Classic Quiche Florentine: An Easy, Healthy, and Delicious French Spinach and Cheese Quiche Recipe

Quiche Florentine, also affectionately known as Florentine Quiche, is a culinary delight that masterfully blends the rustic charm of French cuisine with a touch of Italian inspiration. This vibrant and savory tart, brimming with fresh spinach and creamy cheese, stands out as a remarkably easy and healthy option, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a delightful brunch centerpiece. Its simple yet elegant nature ensures that even novice cooks can achieve a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort.

Crafting this beloved quiche requires only a handful of readily available ingredients, transforming them into a dish that is both nourishing and incredibly flavorful. The foundation begins with a crisp shortcrust pastry, providing the perfect golden vessel for the rich filling. This delectable interior is a harmonious blend of farm-fresh eggs, luscious cream, vibrant fresh spinach, the delicate richness of mascarpone, and the nutty notes of Emmental cheese. While Emmental is a classic choice, feel free to substitute it with your favorite cheese to personalize this already fantastic recipe. The resulting quiche is not just easy to make, but exquisitely good, promising a comforting meal that the whole family will adore. If you’re a connoisseur of quiches, be sure to explore more tempting variations like our pumpkin quiche and delve into our extensive collection of French quiche recipes for endless inspiration.

Key Ingredients for Quiche Florentine

Creating an authentic and delicious Quiche Florentine relies on a carefully selected list of ingredients that balance freshness, flavor, and texture. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the classic taste and creamy consistency of this beloved French tart. Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful recipe:

• Fresh Spinach: The star of the show! Use vibrant, whole-leaf spinach for the best flavor and texture. It’s packed with nutrients and provides a wonderful earthy counterpoint to the rich filling.
• Onion (chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the spinach mixture, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
• Garlic Cloves (minced): Essential for that savory kick, garlic elevates the spinach’s natural taste and contributes to the dish’s irresistible aroma.
• Shortcrust Pastry: The foundation of your quiche. A good quality shortcrust pastry ensures a flaky, buttery crust that holds the filling beautifully. You can use store-bought for convenience or homemade for an extra touch.
• Eggs: The binding agent for the custard filling. Fresh, large eggs are crucial for achieving that perfectly set yet tender texture.
• Liquid Cream: French liquid cream (crème liquide) or heavy cream provides the luxurious richness and silky smoothness characteristic of a classic quiche.
• Mascarpone Cheese: This Italian cream cheese adds an incredible depth of creaminess and a slightly tangy richness that complements the spinach and Emmental beautifully.
• Grated Emmental Cheese: A traditional choice for its excellent melting properties and mild, nutty flavor that harmonizes perfectly with spinach. Feel free to substitute with Gruyere, Swiss, or even a sharp cheddar if you prefer.
• Salt and Ground Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that are vital for bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients. Adjust to your personal taste.
• Oregano: A touch of dried oregano (or fresh, if available) adds an aromatic, herbaceous note that subtly enhances the Florentine experience.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and spinach, imparting a Mediterranean hint that ties back to the Florentine inspiration.

While quiche is predominantly enjoyed for lunch or dinner in France, its versatility allows for many interpretations. Some adventurous palates even savor a slice of cold quiche for breakfast – a concept that might sound unusual but offers a quick and satisfying start to the day. We haven’t personally tried this breakfast approach, but its popularity speaks to the quiche’s broad appeal!

Essential Tips for a Perfect Quiche Florentine

Achieving a perfectly cooked Quiche Florentine, with a golden, flaky crust and a creamy, flavorful filling, is simpler than you might think. By following a few key tips, you can ensure your quiche turns out beautifully every time, avoiding common pitfalls and maximizing its delicious potential.

• Use Fresh, Whole Leaf Spinach: This is a non-negotiable for the best Quiche Florentine. Fresh spinach not only offers superior flavor and nutritional benefits but also prevents the grittiness or watery texture that can sometimes result from using frozen or pre-shredded spinach. Frozen spinach often retains too much water, which can make your quiche soggy. If you must use frozen, ensure it is thoroughly thawed and squeezed dry multiple times.
• Properly Prepare Your Spinach: After blanching your fresh spinach, it’s crucial to squeeze out as much water as possible. Excess moisture is the enemy of a firm quiche filling. You can do this by hand, wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel, or using a potato ricer. The drier your spinach, the better your quiche will set.
• Precooking the Shortcrust Pastry (Blind Baking) is Key: Do not be tempted to skip this step! Blind baking the crust is absolutely vital for preventing a soggy bottom – a common and disappointing quiche mishap. If you simply toss all the filling into an unbaked crust, the moisture from the filling will seep into the pastry, leaving you with a soft, undercooked base. Pre-baking allows the crust to set and crisp up, creating a barrier against the wet filling and ensuring a delightful texture in every bite.
• Don’t Overcook the Spinach Mixture: When sautéing the onion, garlic, and spinach, cook until the onion is tender and the spinach is just wilted. You don’t want to brown the vegetables excessively, as they will continue to cook in the oven within the quiche filling.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother, more emulsified custard, allow your eggs and cream to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps them combine more evenly and bake more consistently.
• Don’t Overfill the Crust: Leave a little space at the top of the crust when pouring in the filling. This prevents spills during baking and allows the quiche to puff up slightly without overflowing.
• Rest Before Slicing: Once your quiche is out of the oven, resist the urge to slice into it immediately. Letting it rest for 10-15 minutes allows the filling to fully set, making for cleaner slices and preventing it from falling apart.

Customize Your Quiche Florentine: Delicious Variations

While the classic Quiche Florentine with spinach and cheese is undeniably delicious, it also serves as a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity. Don’t hesitate to personalize this recipe to suit your preferences or to use up ingredients you have on hand. Here are some delightful ways to mix things up and make this Quiche Florentine truly your own:

• Boost the Cheese Factor: If you’re a true cheese lover, consider adding an extra layer of your favorite cheese to the filling. A sprinkle of Parmesan, a sharp cheddar, or even a creamy goat cheese could elevate the flavor profile. Try mixing different types of grated cheese with the Emmental for a more complex cheesy experience.
• Add Your Favorite Meats: For a heartier quiche, incorporate cooked meats into the filling.
  • Bacon: Crispy bacon bits (lardons in French cuisine) are a classic addition to many quiches, including Quiche Lorraine. They add a smoky, salty flavor that pairs wonderfully with spinach and cheese.
  • Chicken or Turkey: Cooked and shredded chicken or turkey breast can turn your quiche into a more substantial meal, perfect for using up leftovers.
  • Ham: Diced ham offers a savory and slightly sweet contrast.

  Ensure any meat additions are fully cooked and drained of excess fat before adding them to the quiche.

• Introduce Other Vegetables: While spinach is traditional, other vegetables can be added or substituted. Sautéed mushrooms, finely diced bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a handful of chopped artichoke hearts could bring new dimensions of flavor and texture. Just make sure to pre-cook any high-moisture vegetables to prevent a watery quiche.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs. A pinch of nutmeg in the custard is a classic French touch that enhances the savory flavors. Fresh dill, chives, or parsley could also add a burst of freshness.
• Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the spinach mixture or a dash of hot sauce in the egg custard can add an exciting twist.

Remember, quiche is incredibly versatile. Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover your own signature Quiche Florentine!

The Intriguing Origin of “À la Florentine”

The term “à la Florentine” is deeply embedded in French culinary tradition, signifying a dish that incorporates spinach. But where exactly does this elegant descriptor come from? The story is a fascinating blend of history, culture, and a queen’s influence.

Here in France, when you see a dish described as “à la Florentine,” you can almost always expect spinach to be a key ingredient. The widely accepted tale attributes the origin of this culinary designation to none other than Catherine de Médici. Born in Florence, Italy, in 1519, Catherine became a French Queen through her marriage to King Henry II of France. Legend has it that when she moved to the French court, she brought with her not just her Italian flair for fashion and art, but also her personal chefs from Florence.

These Florentine cooks, accustomed to the vibrant produce of their homeland, brought with them a vegetable that was, surprisingly, not widely cultivated or appreciated in France at the time: spinach. It seems incredible to think that the French, renowned for their sophisticated cuisine, might have been unfamiliar with spinach before the 16th century! Catherine, with her fondness for her native Italian cuisine, insisted that her chefs continue to prepare dishes with spinach, much to the delight of the French court, who were quickly introduced to this “new” and versatile green.

As her cooks integrated spinach into a variety of their culinary creations, the vegetable rapidly gained popularity. Dishes prepared in this manner became known as “à la Florentine,” a direct homage to Queen Catherine’s Florentine origins and the culinary traditions she introduced to France. This historical anecdote not only explains the name but also highlights the significant cultural exchange that shaped European gastronomy, proving that even a simple ingredient can have a royal story.

Mastering the Art of Easy French Quiche

Quiche, in its essence, is a testament to the beauty of French comfort food: simple, versatile, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a dish that we often turn to when time is short or when we crave a meal that is both fuss-free and exquisitely delicious. The ease of preparation makes it a staple in any home cook’s repertoire, providing a wholesome meal with minimal effort.

At its heart, quiche is a custard baked in a pastry crust. This basic formula, however, is wonderfully adaptable. It’s the perfect base, allowing for endless variations with different fillings. Whether you’re using leftovers from last night’s dinner or experimenting with seasonal produce, a quiche can easily transform a few ingredients into a spectacular dish. The essential components are always a good quality pastry crust and a rich, creamy egg custard.

The crust, traditionally a shortcrust pastry (pâte brisée), forms the essential structure. It should be flaky and tender, providing a delightful textural contrast to the soft filling. While making your own pastry from scratch is a rewarding experience, high-quality store-bought pastry can significantly cut down on preparation time without compromising on flavor. The filling, known as an “appareil,” typically consists of eggs, cream (or milk), and seasonings. This provides a neutral, velvety base that allows the other ingredients – in our case, spinach and cheese – to truly shine. Learning to master this simple base opens up a world of culinary possibilities, making easy French quiche a skill worth cultivating.

Frequently Asked Questions about Quiche Florentine

How long should you bake the quiche?

For this Quiche Florentine recipe, you’ll first preheat your oven to 400°F (210°C). After blind baking the crust, the quiche filling bakes for approximately 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure it reaches a beautiful golden-brown color on top and the filling is set. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so a visual check is always best.

How to tell when your quiche is done?

A perfectly baked quiche will have a slightly golden top and a firm, yet still tender, center. The crust should also be beautifully golden and crisp around the edges. To test for doneness, gently shake the quiche pan; if the center has only a slight jiggle (like a firm jelly), it’s ready. If it’s very liquid, it needs more time. You can also insert a thin knife or skewer into the center; if it comes out clean, your quiche is done.

Can quiche be reheated the next day?

Absolutely! Quiche reheats wonderfully, often tasting even better as the flavors have had more time to meld. We regularly bake a quiche, enjoy half for dinner, and save the other half for a quick and delicious meal the following day. To reheat, you can place individual slices in the microwave for a minute or two, or for a crispier crust, warm the entire quiche or slices in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through.

How long will quiche last in the refrigerator?

While this delicious Quiche Florentine is so tempting that leftovers might be a rarity, it stores quite well. Any remaining quiche should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerated. It will typically last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator without compromising its quality or flavor. Beyond that, the texture might start to degrade slightly.

Can I freeze Quiche Florentine?

Yes, quiche freezes beautifully! To freeze, allow the baked quiche to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. You can freeze it whole or in individual slices. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, usually about 20-30 minutes for a whole quiche, or less for slices.

What to serve quiche with?

Quiche Florentine is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of accompaniments, making it suitable for any meal. Here are some classic and delightful serving suggestions:

• Fresh Green Salad: In France, quiche is almost always served alongside a simple, crisp green salad tossed with a light dressing. Our 3-ingredient French vinaigrette is the perfect complement, cutting through the richness of the quiche with its tangy freshness.
• Steamed Vegetables: A side of vibrant, perfectly cooked vegetables can add color and nutrients. Consider serving it with perfect steamed asparagus or blanched green beans.
• Sautéed Mushrooms: For an extra layer of savory flavor, a side of breaded or sautéed mushrooms makes an excellent pairing.
• Soup: For a more substantial meal, especially during colder months, pair your quiche with a light soup like vegetarian French onion soup or a creamy tomato soup.
• Crusty Bread: A good crusty baguette or a slice of artisanal bread is perfect for soaking up any creamy goodness and completing the French dining experience.

Quiche Florentine Recipe Card

Prepare to fall in love with this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make spinach and cheese Quiche Florentine! Its rich, creamy filling nestled in a flaky crust makes it an instant classic for any meal.

Pin for later!

Pin for later!

Print Recipe

More Quiche Recipes You Will Love on AHK

If the deliciousness of Quiche Florentine has inspired you to explore more savory tarts, you’re in luck! Our kitchen offers a variety of French-inspired quiche recipes, each with its unique flavor profile, perfect for any occasion. From vegetarian delights to hearty meat-filled options, there’s a quiche here for everyone to enjoy.

Goat Cheese Zucchini Quiche: A light and flavorful quiche featuring the creamy tang of goat cheese and fresh zucchini.

French Tomato Tart: A simple yet elegant tart showcasing ripe, juicy tomatoes on a bed of savory custard.

French Mushroom Quiche: Earthy mushrooms combined with a rich custard, a true classic for mushroom lovers.

Mediterranean Quiche: Bursting with sun-drenched flavors, this quiche brings together vibrant Mediterranean ingredients.

Pumpkin Goat Cheese Quiche: A seasonal favorite, blending the sweetness of pumpkin with the distinct taste of goat cheese.

French Quiche Recipes: Explore our full collection of authentic French quiche recipes for endless culinary adventures.

More Quiche Recipes We Love From Other Bloggers

Beyond our own kitchen, the world of quiche is vast and inspiring. We love discovering new variations and interpretations from fellow food enthusiasts. Here are some incredible quiche recipes from other talented bloggers that we think you’ll truly enjoy, offering even more ways to savor this versatile dish:

Southern Tomato Pie: A comforting and rich take on a savory pie, perfect for summer gatherings.

Butternut Squash, Arugula & Bacon Quiche: A delightful blend of sweet squash, peppery arugula, and smoky bacon, creating a balanced and flavorful quiche.

We hope this comprehensive guide inspires you to create your own perfect Quiche Florentine and perhaps delve deeper into the wonderful world of French quiches. Happy cooking!