Ultimate Creamy Spinach Ricotta Quiche Recipe

Spinach Ricotta Quiche: Easy Spinach Ricotta Quiche Recipe You Must Try

Imagine waking up to a warm slice of spinach ricotta quiche, its golden crust crumbling under your fork while the ultra-creamy filling bursts with fresh, leafy greens and cheesy goodness. If you’re tired of bland store-bought quiches or complicated recipes that fall flat, this easy spinach quiche is your game-changer. As a home cook, I’ve obsessed over perfecting this spinach ricotta quiche recipe to make it not just delicious but effortlessly achievable—even for beginners. The secret? A gentle baking technique that locks in moisture for an ultra-creamy texture you won’t forget. Whether you’re hosting brunch or meal-prepping for the week, this vegetarian spinach quiche promises to impress without the fuss. In this post, I’ll guide you through every step, from mixing a buttery homemade crust to creating a filling that’s both nutrient-packed and indulgent. By the end, you’ll have the ultimate spinach ricotta quiche recipe in your arsenal. And trust me, once you taste the difference our method makes, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for less.

The aroma of this spinach ricotta quiche baking in your oven is pure magic—a subtle nuttiness from the nutmeg mingling with the earthy scent of wilted spinach and sautéed onions. Each bite reveals layers of texture: the crisp, flaky crust giving way to a smooth, custard-like center dotted with tender green flecks. The ricotta adds a luxurious silkiness that coats your palate, while Parmesan brings a sharp, umami punch. Milk infuses everything with a gentle sweetness, balancing the savory whole without overpowering. It’s a comforting dish, rich yet light, vegetarian yet satisfying enough to stand alone. Picture the surface cracking slightly as it sets, revealing a fluffy interior that’s creamy without being soggy—a testament to the careful balance of eggs and dairy. This isn’t just spinach ricotta quiche; it’s a sensory adventure that elevates breakfast to something special. Serve it warm, and the flavors meld even more, creating an unforgettable experience that keeps you coming back for seconds.

As the founder of CookingWithEmy.com, I’ve spent years testing and refining this spinach ricotta quiche to ensure it’s foolproof for busy cooks like you. What sets our version apart is the “ultra-creamy swirl” technique—folding ingredients in a way that eliminates weepy fillings and guarantees a velvety result every time. We use fresh, high-quality ingredients for maximum nutrition and flavor, and I’ve included pro tips to avoid common pitfalls. Throughout this guide, you’ll discover how to make an easy spinach quiche that’s also vegetarian-friendly and packed with nutrients from fresh spinach and ricotta. We’ll cover ingredient swaps, timing hacks, and even how to store leftover spinach ricotta quiche for up to three days. Chef Sally, our guest expert, contributed this creamy take, ensuring it’s not only tasty but nutritionally balanced with 320 calories per slice. Stick around for the FAQs, where we’ll answer burning questions like “How long does it take to bake spinach ricotta quiche?” and more. By mastering this recipe, you’ll become the go-to cook in your circle for brunch get-togethers.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy

Why This Spinach Ricotta Quiche Recipe is the Best Spinach Ricotta Quiche Ever

The real magic of our spinach ricotta quiche lies in the “ultra-creamy swirl” technique, which takes this easy spinach quiche to new heights. Instead of haphazardly mixing, we gently swirl the ricotta into the egg mixture last, creating pockets of rich creaminess that burst with flavor without clumping. This unique angle—borrowed from French culinary traditions but simplified—ensures every bite of this ricotta quiche recipe is velvety and indulgent, far surpassing basic vegetarian spinach quiche versions. It’s what makes this the premier spinach ricotta quiche on the internet.

Unbeatable Texture: The science behind it is simple yet game-changing. Ricotta’s moisture interacts with the eggs and milk to form a custard that’s firm yet tender—the high-protein profile from the eggs provides structure, while the milk fat prevents cracking. Baking at 375°F allows for even cooking, avoiding a rubbery bottom. We’ve tested it multiple times to confirm it always emerges with that perfect, airy spinach ricotta quiche texture.

Foolproof for a Reason: This spinach ricotta quiche recipe has been kitchen-tested by hundreds of readers, guaranteeing success even if you’re new to baking. The steps are straightforward, with built-in tips to handle variations like store-bought crust. Why our spin is superior? It delivers nutrient-rich spinach ricotta quiche that’s creamy, crusty, and crowd-pleasing, without the sogginess that plagues many easy spinach quiche recipes.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Matters for Your Spinach Ricotta Quiche

All-purpose flour serves as the foundation of our homemade crust in this spinach ricotta quiche. Opt for unbleached flour for better flavor and structure; inexpensive brands work fine, but avoid self-rising to prevent a heavy texture. If gluten is an issue, replace with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for an easy spinach quiche adaptation.

Salt enhances every flavor in the spinach ricotta quiche, drawing moisture and balancing sweetness. Use kosher salt for its finer grains, which distribute evenly—it’s cheaper than sea salt but delivers the same punch. Skip low-sodium versions to avoid bland results.

Unsalted butter, chilled and cubed, creates a flaky, golden crust in this ricotta quiche recipe. High-quality European-style butter with 82% fat ensures shatters rather than flops; substitute with cold shortening for a vegan twist, though it won’t be as tender.

Ice water is crucial for preventing dough toughness—its coldness inhibits gluten development for that perfect crust. Bottled water works if your tap is too warm; no substitutions needed, as it’s inexpensive and essential.

Olive oil brings a subtle fruitiness to sauté the veggies, elevating the spinach ricotta quiche’s savory profile. Extra-virgin is best for depth; canola oil is a fine sub if you prefer neutrality.

Fresh spinach chopped finely integrates seamlessly, providing vitamins and that classic nutrient boost to our vegetarian spinach quiche. Use baby spinach for tenderness—stale ones can make it wilt unevenly; frozen thawed and drained is a budget sub.

Ricotta cheese is the star for creaminess in this easy spinach quiche. Full-fat whole milk ricotta ensures richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture; low-fat will yield a drier quiche. Cottage cheese can swap in a pinch, but drain it well.

Large eggs bind and fluff the filling, crucial for custard consistency in spinach ricotta quiche recipe. Organic ones are ideal for flavor; flax eggs work for vegans, but adjust baking time.

Milk adds moisture and creaminess, balancing the eggs in this ricotta quiche recipe. Whole milk creates the ultra-creamy texture; oat milk is a good dairy-free alternative.

Grated Parmesan elevates with nutty sharpness, complementing the spinach’s earthiness. Fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano is pricey but superior; Pecorino Romano tastes similar if cheaper.

Nutmeg adds warmth and complexity, distinguishing our spinach ricotta quiche. Freshly ground is potent—use sparingly to avoid bitterness; cinnamon is an unusual sub for a twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Ultra-Creamy Spinach Ricotta Quiche

Step 1: Preparing the Crust

In a food processor, combine 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed, and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 1/4 cup ice water, pulsing until the dough forms a ball. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out dough on a floured surface and fit into a 9-inch pie dish. Prick bottom with a fork and bake for 15 minutes.

Pro Tip: Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out without sticking, ensuring a tender crust for your spinach ricotta quiche. If you skip chilling, the butter melts too soon, leading to a tough texture—better to plan ahead for that flaky result.

A photo showing the crumbly dough mixture before chilling

Step 2: Making the Filling

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small onion, finely chopped, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped, and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overcooking the spinach releases too much water, which can make your easy spinach quiche soggy. Cook just until wilted to retain texture and prevent a watery spinach ricotta quiche filling—stir gently and watch closely.

A photo showing the sautéed onions and wilted spinach

Step 3: Assembling the Spinach Ricotta Quiche

In a bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Stir in the spinach mixture. Pour filling into the pre-baked crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until center is set.

Pro Tip: Use the “ultra-creamy swirl” by folding ricotta in last to create marbled creaminess—resist overmixing for that perfect, airy texture in your spinach ricotta quiche recipe. Test doneness by jiggling the pan; it should wobble slightly without sloshing.

A photo showing the filling being poured into the crust

Step 4: Cooling and Serving

Let the quiche cool slightly before serving to allow the custard to set fully.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Slicing too early causes the filling to spill out, ruining presentation. Cool for 10 minutes—it’s worth the wait for clean, camera-ready slices of this vegetarian spinach quiche.

A photo showing the baked quiche cooling on a rack

Serving & Presentation for Spinach Ricotta Quiche

Serve your spinach ricotta quiche straight from the oven for maximum warmth, slicing into generous wedges. Garnish with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for color, or add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess. Pair it with a simple green salad for a light brunch, or serve alongside roasted potatoes and bacon for a hearty meal. Presentation tip: Arrange on a white plate to highlight the golden crust—it’s an easy way to make this easy spinach quiche look gourmet.

This ricotta quiche recipe shines as a make-ahead breakfast or antipasto-style appetizer. Chill leftovers and reheat in the oven for 10 minutes to restore crispness, avoiding microwave sogginess.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions for Spinach Ricotta Quiche

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the dough and filling up to 3 days ahead. Store dough wrapped in fridge; filling in an airtight container. Assemble just before baking for the freshest texture—perfect for busy mornings with this ricotta quiche recipe.

Storing Leftovers: Wrap cooled quiche in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer, freeze slices in airtight bags—thaw overnight in the fridge.

The Best Way to Reheat: Oven-bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to crisp the crust and warm the filling evenly. Microwaving leads to a rubbery exterior, so avoid it for that ultra-creamy spinach ricotta quiche experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do you make spinach ricotta quiche without a crust?

To make a crustless version of spinach ricotta quiche, simply skip the crust steps and pour the filling directly into a greased 9-inch pie dish. Bake at 375°F for 40-45 minutes, or until set. It’s lighter and faster, ideal for a gluten-free easy spinach quiche, but reduce milk by 1/4 cup to avoid excessive moisture. The filling will still be creamy, thanks to our ultra-creamy swirl technique, making it a nutrient-rich option.

Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta in spinach quiche?

Yes, you can swap cottage cheese for ricotta in this spinach ricotta quiche recipe, but drain it thoroughly to remove excess liquid, preventing sogginess. Use the same quantity (1 cup) for similar creaminess, though the texture will be slightly grainier. It’s a great budget sub for your easy spinach quiche, and it keeps the vegetarian focus intact.

What is the best way to prevent spinach ricotta quiche from getting soggy?

The key to avoiding sogginess in this ricotta quiche recipe is to wilt the spinach fully in a skillet before adding it to the filling, expelling excess moisture. Also, don’t overbake—aim for a center that jiggles slightly. Using fresh spinach over frozen helps too. Our ultra-creamy method ensures the custard sets properly, keeping your vegetarian spinach quiche crisp-edged.

How long does it take to bake spinach ricotta quiche?

This spinach ricotta quiche bakes at 375°F for 35-40 minutes total, after pre-baking the crust for 15 minutes. Adjust by 5 minutes if using a convection oven. It’s ready when the center is set but slightly jiggly—overbaking can dry out the creamy filling. Prep time is 20 minutes, total 1 hour 10 minutes.

Can I make this spinach ricotta quiche vegan?

Absolutely! For a vegan version of this easy spinach quiche, replace eggs with a flax-based mixture (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg), use vegan ricotta, almond milk instead of cow’s milk, and nutritional yeast for Parmesan. The ultra-creamy swirl works wonders here too, resulting in a nutrient-packed dish.

How do I make spinach ricotta quiche gluten-free?

Since the crust is homemade, swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend, and ensure it’s a quality brand for best texture. Use xanthan gum if needed. The filling is naturally gluten-free, making this vegetarian spinach quiche easy to adapt without losing its creamy appeal.

Can I add other vegetables to spinach ricotta quiche?

Yes, enhance your ricotta quiche recipe by adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or tomatoes; sauté them with the onion for 3-4 minutes to soften. Limit to 1 cup total extras to maintain balance, ensuring the spinach ricotta quiche stays nutrient-rich and not overloaded.

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Spinach Ricotta Quiche


  • Author: Chef Sally
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

A delicious and creamy quiche filled with fresh spinach and ricotta cheese, perfect for breakfast or brunch. This savory pie is easy to make and full of nutrients.


Ingredients

Scale
  • For the crust:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 1/4 cup ice water
  • For the filling:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Preparing the crust:
  2. In a food processor, combine flour and salt. Add butter cubes and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water and pulse until dough forms. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out dough on a floured surface and fit into a 9-inch pie dish. Prick bottom with a fork and bake for 15 minutes.
  4. Making the filling:
  5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
  6. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, ricotta, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in the spinach mixture.
  7. Pour filling into the pre-baked crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until center is set. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

You can use pre-made crust to save time. Serve warm or at room temperature. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Method: Breakfast
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Protein: 14g