Mini Quiches with Spinach
Highlighted under: Favorite Comfort Food Collection
I love making these mini quiches with spinach for brunch gatherings or whenever I'm craving a savory snack. They are so versatile and can easily be customized with different vegetables or cheeses. This recipe is perfect for using up any leftover ingredients in the fridge, and the blend of flavors creates a delicious bite-sized treat that everyone will enjoy. Plus, they freeze well, making them a great option for meal prep or busy weekdays. I always end up making a double batch because they disappear so quickly!
When I made these mini quiches with spinach for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy and delicious they turned out. I experimented with different fillings, but the spinach and cheese combination quickly became my favorite. The key is to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor; I always opt for fresh spinach over frozen for a vibrant color and taste.
Another great tip I found is to let the quiches cool slightly before removing them from the muffin tin. This ensures they hold their shape perfectly and makes them easy to serve at gatherings. I often pair them with a light salad or serve as appetizers, and they always steal the show!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich flavor from fresh spinach
- Perfectly fluffiness from the egg mixture
- Great for any meal of the day
Customization Options
The beauty of mini quiches lies in their versatility. While this recipe features spinach, feel free to swap in any leafy greens you have on hand, such as kale or Swiss chard. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or bell peppers. Don't hesitate to experiment with different cheeses as well; feta or goat cheese can provide a delightful tang that balances the richness of the eggs.
To give your quiches an extra layer of flavor, try incorporating fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or basil. I recommend adding about one tablespoon of finely chopped herbs to the egg mixture, which not only enhances taste but also adds visual appeal. Remember that the balance of flavors can change considerably depending on the ingredients you choose, so taste as you go to ensure your favorite combinations shine through.
Freezing and Reheating
Mini quiches are ideal for meal prep, and they freeze exceptionally well. Once baked and cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and slightly crisped on the edges.
If you're short on time, you can reheat from frozen by placing them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. Cover them with foil initially to prevent over-browning, then uncover for the last few minutes to achieve that golden finish. This method keeps the texture delightful and prevents them from becoming soggy, which is crucial for the overall enjoyment of these tasty snacks.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make delicious mini quiches.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 premade pie crust, cut into circles (or use phyllo dough)
Now that you have everything ready, let's move on to the cooking steps!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create perfect mini quiches.
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
Prepare the crust
Cut circles from the pie crust and press each piece into the bottom of the muffin cups.
Mix ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Add fillings
Evenly distribute the spinach, cheese, and onion among the crust-lined muffin cups.
Pour egg mixture
Pour the egg mixture over the fillings in each cup until just full.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the quiches are puffed and golden.
Cool and serve
Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before lifting them out of the tin.
Enjoy these delightful mini quiches warm or at room temperature!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding cooked bacon or bell peppers to the filling. You can also use different herbs like thyme or basil for varying tastes.
Ingredient Insights
Fresh spinach not only provides the crucial green element for these quiches, but it also incorporates nutrients and a vibrant color. It's essential to chop the spinach into small pieces; this allows for even distribution throughout the quiches, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor. If you're using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent a soggy filling.
The choice of cheese can also significantly impact both flavor and texture. Cheddar offers a sharpness that complements the eggs beautifully, while mozzarella provides a gooey, stretchy quality. If you want to reduce dairy or have a lactose intolerance, use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Just keep in mind that some alternatives may contain different moisture levels, affecting the quiche's final texture.
Perfecting the Bake
Achieving the perfect bake is critical for mini quiches. The ideal quiche should puff up and develop a lightly browned top. If you notice that your quiches are browning too quickly, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) and bake for a longer period. Monitoring them closely during the last few minutes will help you avoid overcooking, which can lead to a rubbery texture.
Another technique to ensure even baking is to rotate the muffin tin halfway through the baking time. This accounts for any hot spots in your oven and helps ensure that all quiches bake uniformly. If they don’t puff up as expected, try checking the freshness of your eggs; fresher eggs tend to provide a better rise due to the structure and strength of the protein.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these mini quiches ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze leftover mini quiches?
Absolutely! Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a resealable bag. They last up to 2 months.
→ What other fillings can I use?
You can use a variety of fillings like mushrooms, zucchini, or even leftover meats to customize your quiches.
→ How do I reheat the mini quiches?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Mini Quiches with Spinach
I love making these mini quiches with spinach for brunch gatherings or whenever I'm craving a savory snack. They are so versatile and can easily be customized with different vegetables or cheeses. This recipe is perfect for using up any leftover ingredients in the fridge, and the blend of flavors creates a delicious bite-sized treat that everyone will enjoy. Plus, they freeze well, making them a great option for meal prep or busy weekdays. I always end up making a double batch because they disappear so quickly!
Created by: Juliet Ashford
Recipe Type: Favorite Comfort Food Collection
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 12 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 premade pie crust, cut into circles (or use phyllo dough)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
Cut circles from the pie crust and press each piece into the bottom of the muffin cups.
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Evenly distribute the spinach, cheese, and onion among the crust-lined muffin cups.
Pour the egg mixture over the fillings in each cup until just full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the quiches are puffed and golden.
Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before lifting them out of the tin.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding cooked bacon or bell peppers to the filling. You can also use different herbs like thyme or basil for varying tastes.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 9g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 7g