If you’re on the hunt for a dish that combines creamy richness, tender vegetables, and flaky pastry, look no further than the Perfect Cauliflower & Spinach Quiche. This French-inspired vegetarian masterpiece is as inviting at a brunch buffet as it is for a cozy family dinner. Every bite features savory Swiss or Gruyère cheese, sweet sautéed onions, and the subtle earthiness of cauliflower and spinach, all nestled in a golden crust. Whether you enjoy it warm out of the oven or chilled the next day, this quiche brings together color, flavor, and nutrition in a way that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Perfect Cauliflower & Spinach Quiche truly shine is how a handful of simple, fresh ingredients work together to create something extraordinary. Each item on this list plays a crucial role in the finished dish, from the creamy custard to the satisfying crunch of roasted vegetables.
- Pie Crust: The base of your quiche; use store-bought for convenience or homemade for a personal touch.
- Olive Oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the cauliflower for deeper flavor.
- Cauliflower: Provides a gentle nuttiness and soft texture; cut into small florets for even cooking.
- Spinach: Brings vibrant green color and a mild, earthy taste that complements the cheese.
- Yellow Onion: Offers sweetness and aromatic depth after a quick sauté.
- Eggs: Essential for binding the filling and creating a silky custard.
- Whole Milk: Keeps the custard light and creamy; you can swap for dairy-free milk if needed.
- Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and helps set the quiche.
- Shredded Swiss or Gruyère Cheese: Melts beautifully and brings a nutty, savory note to every slice.
- Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch brings warmth and sophistication to the custard.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that make every other flavor pop.
How to Make Perfect Cauliflower & Spinach Quiche
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re working with a store-bought crust, follow the package instructions to pre-bake it in a 9-inch pie dish. This step is crucial: a crisp, golden crust sets the stage for the luscious filling and keeps everything from getting soggy.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil. Add the cauliflower florets and sauté them for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re lightly caramelized and fork-tender. Toss in the diced onion and continue cooking for another 3 minutes, just until it softens and turns translucent. Finally, add the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts down, then remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. This step infuses the Perfect Cauliflower & Spinach Quiche with layers of flavor and gorgeous color.
Step 3: Make the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, shredded cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. You want this mixture to be smooth and well-combined, as it’s the backbone of your quiche. Fold in the cooled vegetables, ensuring every bite will have a bit of everything.
Step 4: Assemble the Quiche
Pour the filling into your pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. You’ll notice the vibrant greens and golden florets peeking through the creamy custard—this is your cue that you’re doing it right! Smooth the top and give the quiche a gentle tap on the counter to release any air bubbles.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the quiche in the center of your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is just set and the edges are puffed and lightly golden. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing; this helps the custard set and makes serving a breeze. The aroma will make it hard to wait, but patience pays off with perfect slices every time.
How to Serve Perfect Cauliflower & Spinach Quiche
Garnishes
Garnishing adds a fresh finish and a pop of color to your Perfect Cauliflower & Spinach Quiche. Try a sprinkling of chopped chives, fresh parsley, or a few delicate baby spinach leaves on top. A dusting of extra cheese is always welcome for those who can’t get enough of that golden, melty top.
Side Dishes
Pair your quiche with light, crisp sides to balance its creamy richness. A simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or even a bowl of mixed berries makes for a beautiful and satisfying meal. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fruit salad, crusty bread, or roasted potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, bake the quiche in a tart pan for elegant fluted edges, or use mini tart shells for adorable single servings. You can also cut the quiche into small squares and serve it as finger food at a cocktail party. However you present it, the Perfect Cauliflower & Spinach Quiche is sure to impress guests and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover quiche stores beautifully in the fridge. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to four days without losing their creamy texture or vibrant flavor, making the Perfect Cauliflower & Spinach Quiche a winning choice for meal prep.
Freezing
If you want to save quiche for later, freezing is a fantastic option. Allow the quiche to cool completely, then wrap individual slices or the whole quiche in foil and place in a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm slices in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until heated through. This method preserves the crust’s flakiness and the custard’s creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy—though in a pinch, a few short bursts on medium power will do.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding it to the skillet. Excess water can make the quiche filling runny, but otherwise, frozen spinach works beautifully in the Perfect Cauliflower & Spinach Quiche.
Is it possible to make this quiche dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute both the milk and cream with your favorite dairy-free alternatives, such as unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free cheese. Try to pick options that are unsweetened and unflavored for the best results.
Can I add other vegetables or proteins?
Certainly! The Perfect Cauliflower & Spinach Quiche is wonderfully adaptable—add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even sun-dried tomatoes. For a protein boost, cooked bacon, ham, or smoked salmon can be folded in before baking.
How do I know when the quiche is set?
The quiche is done when the edges are golden and the center is just set (it may still jiggle slightly, but it shouldn’t be liquid). A knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean. Letting it rest briefly after baking helps the custard finish setting.
Can I make the quiche ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the Perfect Cauliflower & Spinach Quiche a day in advance. Let it cool, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently in the oven or serve at room temperature—the flavors actually deepen overnight.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to brighten up your next breakfast, brunch, or light lunch, the Perfect Cauliflower & Spinach Quiche is calling your name. It’s a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, and it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and share the joy with friends and family—you might just find it becomes your new favorite, too.
Print
Perfect Cauliflower & Spinach Quiche Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Perfect Cauliflower & Spinach Quiche is a delicious, vegetarian breakfast or brunch option combining tender sautéed cauliflower and fresh spinach with a creamy egg and cheese filling baked in a flaky pie crust. Its subtle nutmeg seasoning and melty Gruyère or Swiss cheese elevate the flavors, making it a savory and satisfying dish perfect for any time of the day.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 head cauliflower (cut into small florets)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 cup yellow onion (diced)
Egg Mixture
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using a store-bought pie crust, place it in a 9-inch pie dish and prebake it according to the package instructions to ensure a crisp bottom layer.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cauliflower florets and sauté until they are lightly browned and tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add diced onion and cook for another 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove the skillet from heat and let the vegetable mixture cool slightly.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, shredded cheese, ground nutmeg, and salt and pepper to your taste until well combined.
- Combine and Fill Crust: Stir the sautéed and cooled vegetables into the egg mixture thoroughly. Pour this filling into the prebaked pie crust, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top.
- Bake the Quiche: Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top turns lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes to set before slicing. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled as preferred.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute the whole milk with a plant-based milk and select a dairy-free cream alternative.
- Use a gluten-free pie crust if you need to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Roasting the cauliflower before sautéing enhances its flavor with a slight caramelization.
- This quiche is flavorful whether served warm, at room temperature, or cold, making it perfect for make-ahead meals and picnics.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
