, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This method will help maintain its flavor and texture. Before serving, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Can I freeze carrot quiche? If so, how?
Yes, you can freeze your delightful caramelized onions and spinach quiche! To do so, slice the quiche into individual portions and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the quiche overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
What if I don't have Gruyère cheese?
Not a problem! If you don’t have Gruyère cheese, you can easily substitute it with shredded cheddar or feta cheese for different flavor profiles. Cheddar will give a sharper taste, while feta adds a creamy tanginess that pairs wonderfully with the caramelized onions and spinach.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients?
Very much! Feel free to get creative by adding your favorite veggies. Diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or even a handful of herbs like thyme or basil can elevate the quiche's flavor. Also, try mixing in kale or crumbled feta for a delightful twist that customizes the recipe to your liking.
Is this quiche suitable for special dietary needs?
Indeed! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, and you can easily adjust it for gluten-free diets by using a gluten-free pie crust. For dairy allergies, simply replace the heavy cream with a non-dairy milk alternative and choose dairy-free cheese options as needed. Always be sure to check labels for any allergy concerns.
Easy Delightful Caramelized Onions and Spinach Quiche Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- skillet
- Pie Dish
- mixing bowls
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 pre-made Pie Crust Perfect for saving time; can use homemade for personal touch.
For the Filling
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach Consider substituting with kale.
- 2 large Sweet Onions Caramelize to unlock flavor.
- 4 large Eggs The binder for the custard.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream Swap with milk for lighter version.
- 1 cup Shredded Gruyère Cheese Cheddar or feta can be alternatives.
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil Used for sautéing onions.
- Salt
- Pepper
Optional Add-ins
- Kale For a different green.
- Crumbled Feta Cheese For a tangy kick.
- Diced Bell Peppers
- Sautéed Mushrooms
Instructions
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pie crust and fit it into the greased pie dish.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, add sweet onions, and caramelize for 15-20 minutes.
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet and sauté until wilted, about 3 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs and heavy cream, then stir in shredded cheese.
- Spread the onion and spinach mixture in the pie crust, then pour the egg mixture on top.
- Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, until filling is set and golden.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
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