This Quiche Florentine recipe is the perfect combination of savory and flavorful with a healthy dose of leafy greens. Simply sauté onions and garlic, then wilt some spinach and combine with shredded cheese and eggs and bake in a pie crust. Take your brunch game up a level with this surprisingly easy dish.
The Best Quiche Florentine Recipe
A few weeks ago I discovered that Julia Child is not the only one who can make quiche baking look easy.
It started with this Quiche Lorraine—because duh, who doesn’t LOVE bacon—and quickly evolved to include this spinach-loaded recipe for Quiche Florentine.
Simple. Savory. Oh so tasty.
And secretly a BREEZE to whip up!
So much so that I now willingly volunteer myself to be in charge of bringing the quiche dish when going to Easter, Mother’s Day, weddings, or baby showers.
And you will too once you get a taste for how quick and almost mindless it is to make this dish.
This classic French dish is also perfect for a light dinner; the flakey pie crust is irresistible!
(Want to take it up another notch on the cuteness scale? Check out these bite-sized Mini Quiche—they’re PERFECT for a party!)
Quiche Florentine Ingredients
The main ingredients you need to make this classic spinach quiche recipe include:
- Eggs. These are the biggest part of the filling. Opt for large eggs that are organic and grass-fed, if possible. You’ll want your eggs at room temperature.
- Spinach. Make sure you use fresh spinach for the best results. Either regular spinach or fresh baby spinach will work. While previously frozen can be used, you’ll want to be sure to wring out the excess moisture thoroughly or you’ll end up with a watery quiche. You’ll also need to use quite a bit less, about 3/4-1 cup, since it’s already quite compact.
- Heavy cream. I know, it’s rare to see something like heavy whipping cream on my ingredient list because it’s higher fat and contains lactose. However, it is essential if you want the most luxuriously creamy filling with that irresistible custard-like texture. You can substitute the cream with regular cow’s whole milk or even a non-dairy one, but look for a full-fat version. Otherwise, the filling will be a bit watery.
- Pie crust. Opt for a store-bought crust rolled up or a frozen pie crust. Or, you could make your own homemade pie crust; it’s surprisingly easy! Either way, you need a 9-inch crust.
- Cheese. Gruyere cheese is the best choice for this dish, but you can also use Swiss cheese or even cheddar cheese. Make sure to get shredded cheese, or shred a block yourself before putting everything together.
- Nutmeg. The secret ingredient! Just a hint adds a lovely warmth to the very rich and savory flavors.
How to Make Quiche Florentine
Below, you’ll find the basic steps to follow to make this homemade spinach quiche recipe:
Prep the Pie Crust
Set the oven temperature to 375℉. To ensure the bottom of the crust is fully cooked, you need to par-bake the crust before adding the filling.
It is easy to make a homemade crust. The key to a flaky pie crust is to use cold butter, though.
Or, opt for a pre-rolled, refrigerated pie crust from the grocery store, or even a frozen crust that is ready to bake in a pie pan.
If you use a roll-out version or make your own crust, take some time to crimp the edges of the crust so they bake consistently.
Then, poke holes across the bottom of the crust with the tines of a fork. Set a piece of parchment paper in the crust and fill it with dry beans or pie weights, if you have them. This step will ensure a beautifully baked crust that holds its shape.
Blind bake the crust for 15 minutes in the preheated oven. When it’s done, set it on a wire rack to cool.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the butter to a large skillet or frying pan. Then, place the diced onion in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes.
Towards the end, add in the minced garlic and continue cooking for another 30 seconds. You should smell the unmistakable aroma of garlic.
Saute the Spinach
While the skillet is still hot with the onion and garlic, carefully place in the spinach. If your pan isn’t big enough, you might need to do this in two steps.
Continue to sauté the mixture for another 2-3 minutes. The spinach leaves should wilt and become dark green.
Check here for more tips on how to make Sautéed Spinach.
Make the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, add the room temperature eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg.
Whisk everything together until it is well combined. Set it aside.
Assemble the Quiche
Sprinkle about ¾-cup of shredded cheese across the bottom of the slightly-cooled pie crust.
Scoop the spinach and caramelized onions mixture over the cheese. Pour the egg mixture over the quiche filling.
Add the rest of the shredded cheese.
Bake in the Oven
Just before you bake the quiche, use a fork to slightly mix everything together so there is less chance of air bubbles forming.
Place the quiche into the 375℉ oven. Bake it for 40 to 45 minutes.
You can tell when the quiche is done because the middle will just barely jiggle when shaken. Also, the crust should be a golden brown color.
Wait to cut into the quiche for at least 10-20 minutes. This time allows it to continue cooking and firm up. Otherwise, it will be runny.
Meal Prep and Storage
- How to prep ahead of time: You can make a homemade pie crust up to 3 days in advance. Feel free to cook the spinach mixture up to 1 to 2 days before, as well.
- How to store: Keep leftover Quiche Florentine in an airtight container or tightly covered in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
- How to freeze: Seal the whole quiche in a freezer-safe airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- How to reheat: Warm leftover quiche back up in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or until heated through. You can also use the microwave.
What is the difference between Quiche Florentine and Quiche Lorraine?
The main difference between Quiche Florentine and Quiche Lorraine is what is mixed into the egg filling. In Quiche Lorraine, bacon or ham is included while Quiche Florentine skips the meat and uses spinach instead.
Can I freeze Quiche Florentine?
Yes! You can absolutely freeze this vegetarian Quiche Florentine. This dish is perfect to meal-prep for busy mornings or activity-filled weekends. Just be sure to tightly wrap the quiche so that very little air comes in contact with the surface for the best results.
Where is Quiche Florentine from?
Traditionally, everyone associates all forms of quiche with France, and that’s a good assumption. But, the word quiche actually comes from the German word kuchen, which means cake. In French cooking, a la Florentine usually refers to dishes that include spinach!
Dietary Modifications
The recipe you’ll find below is already vegetarian as written. Here are some adjustments and substitutions you can make to help it fit your other dietary requirements:
- Dairy-free: Opt for a dairy-free variety of milk or cream and cheese. Use oil instead of butter.
- Gluten-free: Stick with a gluten-free pie crust.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Make it early. You can easily throw together the pie crust a couple of days ahead of time.
- Go fresh. Avoid frozen spinach if at all possible.
- Cook the onions. The process of caramelizing the onions is key to getting the most flavor.
- Mix it up. Give the filling a good stir in the crust just before baking for the best texture.
- Double up. This dish freezes beautifully, so take this chance to meal prep.
What to Serve with Quich Florentine
Traditional quiche doesn’t always need something as a side. However, adding any of these delicious and healthy recipes can complete the meal beautifully.
A salad, like a Chopped Kale Salad, is a great addition. If you love fruit, try this Watermelon Feta Salad.
No brunch is complete without some adult beverages. Try a Peach Bellini, Frozen Mojito, or Piña Colada.
You can also create your own Fruit Smoothie Recipe if you prefer to avoid alcohol.
More Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
Quiche recipes like this Quiche Florentine are synonymous with brunch. Round out the spread by including these other dishes, as well.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies, Double Chocolate Banana Muffins, Gluten-free Pancakes, or Dutch Baby Pancakes.
Other savory dishes like Easy Migas Tacos, Sweet Potato Hash, or Breakfast Potato Hash are so filling, as well.
Did you know you can make Air Fryer Bacon? It’s so quick and simple.
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Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Place and shape the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges. Poke holes into the bottom using the tines of a fork. Place a piece of parchment paper into the pie crust and fill with either pie weights or dried beans. Par-bake the crust for 15 minutes.
- Add the butter to a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the onion and saute for 3-4 minutes, or until translucent. Mix in the garlic and continue cooking for another 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add spinach and saute for 2-3 minutes more, or until wilted.
- Whisk together the eggs, cream, salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg in a large bowl.
- Sprinkle ¾ cup of the cheese into the bottom of the par-baked pie crust, then add the spinach, pour in the eggs, and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Mix everything together lightly using a fork.
- Bake at 375 for 40-45 minutes or until the center just barely jiggles.
- Allow to rest for 10-20 minutes before slicing in and serving with fresh parsley, if desired.
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
