Description
This Perfect Cauliflower & Spinach Quiche is a delightful savory pie featuring tender blanched cauliflower, sautéed spinach and onions, and a creamy egg and cheese filling baked in a flaky pie crust. It’s a great nutritious meal option for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, combining fresh vegetables with rich flavors and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Crust
- 1 pre-made pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Vegetables
- 1 medium cauliflower, chopped into small florets
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ onion, diced
Fats & Oils
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Egg Mixture & Dairy
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie crust in a 9-inch tart or pie pan and set it aside to prepare the filling.
- Blanch Cauliflower: In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil and blanch the cauliflower florets for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking in the quiche.
- Sauté Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent, enhancing their sweetness and flavor.
- Cook Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes until wilted. Remove the skillet from heat and set the mixture aside.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream or milk, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. This forms the creamy custard base of the quiche.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the sautéed spinach and onions, blanched cauliflower, and shredded cheese into the egg mixture. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all components for uniform flavor in each slice.
- Fill Pie Crust: Pour the combined filling into the prepared pie crust. If using, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top to add a savory, slightly nutty crust after baking.
- Bake: Bake the quiche in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set in the center and the top is lightly golden brown, indicating it’s fully cooked and deliciously caramelized.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the quiche to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the filling to set further, making it easier to cut and enhancing the texture when served.
Notes
- You can use either heavy cream or milk depending on your preference for richness; non-dairy milks like almond or oat milk will also work for a lighter quiche.
- Blanching the cauliflower briefly prevents it from being too crunchy and ensures even cooking inside the quiche.
- Feel free to substitute or mix cheeses based on your taste – sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor, while mozzarella provides a mild creaminess.
- The nutmeg is optional but adds a warm subtle spice that complements the savory custard well.
- Allow the quiche to rest after baking for clean slices and better flavor development.
