Discover the ultimate guilt-free indulgence with this delightful Crustless Spinach Quiche recipe. Crafted from the freshest spinach, farm-fresh eggs, and rich, melty cheese, this savory quiche is designed to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re planning your weekly meals, hosting a festive brunch, or simply seeking a wholesome and satisfying dish for your family, this easy-to-make, low-carb quiche consistently delivers on flavor and nutrition. It’s a versatile masterpiece that transitions effortlessly from a hearty breakfast to a light lunch or even an elegant dinner option, making it a truly indispensable recipe in your culinary repertoire.
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Why You’ll Love This Crustless Quiche Recipe
This crustless spinach quiche isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly beneficial and convenient, making it a perfect choice for modern lifestyles. Here’s why it stands out:
- Health-Conscious & Inclusive: This recipe is naturally low-carb and completely gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs without compromising on taste. It’s an excellent option for those managing carb intake or avoiding gluten, ensuring everyone at your table can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal together.
- Effortlessly Quick to Prepare: Forget complicated baking projects! This quiche is designed for simplicity and speed, making it ideal for those hectic mornings when you need a nutritious breakfast in a flash, or for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Minimal prep means more time for you and your family.
- Nutrient-Rich Powerhouse: Packed with the goodness of fresh spinach and protein-rich eggs, this quiche is a nutritional powerhouse. Spinach provides essential vitamins and minerals, while eggs offer a complete protein source, keeping you feeling full and energized. It’s a meal you can truly feel good about serving to your loved ones, knowing they’re getting vital nutrients with every bite.
Beyond its versatility for weekend breakfasts and special occasions, this easy egg bake is also an exceptional choice for brunch or dinner. When you crave something simple, wholesome, yet incredibly filling, this crustless spinach quiche rises to the occasion. Its rich flavors and satisfying texture make it a delightful alternative to traditional meals.
Essential Ingredients for Your Spinach Quiche
Crafting this delectable crustless quiche requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. Below is an overview of the key components you’ll need. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the detailed recipe card conveniently located at the bottom of this page.
📋 Ingredient Notes & Creative Variations
- Butter: This recipe calls for butter to sauté the aromatics, adding a foundational richness to your quiche. You can opt for either unsalted or salted butter based on your preference; I personally find salted butter enhances the overall flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, a good quality olive oil or vegan butter substitute can also work beautifully.
- Onion: Yellow or sweet onions are my top recommendation for their balanced flavor, which caramelizes beautifully and adds a subtle sweetness to the quiche filling. Finely dicing the onion ensures it blends seamlessly into the texture of the dish.
- Fresh Garlic Cloves: Nothing quite compares to the pungent, aromatic flavor of fresh minced garlic. It’s a cornerstone of this savory dish. However, if fresh isn’t available, you can substitute with garlic powder (about ½ teaspoon per clove) or pre-minced jarred garlic for convenience.
- Fresh Baby Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is truly superior for its tender texture and vibrant flavor, which gently wilts into the quiche. While frozen spinach can be used, it’s crucial to thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess moisture to prevent a watery quiche.
- Sliced Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms, such as cremini or button mushrooms, offer the best texture and earthy flavor. They sauté down wonderfully, adding depth to the vegetable base. If fresh isn’t an option, well-drained canned mushrooms can be used in a pinch, though they may have a softer texture.
- Eggs: Large eggs are ideal for this recipe, providing the perfect structure and richness to the quiche’s custardy base. Their size ensures the correct liquid-to-solid ratio for a perfectly set quiche.
- Milk: Milk adds a delightful creaminess and richness to the egg mixture. For an even more decadent quiche, you can substitute with heavy cream or half-and-half. Dairy-free milk alternatives like unsweetened almond milk can also be used for a lighter version, though the texture might be slightly less rich.
- Cheese: Gruyere cheese is celebrated for its nutty, complex flavor and excellent melting properties, making it a superb choice for this quiche. However, feel free to get creative with your cheese selection! Mozzarella for a milder, stretchier texture, sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor, or even a Swiss cheese can all yield fantastic results. Choose any melty cheese you love.
- Spices: Simple yet essential, basic staples like salt and freshly ground black pepper are all you need to perfectly season this quiche, allowing the natural flavors of the vegetables and cheese to shine.
Before You Begin: Essential Kitchen Tools
Having the right tools on hand can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are the essential items you’ll need to prepare this crustless spinach quiche:
- 9-inch Pie Plate: This is crucial for giving your quiche its classic round shape. A ceramic or glass pie plate works best for even baking.
- Large Baking Sheet or Cookie Sheet: Placing your pie plate on a larger baking sheet prevents any potential spills in your oven, especially if your quiche bubbles over slightly during baking. It also makes transferring the hot dish in and out of the oven much safer.
- Large Skillet: You’ll need a spacious skillet to sauté the onions, mushrooms, and spinach. A non-stick skillet can be particularly helpful for easy cooking and cleanup.
- Large Bowl: Essential for whisking together the egg and milk mixture, ensuring all ingredients are well combined before pouring into the pie dish.
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Adaptable Recipe: Unlock Your Culinary Creativity
One of the many charms of this crustless quiche recipe is its incredible adaptability. It serves as a perfect canvas for your culinary imagination, allowing you to customize it with your favorite flavors and ingredients. Here are some inspiring ideas to make this quiche uniquely yours:
- Elevate with Cheese: While Gruyere offers a classic touch, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses. Consider using a sharp aged cheddar for a robust flavor, a creamy goat cheese for a tangy note, or a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for a milder, Italian-inspired twist. Swiss cheese adds a nutty, buttery depth, while a Mexican blend can introduce a Tex-Mex flair.
- Boost the Protein: If you’re looking to make your quiche even more substantial, adding cooked meats is a fantastic option. Incorporate diced ham, crumbled cooked bacon, breakfast sausage, or even shredded chicken for an extra layer of flavor and protein. Ensure any added meat is pre-cooked and drained of excess fat.
- Load Up on Veggies: This quiche is already packed with spinach and mushrooms, but it eagerly welcomes more vegetables. Consider adding finely chopped bell peppers (any color), tender asparagus spears, zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, or even steamed broccoli florets. Just be sure to sauté or steam denser vegetables lightly before adding them to the quiche to ensure they cook through evenly and don’t release too much moisture.
- Herbaceous Enhancements: Fresh herbs can dramatically change the flavor profile. Try incorporating chopped fresh chives, dill, parsley, or a touch of thyme into your egg mixture for an aromatic boost.
- A Touch of Heat: For those who enjoy a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the egg mixture can add a welcome warmth.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Perfect Quiche
Crafting this delicious crustless spinach quiche is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfectly baked, flavorful dish. This is an overview; for precise measurements and detailed timings, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card at the end of this page.
- Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position an oven rack in the center to ensure even baking. Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate with butter or a nonstick cooking spray. For easier handling and to catch any potential overflow, place the greased pie plate on a larger baking sheet. Set this aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt one tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent, typically about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the foundational flavor of your quiche.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onions. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have softened and released most of their moisture, and have started to turn a light golden brown. This usually takes about 5-8 minutes.
- Infuse with Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Cook, stirring gently, until the spinach has completely wilted and reduced significantly in volume. This process extracts excess moisture, preventing a soggy quiche.
- Transfer to Pie Dish: Remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully transfer the sautéed onion, mushroom, and spinach mixture into the prepared 9-inch pie dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Prepare the Egg & Cheese Mixture: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the large eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until well combined and slightly frothy. This aeration helps create a lighter, fluffier texture. Gently fold in the grated Gruyere cheese (or your chosen cheese) until it’s evenly distributed within the egg mixture.
- Assemble the Quiche: Pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the vegetable mixture in the pie dish. Give the dish a gentle shake to ensure the egg mixture settles completely around the vegetables.
- Bake to Perfection: Carefully place the baking sheet with your quiche into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the edges are set, the center is no longer jiggly, and a knife or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be lightly golden.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into wedges. This allows it to set fully and makes for cleaner slices. Serve warm and enjoy!
Expert Tips for a Flawless Crustless Quiche
Achieving the perfect crustless quiche is easy with a few simple tricks. Keep these notes in mind for the best results every time:
- Handling Frozen Spinach: If you opt for frozen spinach, ensure it is thoroughly thawed before use. The most crucial step is to meticulously drain and squeeze out all excess liquid. You can do this by placing the thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and wringing it out until no more water comes out. This prevents a watery quiche and ensures a firm, delicious texture.
- Greasing Your Baking Dish: To guarantee an easy release and beautiful slices, always prepare your baking dish properly. While nonstick cooking spray is convenient and effective, you can also generously grease the pie plate with butter or shortening. This creates a non-stick barrier and can add a subtle richness to the quiche’s edges.
- Moisture Control is Key: The biggest enemy of a perfectly set quiche is excess moisture from vegetables. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen spinach, or adding other high-water-content vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, always make sure to cook them down sufficiently and drain any released liquid before incorporating them into the egg mixture. A dry vegetable base leads to a wonderfully firm and flavorful quiche.
- Don’t Overmix the Eggs: While you want the eggs, milk, and seasonings to be well combined, avoid over-whisking, which can introduce too much air and lead to a puffy quiche that deflates rapidly. Whisk just until everything is incorporated.
- Rest Before Slicing: Just like many baked goods, letting your quiche rest for 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven allows it to set completely. This ensures clean, beautiful slices and prevents the filling from collapsing.
Your Questions Answered: Frequently Asked Questions
While both frittatas and crustless quiches are delicious egg-based dishes that often contain vegetables and cheese, their primary distinction lies in their cooking method. A frittata typically begins cooking on the stovetop in an oven-safe skillet, where the edges set before it’s transferred to the oven to finish baking. In contrast, a quiche, even a crustless one, is entirely baked in the oven from start to finish, resulting in a more uniform, custard-like texture throughout.
Yes, it is highly recommended to cook spinach before incorporating it into your quiche. Fresh spinach contains a significant amount of water. Cooking it down helps to remove this excess moisture, preventing your quiche from becoming watery or soggy. Additionally, cooking wilts the spinach, reducing its volume, which ensures it blends more evenly into the egg mixture and contributes to a better overall texture.
Your easy crustless spinach quiche is done when it achieves a firm texture. Look for edges that are visibly set and a center that shows only a slight jiggle when the pie plate is gently nudged. For a foolproof test, insert a thin knife or a wooden toothpick into the center of the quiche; if it comes out clean, your quiche is fully cooked and ready to be removed from the oven.
Absolutely! While fresh spinach is often preferred for its texture and vibrant color, frozen spinach can be used as a convenient alternative. The key to success when using frozen spinach is proper preparation: ensure it is completely thawed and then squeeze out as much moisture as possible. You can use a clean kitchen towel or layers of paper towels to wring out the water effectively. This step is crucial to prevent the quiche from becoming watery.
A 9-inch ceramic or glass pie plate is generally ideal for baking a crustless quiche. These materials conduct heat evenly, which helps the quiche cook through thoroughly and prevents the bottom from becoming undercooked or burnt. Metal pie plates can also work, but keep a closer eye on baking time as they can cook more quickly.
Storage and Reheating for Convenience
This crustless spinach quiche is not only delicious freshly baked but also holds up wonderfully as leftovers, making it perfect for meal prepping. Here’s how to store and reheat your quiche to maintain its deliciousness:
Refrigerate: To keep leftover quiche fresh and flavorful, allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the quiche (either whole or sliced into individual portions) to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes for quick and easy breakfasts or lunches throughout the week.
Freeze: For longer storage, this quiche freezes beautifully. Once the baked quiche has cooled completely, wrap individual slices or the entire quiche tightly in plastic wrap, then enclose it in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped quiche in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheat: The preferred method for reheating is in the oven, which helps retain its texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the quiche (covered with foil if reheating a whole quiche or large slices) on a baking sheet. Heat for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. For individual slices, you can also use a microwave: heat for 1-2 minutes, or until thoroughly warm, though this might result in a slightly softer texture.
Make Ahead: Simplify Your Meal Prep
One of the best advantages of this crustless spinach quiche is its make-ahead potential. It’s an ideal dish for preparing in advance, significantly simplifying your meal planning for busy days. Feel free to bake this delicious quiche up to 48 hours ahead of time. Once baked and cooled, cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it as instructed above. This strategy allows you to enjoy a freshly baked-tasting meal with minimal effort on the day of serving, whether for a planned brunch or an impromptu family dinner.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Quiche
A versatile and flavorful dish like this crustless spinach quiche pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, complementing its rich and savory profile. Here are some of my favorite recipes that create a perfectly balanced meal:
- Fresh, Zesty Salads: A crisp salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy quiche. This Panera Bread Greek Salad, with its vibrant vegetables, olives, and feta, offers a tangy and crunchy texture that beautifully cuts through the richness of the quiche. The bright flavors and fresh ingredients create a harmonious balance.
- Hearty Potato Sides: For a more substantial meal, a potato-based side is an excellent choice. My Italian Potato Salad, featuring tender potatoes, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing, adds a comforting yet flavorful element without being overly heavy.
- Light Fruit Salads: When you want to keep things light and refreshing, a simple fruit salad is perfect. This Easy Fruit Salad, brimming with seasonal fruits, offers natural sweetness and a juicy texture that cleanses the palate, making it an ideal companion for a brunch setting.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of simply roasted asparagus, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes can also add color and complementary flavors.
- Crusty Bread: Don’t underestimate the power of a slice of warm, crusty bread or a light croissant to serve alongside, perfect for soaking up any delicious remnants.
More Egg-cellent Recipes to Explore
If you loved the simplicity and deliciousness of this crustless spinach quiche, you’ll be thrilled to discover more egg-based delights and breakfast favorites from my kitchen. These recipes are perfect for expanding your repertoire for brunch, breakfast, or even a unique dinner idea:
- Does your family adore eggs as much as mine? This Breakfast Frittata offers another fantastic, versatile egg dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. Like the quiche, it’s easily customizable with various fillings.
- For a fun and savory twist on breakfast, this Biscuit Breakfast Pizza is an innovative way to start your day. It combines fluffy biscuits with savory toppings for a truly satisfying experience.
- Looking to impress at your next gathering or elevate a simple brunch spread? These Spicy Deviled Eggs are an excellent addition, offering a kick of flavor and a beloved classic appeal.
- If you enjoyed the fresh flavors of the crustless spinach quiche, you’ll definitely want to give this Asparagus Quiche with Feta a try. It’s bursting with seasonal goodness and features a flaky, buttery crust that’s utterly irresistible.
- And for another quick and utterly delightful breakfast idea, this Egg in a Biscuit recipe offers a charming and easy spin on classic breakfast flavors, making it perfect for those busy weekday mornings or a relaxed weekend brunch.
I hope you’ll try this recipe soon! It’s truly a gem that serves multiple purposes – transforming dinner leftovers into a quick and easy lunch for the next day. Isn’t that convenience wonderful? Please let me know how you enjoyed it.
Crustless Spinach Quiche
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Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion (140g) diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 ½ cup grated Gruyere cheese or sharp cheddar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a rack in the center of your oven. Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish, place it on a larger baking sheet, and set aside.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté onion until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add sliced mushrooms and continue cooking until soft and lightly browned, about 5-8 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add spinach and continue to cook until completely wilted and reduced in volume.
- Remove the skillet from heat and pour the vegetable mixture evenly into the prepared pie dish.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined. Then, gently mix in the grated cheese.
- Pour the egg mixture over the vegetable mixture in the pie dish, ensuring even distribution.
- Bake in the center of your preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the quiche is set and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean.
- Let the quiche rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into wedges and serving warm.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Carbohydrates: 8g |
Protein: 20g |
Fat: 21g |
Saturated Fat: 10g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g |
Trans Fat: 0.02g |
Cholesterol: 250mg |
Sodium: 531mg |
Potassium: 450mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 4g |
Vitamin A: 2187IU |
Vitamin C: 8mg |
Calcium: 385mg |
Iron: 2mg