Delicious and Creamy Spinach, Bacon & Gruyère Quiche Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic
There’s an undeniable charm and heartwarming satisfaction that comes with a perfectly baked quiche. Its rich, creamy filling, lovingly encased in a golden, flaky crust, makes it an incredibly versatile dish. Whether you’re planning a leisurely breakfast, a delightful brunch spread, a comforting lunch, or even a light yet satisfying dinner, a quiche fits the bill beautifully. If your culinary quest is for a quiche that truly delivers on both exceptional flavor and a wonderfully creamy texture, then your search ends here. This recipe for a Spinach, Bacon & Gruyère Quiche is meticulously crafted to become your new kitchen favorite. It masterfully combines the irresistible savory notes of crispy bacon, the fresh, earthy goodness of tender spinach, and the distinct, nutty, melt-in-your-mouth quality of Gruyère cheese into a harmonious bite that promises to tantalize your taste buds.
The journey to perfecting this particular quiche began with an exciting culinary event: this month’s food blog swap! I had the delightful opportunity to explore and cook from the inspiring blog, “AantafelbijAnna.” Anna’s blog is a veritable treasure trove of culinary delights, with a commendable focus on recipes that celebrate fresh, seasonal vegetables. As I perused her enticing collection, my attention was immediately captured by a tantalizing plate pie recipe featuring Swiss chard. Swiss chard is a magnificent, robust green vegetable, often enjoyed for its hearty texture and slightly bitter notes, especially when harvested before the deep frost sets in. However, here in the Netherlands, procuring fresh Swiss chard can sometimes be a bit of a challenge, as it’s not always readily available in local markets or supermarkets, particularly outside its peak growing season.
The Perfect Green Leafy Substitute: From Swiss Chard to Fresh Spinach
In the world of home cooking, adaptability and resourcefulness are cherished qualities. Faced with the limited availability of Swiss chard, I embarked on finding an equally delicious and, crucially, more accessible alternative. Fresh spinach quickly emerged as the ideal candidate. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor, vibrant green hue, and remarkable ability to wilt down significantly make it an excellent substitute for Swiss chard in a myriad of recipes, including savory pies and quiches. The technique of pre-cooking the spinach, as detailed in this recipe, is paramount. This crucial step ensures that the spinach integrates seamlessly into the filling without releasing excess moisture, which is vital for achieving a perfectly set, firm quiche with a dry, crisp crust.
Beyond the vegetable swap, I also made a thoughtful decision regarding the quiche crust. While a buttery puff pastry certainly offers a wonderfully airy and rich texture, for this particular recipe, I opted for a savory pie dough. Given the intensely rich and creamy nature of the filling, generously made with crème fraîche, a savory pie dough provides a sturdier yet still delightfully flaky foundation. This choice complements the internal richness beautifully without making the overall dish feel overly heavy. It bakes off to a golden perfection, is remarkably easy to handle, and offers a slightly less fatty alternative, contributing to a quiche that feels both satisfying and harmoniously balanced on the palate.
Another key adaptation in the evolution of this recipe was its transformation from a modest “plate pie” into a more substantial, full-sized quiche. When cooking for a lively family of five, a smaller plate pie simply wouldn’t suffice for everyone to enjoy a hearty portion! Scaling the recipe up to a larger quiche size ensures there’s more than enough to go around, making it an ideal choice for a family dinner or an impressive dish to serve when entertaining guests. This modification allows for more generous servings and creates a visually appealing centerpiece for any meal. The culmination of these thoughtful adjustments is a robust, flavor-packed quiche that truly satisfies every craving.
Ultimately, these deliberate and thoughtful adaptations led me to craft this utterly delicious quiche, generously brimming with the robust, earthy flavors of spinach, the irresistible crispiness of bacon, and the distinctive, creamy indulgence of Gruyère cheese. My family and I savored every single bite, and I am confident that you and your loved ones will find immense pleasure in this culinary creation too. It stands as a testament to how small, strategic adjustments can elevate an already great recipe into a perfect one tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
It’s a good taste! Indeed, the flavors meld together wonderfully to create a truly memorable meal experience.
Mastering the Perfect Quiche: Essential Tips for Culinary Success
Achieving quiche perfection might seem daunting, but it’s much simpler than you think, especially with a few fundamental techniques in your repertoire. One of the principal secrets to unlocking the incredible depth of flavor in this Spinach, Bacon, and Gruyère Quiche lies in the meticulous preparation of its primary components. Our culinary journey begins by frying the bacon until it reaches that coveted state of crispy perfection, allowing its rich, savory fat to render beautifully into the pan. This rendered bacon fat is not merely a byproduct; it’s a star ingredient! We then utilize this flavorful fat to wilt the fresh spinach. This step is profoundly important: it not only infuses the spinach with an amazing, smoky undertone but also ensures the spinach is thoroughly cooked down, preventing the dreaded issue of a watery quiche filling.
Another critically vital step in ensuring a stellar quiche is the proper draining of the cooked spinach. Fresh spinach, even after it’s been wilted, retains a surprising amount of moisture. If this excess liquid isn’t diligently removed, it can lead to an undesirable soggy bottom crust or a watery, unset filling. The most effective way to combat this is to transfer the cooked spinach to a colander and press down firmly with the back of a spoon or your hands (once cooled slightly). This action expels the surplus liquid, guaranteeing a firm, flavorful quiche that proudly holds its magnificent shape. Seriously, do not skip this step; it is the cornerstone of quiche excellence!
The luscious custard base of our quiche is formed by the harmonious blend of eggs and crème fraîche. Opting for crème fraîche, rather than just milk or standard cream, is a game-changer. It bestows a luxurious tang, a richer mouthfeel, and a denser, more decadent texture to the filling. Whisking these ingredients thoroughly with the freshly grated Gruyère cheese ensures a velvety smooth, evenly distributed custard that will set impeccably during the baking process. Gruyère cheese is a deliberate choice for this recipe, prized for its superior melting capabilities and its distinctive nutty, subtly sweet, and complex flavor profile that exquisitely complements the savory bacon and earthy spinach, adding a sophisticated layer to every bite.
Recipe: Quiche with Spinach, Bacon and Gruyère Cheese
📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Equipment
-
A conventional oven is used. When using a convection oven (with air fan) decrease the temperature with 30 °F / 20 °C
-
Colander
-
Wok
-
Spring form 26 cm diameter
Ingredients
- 6 sheets savory pie dough
- 75 grams bacon bits
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
-
1 clove garlic, squeezed
- 100 grams semi sun-dried tomatoes , cut in half
- 50 grams hazelnuts , coarsely chopped
- 800 grams fresh spinach, with adherent moisture from washing.
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 eggs , size L
- 500 ml crème fraîche
- 150 grams Gruyere , grated
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
-
Cover a spring form with the savory pie dough. Fold the edge over and make a nice pattern (for example with a fork).
-
Bake the bacon for 2 minutes in the wok so that some fat is released
-
Add the shallot and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the shallot is glassy.
-
Add the garlic, semi sundried tomatoes and hazelnuts and stir-fry for half a minute.
-
Add half of the spinach, shrink and then add the rest of the spinach.
-
Bake everything until all the spinach has shrunk. Season with salt and pepper
-
Drain in a colander (otherwise the filling will get too wet).
-
Place the filling at the bottom of the quiche.
-
Mix the eggs with the crème fraîche and the Gruyère until well mixed.
-
Pour that on the vegetable filling.
-
Put the quiche in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
-
Cover the quiche with some aluminum foil (otherwise it will become too dark and bake for another 20 minutes)
-
Remove the quiche from the oven and remove the aluminum foil. The quiche is wonderfully warm but also cold.
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
Recommended Kitchen Equipment for This Recipe
Having the appropriate tools can significantly enhance your cooking journey and simplify the preparation process. For this creamy Spinach, Bacon & Gruyère Quiche, a selection of essential kitchen items will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish. Here’s a detailed look at what I recommend, along with a brief explanation of why each piece of equipment is particularly useful for achieving the best results:
- A Good Pair of Knives: High-quality, sharp knives are indispensable in any kitchen. They are essential for precision tasks like finely chopping the shallot and garlic, as well as for safely and efficiently preparing all your other ingredients. Sharp knives not only make cooking easier but also significantly safer.
- Frying Pan (or Wok, as used here): A sturdy frying pan is perfect for rendering the bacon to its optimal crispness and for sautéing the spinach, allowing these key ingredients to infuse with incredible flavor. I often prefer a wok for this step due to its high sides, which expertly prevent the spinach from spilling out as it wilts down rapidly.
- Cutting Board: A reliable and hygienic cutting board provides a stable surface for all your chopping, slicing, and dicing needs, contributing to a more organized and efficient prep area.
- Baking Paper or Baking Mat: To line your springform pan, ensuring that your quiche doesn’t stick and can be effortlessly removed once baked. This also serves as an excellent barrier against moisture, helping to prevent a soggy bottom crust, which is crucial for a perfectly firm quiche.
- Whisk and Mixing Bowls: Essential for thoroughly combining the eggs, crème fraîche, and grated Gruyère cheese into a smooth, homogenous custard base. A good whisk ensures a light and airy texture.
- Springform Pan (26 cm diameter): This is the ideal baking form for a quiche of this size. Its unique design with removable sides allows for an easy and flawless release of the quiche, making for a beautiful presentation without damaging the crust.
- Colander: An absolutely critical tool for this recipe. It is used to drain the cooked spinach thoroughly, removing any excess moisture. This step is key to preventing a watery filling and ensuring your quiche maintains its integrity and rich flavor.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate and consistent ingredient quantities. While this recipe provides precise metric weights, standard measuring cups and spoons are always useful for other liquid and dry ingredients.
Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations
This Spinach, Bacon & Gruyère Quiche is undeniably delicious as a standalone dish, a hearty meal in itself. However, it truly comes alive and offers a more complete dining experience when thoughtfully paired with simple yet complementary accompaniments. For a beautifully balanced meal, I highly recommend serving it alongside a fresh, crisp green salad, dressed lightly with a tangy vinaigrette. The bright, acidic notes of the salad provide a refreshing counterpoint, cutting through the rich and creamy textures of the quiche splendidly. Alternatively, a warm bowl of light, creamy tomato soup or a classic, savory French onion soup would also make an excellent pairing, especially for a cozy, comforting evening meal.
If you’re someone who loves to put your own spin on recipes, you’ll be delighted to know that this quiche is incredibly versatile, lending itself beautifully to various customizations! Here are a few creative ideas to inspire your next culinary adventure:
- Exploring Other Cheeses: While Gruyère offers its distinct nutty and complex flavor, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses. Sharp cheddar, classic Swiss cheese, or even a delightful blend of Parmesan and mozzarella can introduce a different flavor profile and texture.
- Boost with More Vegetables: Enhance the vegetable content and introduce additional layers of flavor and texture by incorporating sautéed mushrooms, thinly sliced bell peppers, or sweet caramelized onions. Remember to cook any added vegetables down thoroughly to eliminate excess moisture before adding them to the quiche filling.
- Infuse with Fresh Herbs: For an aromatic lift, finely chopped fresh herbs such as chives, parsley, or thyme can be mixed directly into the egg custard. Each herb will lend its unique fragrant touch.
- Add a Touch of Spice: If you enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce stirred into the filling can add a subtle yet invigorating kick.
- Make it Vegetarian-Friendly: To transform this into a delectable vegetarian spinach and Gruyère quiche, simply omit the bacon. You can replace the bacon fat used for sautéing the spinach with a tablespoon of olive oil or butter. For an added layer of salty, tangy flavor, consider crumbling some feta cheese into the filling to compensate for the bacon’s savoriness.
Share Your Culinary Creations with Us!
I genuinely adore seeing the culinary masterpieces you create, especially when they’re inspired by my recipes! If you’ve tried your hand at making this utterly delicious quiche with spinach, bacon and Gruyère, I would be thrilled if you shared your experience on social media. Please feel free to tag #byandreajanssen on Instagram or Twitter. It brings me immense joy and satisfaction to witness my recipes come to life in your kitchens, becoming part of your own unique culinary stories. You can also share your beautiful photos and delightful experiences directly on my Facebook channel. For future reference, or to inspire others, consider pinning this recipe on Pinterest, making it effortlessly discoverable for your next culinary adventure. I eagerly look forward to seeing all the wonderful dishes you create!