Ricotta Spinach Quiche

Elevate your brunch game with this luxurious Ricotta Spinach Quiche, where every carefully planned bite delivers a perfect harmony of silky-smooth ricotta, tender emerald spinach leaves, and a thoughtfully selected blend of three complementary cheeses. All these premium ingredients rest in a golden, flaky crust that provides the perfect contrast in texture. This elegant dish transforms simple, accessible ingredients into a sophisticated meal that bridges the gap between casual comfort food and refined dining. The delicate balance of rich, creamy dairy and vibrant, nutritious greens creates a satisfying dish that nourishes both body and soul, making it perfect for any time of day.

Through endless testing and refinement in both professional and home kitchens, I've discovered that the magic of a perfect quiche lies in the details - from selecting the right ricotta and properly preparing the spinach to achieving the ideal egg-to-dairy ratio. Each element builds upon the last to create something truly extraordinary.

Essential Ingredients Guide

• Premium whole milk ricotta cheese: Drained overnight through cheesecloth to achieve the perfect consistency
• Fresh spinach: Carefully selected for bright, unblemished leaves and properly cleaned and dried
• Large, farm-fresh eggs: Brought to exact room temperature for optimal incorporation
• Heavy cream: With at least 36% butterfat for the richest, most luxurious texture
• Aged Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated moments before use for maximum flavor
• Whole milk mozzarella: Hand-shredded to ensure proper melting
• All-butter pie crust: Either homemade or premium store-bought for convenience
• Extra virgin olive oil: First cold-pressed for optimal flavor
• Whole nutmeg: Freshly grated just before adding
• Pure sea salt: Fine grain for even distribution
• Tellicherry black peppercorns: Freshly ground
• Fresh herbs: Such as thyme, chives, or basil for garnish
• Cherry tomatoes: On the vine for serving
• Additional aromatics: Like shallots or garlic for depth of flavor

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Foundation Preparation:

Position your oven rack precisely in the center position and preheat thoroughly to 375°F, allowing at least 20 minutes for proper heating. Place a heavy-duty baking sheet in the oven during preheating—this will ensure immediate heat transfer to the bottom crust, preventing sogginess. If using a store-bought crust, let it come to room temperature gradually to prevent cracking.

Spinach Preparation:

For fresh spinach, wash meticulously in at least three changes of cold water, ensuring each leaf is free from grit. Dry thoroughly using a salad spinner followed by patting with clean kitchen towels—any remaining moisture will affect the final texture. Chop into pieces approximately 1-inch in size, allowing for even distribution throughout the filling while maintaining some texture.

Crafting the Filling:

In a large mixing bowl, preferably with a pour spout, whisk your room temperature eggs until the whites and yolks are completely homogeneous. Stream in the cream gradually while whisking continuously to create a perfectly emulsified base. Incorporate the drained ricotta using a gentle folding motion, being careful not to overmix, which can lead to a dense texture.

Balancing Flavors:

Season your filling thoughtfully with sea salt and freshly ground pepper, keeping in mind that the cheeses will add their own saltiness. Grate fresh nutmeg sparingly—it should enhance the other flavors without being immediately identifiable. Taste the mixture before adding the eggs if desired, adjusting seasonings accordingly.

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Assembly Technique

Pour the filling into your prepared crust slowly and evenly, allowing it to settle naturally. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses over the top in an even layer, making sure to reach the edges. Some cheese should touch the crust to create appealing browned spots during baking.

Baking Process

Place your quiche carefully on the preheated baking sheet. Bake until the filling is just set but still has a slight wobble in the center - about 35-40 minutes. The top should be lightly golden with spots of deeper color from the melted cheese. Shield the crust edges with foil if they begin to brown too quickly.

Perfect Pairings

Complete your meal by serving this quiche alongside a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Add slow-roasted cherry tomatoes for color and acidity. For breakfast or brunch, pair with fresh fruit and sparkling wine. For dinner, consider roasted fingerling potatoes and a light white wine.

Storage and Reheating

Allow the quiche to cool completely before refrigerating. Store covered but not airtight - this prevents condensation from making the crust soggy. When reheating, place in a 325°F oven until just warmed through, about 15 minutes, to maintain the creamy texture.

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Through countless preparations of this recipe, I've discovered that a great quiche is more than just eggs and cream - it's a celebration of technique and timing that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether served for a special brunch or quiet family dinner, each silky, flavorful bite delivers satisfaction that makes any meal memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, use 1 cup thawed and well-drained frozen spinach instead of fresh.

→ How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Ensure spinach is well-drained and pat dry before adding to filling.

→ Can I make this crustless?

Yes, grease the pie dish well and bake as directed without crust.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Prepare up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate and reheat before serving.

→ Why add nutmeg?

Nutmeg enhances the flavors of cheese and spinach, but is optional.