Spinach Mushroom And Feta Crustless Quiche

Name: Spinach Mushroom And Feta Crustless Quiche
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 200g (7oz) Fresh Spinach: washed and coarsely chopped; 150g (5oz) Button Mushrooms: sliced; 1 Medium Onion (≈150g / 5oz): finely diced; 2 Cloves Garlic: minced; 150g (5oz) Feta Cheese: crumbled, with some reserved for topping; 4 Large Eggs; 120ml (½ cup) Whole Milk; 120ml (½ cup) Heavy Cream; 2 tbsp (30ml) Olive Oil: divided; 1 tbsp (15ml) Unsalted Butter; ½ tsp (2g) Sea Salt; ¼ tsp (1g) Freshly Ground Black Pepper; ¼ tsp (0.5g) Ground Nutmeg; 1 tsp (5ml) Lemon Zest; 2 tbsp (≈6g) Fresh Dill: chopped; Handful (≈15g) Microgreen Mix; 2 tbsp (30ml) Vegetable Broth (optional)

Looking for a brunch recipe that’s both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly healthy? This Spinach Mushroom and Feta Crustless Quiche is your answer! We’ve taken all the comforting goodness of a traditional quiche and streamlined it by skipping the crust, making it lighter without sacrificing a single bit of taste. Packed with earthy mushrooms, vibrant spinach, and tangy feta, this quiche is perfect for a weekend treat, a light lunch, or even a sophisticated weeknight dinner. It’s easier to make than you think, and the results are guaranteed to impress. Let’s get started on creating this delightful dish!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredient Lineup

200g (7oz) Fresh Spinach: We’re using fresh spinach here for its vibrant color and slightly sweet flavor. Make sure to wash it thoroughly to remove any grit, and a coarse chop is perfect as it will wilt down during cooking.
150g (5oz) Button Mushrooms: Button mushrooms provide a lovely earthy base to the quiche. Slicing them ensures they cook evenly and distribute their flavor throughout the filling. You can also use cremini or white mushrooms if you prefer.
1 Medium Onion (≈150g / 5oz): Finely diced onion forms the aromatic foundation of our quiche. It adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
2 Cloves Garlic: Minced garlic is a must for adding a pungent and savory note. Don’t skip this – it really elevates the flavor profile!
150g (5oz) Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese brings a delightful salty tang and creamy texture. We’re reserving some for topping to create a beautiful presentation and extra feta flavor. Look for a block of feta packed in brine for the best flavor and texture.
4 Large Eggs: The star of any quiche! Eggs provide the structure and richness.
120ml (½ cup) Whole Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess and helps create a smooth, custard-like texture.
120ml (½ cup) Heavy Cream: Heavy cream takes the richness up a notch, resulting in a truly decadent quiche.
2 tbsp (30ml) Olive Oil: Divided use – we’ll use olive oil for sautéing the vegetables and a drizzle for finishing. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its superior flavor.
1 tbsp (15ml) Unsalted Butter: Butter adds a touch of richness and helps prevent sticking when greasing the pie dish.
½ tsp (2g) Sea Salt: Sea salt enhances all the flavors. We’ll use some in the egg mixture and a pinch to season the vegetables.
¼ tsp (1g) Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and complexity.
¼ tsp (0.5g) Ground Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the spinach and feta beautifully.
1 tsp (5ml) Lemon Zest: Lemon zest provides a bright, citrusy twist that cuts through the richness of the quiche.
2 tbsp (≈6g) Fresh Dill: Chopped fresh dill is used as a garnish, adding a fresh, herbaceous note.
Handful (≈15g) Microgreen Mix: Microgreens add a pop of color and a delicate, fresh flavor for plating.
2 tbsp (30ml) Vegetable Broth: (Optional) Vegetable broth is used to deglaze the pan after sautéing the mushrooms, lifting up any flavorful browned bits.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Crustless Quiche

Preheat and Prepare the Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures even cooking. While the oven heats, lightly grease a 23cm (9-inch) pie dish with ½ tbsp of butter and ½ tbsp of olive oil. This prevents sticking and adds a subtle flavor. Ensure the grease covers the bottom and sides thoroughly.
Sauté the Onions: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent. Translucent onions provide a sweet base flavor for the quiche. Avoid browning them, as this can impart a bitter taste.
Add Garlic and Bloom the Flavor: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Garlic burns easily, so keep the heat at medium and stir constantly. Blooming the garlic releases its aromatic oils, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and season with a pinch of salt. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until their liquid evaporates. This step is crucial; removing the excess moisture prevents a soggy quiche. If desired, deglaze the pan with 2 tbsp of vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom – these bits are packed with flavor!
Wilt the Spinach: Add the coarsely chopped spinach to the skillet and toss for 2 minutes until wilted. Spinach wilts quickly, so don’t overcook it. You want it to retain some texture. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the vegetable mixture to cool slightly before adding it to the egg mixture. This prevents the eggs from cooking prematurely.
Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sea salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and lemon zest until smooth and slightly foamy. Whisking incorporates air, resulting in a lighter, fluffier quiche. The lemon zest adds a bright, refreshing twist that complements the spinach and feta.
Combine Vegetables and Egg Mixture: Gently fold the sautéed vegetables into the egg mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the air incorporated during whisking. Add the crumbled feta cheese, reserving 30g for topping.
Pour and Top: Pour the filling into the prepared pie dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved feta cheese over the surface. The feta on top will become beautifully golden and slightly crispy during baking.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is fully set and the top is lightly golden. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. The internal temperature should reach 71°C (160°F) for food safety.
Rest and Garnish: Allow the quiche to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the quiche to set further, making it easier to slice. To plate, slide a slice onto a white ceramic plate, drizzle a thin spiral of the remaining olive oil, scatter chopped dill and a handful of microgreens, and finish with a light dusting of smoked paprika for contrast.

Why Crustless? The Benefits of a Lighter Quiche

Choosing a crustless quiche isn’t just about reducing carbs; it’s about letting the flavors of the filling truly shine. Without the pastry, you experience the delicate balance of spinach, mushroom, and feta in every bite. It also makes this quiche a fantastic option for those following gluten-free or low-carb diets. The absence of a crust also results in a lighter, more delicate texture, making it perfect for a brunch or light lunch.

Spinach and Feta: A Classic Combination

The pairing of spinach and feta is a Mediterranean staple for a reason. The earthy, slightly bitter flavor of spinach is beautifully balanced by the salty, tangy creaminess of feta cheese. This combination provides a delightful contrast in both taste and texture. Spinach is also packed with nutrients, making this quiche a healthy and satisfying meal.

The Role of Nutmeg and Lemon Zest

While often overlooked, nutmeg and lemon zest play a vital role in elevating the flavor of this Spinach Mushroom and Feta Crustless Quiche. Nutmeg adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the savory ingredients, while lemon zest provides a bright, zesty counterpoint that cuts through the richness of the eggs and cream. These seemingly small additions create a more complex and well-rounded flavor profile.

Tips for a Perfectly Set Quiche

Achieving a perfectly set quiche can sometimes be tricky. Here are a few tips: avoid overmixing the egg mixture, as this can lead to a tough quiche. Ensure the oven is properly preheated. Don’t open the oven door frequently during baking, as this can cause temperature fluctuations. And finally, allow the quiche to rest for at least 5 minutes after baking to allow it to set completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, you can! Be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all the excess water before adding it to the skillet. Excess water will make the quiche soggy.

Can I substitute the feta cheese?

While feta is the star of this quiche, you can substitute it with goat cheese or ricotta salata for a similar tangy flavor. However, the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Can this quiche be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the quiche a day ahead and reheat it gently in the oven. It’s best served warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy this delightful Spinach Mushroom and Feta Crustless Quiche! It’s a flavorful and healthy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!