In the quest for quiche perfection, our sausage and spinach quiche emerges as a delightful choice. This recipe integrates the robust flavors of sausage with the tender richness of spinach, all nestled within a buttery crust, offering a meal that's as satisfying as it is simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for a scrumptious sausage and spinach quiche:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious)
- 8 ounces of bulk sausage (choose your favorite variety)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, thoroughly washed and dried
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1⁄4 teaspoon onion powder
Preparation
Follow these steps to craft your quiche masterpiece:
- Pre-Bake the Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using a frozen pie crust, let it thaw, or roll out your homemade crust and press it into a pie dish. Blind bake the crust with pie weights or dried beans for about 10 minutes until it’s just set. This step prevents a soggy crust.
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Prepare the Spinach: If you’re using fresh spinach, sauté it briefly in the same pan with the sausage to wilt it. If frozen, thaw and squeeze out the excess moisture. You want your spinach to be dry to avoid making the quiche watery.
- Layer the Filling: Start with a layer of spinach in the pre-baked crust. Add the cooked sausage over the spinach, and then sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream (or milk), salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until thoroughly combined.
- Bake the Quiche: Pour the egg mixture over the sausage, spinach, and cheese in the crust. Carefully transfer to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden. The quiche should jiggle slightly in the center when done, as it will continue to set as it cools.
🍳 Note: Ensure your oven temperature is accurate; an oven thermometer can be a helpful tool for consistent results.
Serving Suggestions
Your sausage and spinach quiche can be served in numerous delightful ways:
- Serve it warm with a side salad for a light lunch or dinner.
- Cut into smaller slices and serve as part of a brunch spread with fresh fruits.
- It’s perfect for an appetizer; simply cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
- Refrigerate or freeze any leftovers; the quiche reheats well, making it great for meal prep.
The sausage and spinach quiche strikes a balance between simplicity and sophistication, making it an ideal dish for any occasion, from a casual family meal to an elegant brunch. Its flavors combine to offer a comforting and nourishing experience, proving that you don't need complex recipes to create something truly delicious.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
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Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all the moisture to avoid excess liquid in the quiche.
How can I tell when the quiche is done?
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Look for a golden top, and when you jiggle the quiche, the center should only wobble slightly. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean or with a little bit of moisture.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
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Yes, you can use milk, half-and-half, or even a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk. Just note that the texture might be less creamy, and the flavor might change slightly.
