Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche: A Simple, Stylish Weeknight Winner

There’s something comforting about a warm slice of quiche that feels both homey and a little fancy — perfect for busy weeknights, brunch with friends, or when you want to impress without sweating. This Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche is my go-to when I want something that looks restaurant-worthy but comes together with minimal fuss. If you love a classic ricotta spinach quiche but want cleaner flavors and a light, silky texture, you’re in the right place. For a quick peek at another take on spinach-ricotta quiche, check out this similar recipe I like: spinach ricotta quiche.

Why this recipe works: it balances creamy ricotta with tender, bright spinach and just enough cheese for depth, all nestled inside a buttery crust. It’s a crowd-pleaser, fridge-friendly, and — best of all — forgiving for cooks of all levels. Read on for simple steps, handy tips, and a few personal notes from my kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche

Quick to prep: Most of the work happens on the stovetop while the oven preheats.

Family-friendly: Mild flavors and a smooth texture make this a hit with picky eaters.
Versatile: Serve it hot, warm, or at room temperature — great for potlucks and picnic baskets.
Vegetarian, but hearty: The ricotta keeps it filling without meat, or you can add cooked sausage or bacon if you like.

Ingredients (serves 6–8)

1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade), chilled
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
10 ounces fresh spinach (or two 10-oz packages frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)
1 1/2 cups whole-milk ricotta
3 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk or half-and-half
1/2 cup grated Parmesan (or Pecorino Romano)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional but lovely)
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for a melty top)
Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)

Notes on ingredients:

Ricotta: Use full-fat ricotta for the creamiest filling. If your ricotta is grainy, whisk it smooth before using.
Spinach: Fresh wilted spinach gives the best texture, but frozen works fine — just press out excess water.

Crust: A classic pie crust adds a buttery base. For gluten-free, swap for your favorite GF crust.

Prep and Cook Time

Active prep: 20–25 minutes
Bake: 35–40 minutes
Total: ~1 hour (including cooling)

Equipment

9-inch pie dish or tart pan
Skillet
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Plastic wrap or foil for blind baking

How to make Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche — simple steps

Preheat and prepare the crust
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Fit the chilled pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges and trim any excess.
- To keep the crust from puffing, line it with parchment and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
- Blind-bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are set and the bottom is just starting to color. Remove weights and bake 3–4 more minutes if the center looks wet. Let cool slightly while you make the filling.

Sauté the aromatics and spinach
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and a pinch of salt. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
- Add the spinach in batches, stirring until wilted. If using frozen, add the thawed, squeezed spinach and cook until warmed through.
- Transfer cooked spinach to a bowl and squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Chop roughly if you like smaller pieces.
Mix the ricotta filling
- In a bowl, whisk together the ricotta, eggs, milk (or half-and-half), grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Fold in the cooled spinach mixture and lemon zest if using. Taste and adjust seasoning — a little more salt or pepper can make it sing.
Assemble and bake
- Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle the mozzarella on top if you want a golden, melty finish.
- Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is just set (it should jiggle slightly).
- Let the quiche rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing — this helps it firm up and makes for prettier slices.

Serve
- Slice and serve warm with a crisp green salad, roasted tomatoes, or a light soup. Leftovers are fabulous for breakfast, lunch, or a quick dinner.

Cooking tips and tiny kitchen hacks

Don’t panic over a slightly cracked surface: it happens. A dusting of fresh herbs or a little extra cheese on top hides it and tastes great.

If your ricotta is watery, drain it in a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth for 30 minutes to avoid a runny quiche.
Blind-baking the crust keeps the bottom from getting soggy. If you’re short on time, poke the crust bottom with a fork and bake without weights — just be prepared for a slightly puffier base.
Want extra flavor? Stir in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard into the ricotta mixture, or swap half the ricotta for a softer goat cheese for tang.

Make-ahead: Bake the quiche fully, cool, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat at 325°F for 15–20 minutes until warmed through.

A personal note (because cooking is about people)
This quiche is the quiet star of my brunches. I remember the first time I brought it to a family picnic — my sister Patricia declared it “fancy enough for a party, easy enough for every day.” That made me laugh, because that’s exactly what I aim for: food that looks like you tried (impressively), but didn’t have to rearrange your whole schedule to make. My kids loved it cold the next day; my husband prefers it straight from the oven with a big scoop of mustard. It’s one of those recipes that carries a little family memory in every slice.

Serving suggestions and variations

For a heartier, non-vegetarian version, fold in 1 cup cooked crumbled Italian sausage or crisped bacon bits just before pouring into the crust.

Add roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions for extra flavor layers.
Swap half the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter texture, or mix in fresh herbs (chives, dill, or basil) for a vibrant finish.
For a gluten-free option, use a store-bought gluten-free crust and follow the same baking times — watch closely since some GF crusts brown faster.

Looking for more spinach recipes?
If you’re in the mood to play with spinach in other ways, this savory dip is a crowd-pleaser and pairs wonderfully with quiche slices at parties: Baked Spicy Italian Sausage and Spinach Dip.

FAQs (quick answers for busy cooks)

Q: Can I use frozen spinach in this ricotta spinach quiche?
A: Yes. Thaw frozen spinach fully and squeeze out as much water as possible before mixing. Excess liquid will make the filling runny.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the oven or enjoy cold.

Q: Can I freeze the quiche?
A: You can freeze fully baked quiche for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 325°F until warmed through.

Q: Is this recipe suitable as a vegetarian quiche?
A: Absolutely. It’s a satisfying vegetarian quiche that stays filling thanks to the ricotta and eggs.

Q: Can I make mini quiches or use a tart pan?
A: Yes — mini quiches will need less baking time (start checking around 18–20 minutes). A tart pan gives a flatter, more elegant presentation; bake as directed but watch the color.

A few more tips from my kitchen

Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents that prevent perfect melting.
If your quiche browns too quickly on top, tent it with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
For a crispier crust, brush the blind-baked shell lightly with a beaten egg white before adding the filling.

Conclusion

This Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche brings a touch of sophistication to everyday meals without the fuss. It’s creamy, bright, and reliable — perfect for busy women juggling work, family, and the desire to eat well. If you want more inspiration or slightly different takes on this classic, you might enjoy Melissa’s version of a Ricotta Spinach Quiche or the hearty Spinach Ricotta Quiche Recipe on Allrecipes for comparison and extra tips.

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Elegant Ricotta and Spinach Quiche is the perfect recipe for busy cooks. Quick, easy, and delicious — a creamy vegetarian quiche for any meal.