Ah, Christmas morning! It’s that magical time when the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the sweet scent of pine, and everyone gathers around the table, excitement in the air. One of my favorite traditions is whipping up this Christmas Morning Quiche. It’s a delightful blend of creamy cheese and vibrant spinach, all nestled in a flaky crust that just screams holiday cheer! Trust me, this quiche is not only simple to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser that will have your family asking for seconds. I love how it can be prepped ahead of time, leaving you free to enjoy the festivities without being stuck in the kitchen. So, let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s sure to make your Christmas morning even more special!
Ingredients List
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade, whichever you prefer!)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (washed and roughly chopped)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love using a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for that ooey-gooey goodness!)
- 4 large eggs (the fresher, the better—trust me!)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk gives it a rich flavor, but feel free to use what you have on hand)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste, especially if you’re using a salty cheese)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked is my favorite for extra flavor)
How to Prepare Christmas Morning Quiche
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important because a hot oven means a perfectly baked quiche.
While that’s heating up, grab your pie crust and place it in a pie dish. Don’t forget to poke some holes in the bottom with a fork—this helps prevent it from bubbling up while baking. Now, let’s move on to the spinach. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the fresh spinach until it’s wilted, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The smell is divine! Once it’s done, set it aside to cool a bit.
Now, in a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until everything is combined and frothy. This is where the magic happens! Next, fold in the sautéed spinach and your shredded cheese. I like to use a mix of cheeses for that extra flavor punch, but you do you!
Pour this beautiful mixture into your prepared pie crust, and spread it out evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the quiche is set and has a lovely golden color on top. Don’t worry if it puffs up a bit—it’s just getting all cozy in there!
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This will help it hold its shape when you serve it. And there you have it—a stunning Christmas Morning Quiche ready to impress your loved ones!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy to prepare, allowing you to spend more time with loved ones on Christmas morning.
- The combination of fresh spinach and melty cheese creates a deliciously flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy.
- It’s a versatile recipe—you can mix in your favorite veggies or change up the cheese to suit your taste!
- This quiche can be made ahead of time, making your holiday morning stress-free and joyful.
- It’s perfect for serving a crowd, yielding about 8 generous slices.
- The flaky crust and creamy filling make for a comforting and satisfying breakfast that feels special.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as good the next day, making it a fantastic option for brunches too.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas Morning Quiche turns out absolutely perfect, here are some handy tips that I’ve gathered over the years!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and quality cheese make all the difference in flavor. If you can, choose organic spinach and a good melting cheese for that creamy texture.
- Blind Bake the Crust: If you want an extra crispy crust, consider blind baking it for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. Just line it with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans during this step.
- Don’t Overbeat the Eggs: When whisking your eggs, mix just until combined. Overbeating can introduce too much air, which might lead to a puffy quiche that deflates when cooled.
- Let it Rest: After baking, allow your quiche to cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set up nicely, making it easier to cut and serve.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to toss in some herbs like thyme or dill, or even add sautéed onions or bell peppers for an extra kick. The beauty of quiche is its versatility!
- Check for Doneness: If you’re unsure if it’s done, use a knife to gently poke the center. If it comes out clean, you’re good to go! A slightly jiggly center is okay, but it shouldn’t be wet.
With these tips, your Christmas Morning Quiche will not just be good; it’ll be unforgettable! Enjoy the process and the delightful results!
Variations
The beauty of the Christmas Morning Quiche is its incredible versatility! You can easily customize it to fit your taste or use up what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:
- Vegetable Medley: Swap out the spinach for other veggies like diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or zucchini. Just make sure to cook them first to get rid of excess moisture!
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: Experiment with different types of cheese! Feta adds a nice tang, while Gruyère offers a rich, nutty flavor. You could even mix in some blue cheese for a bold twist.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or chives can elevate the flavor profile. Just sprinkle them into the egg mixture before pouring it into the crust.
- Protein Boost: If you want to make it heartier, consider adding cooked bacon, sausage, or ham. Just remember to adjust the salt in the recipe if you’re using salty meats!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy version. This is perfect if you’re looking to shake things up a bit!
- Sweet Potato Crust: For a twist on the traditional crust, try using thinly sliced sweet potatoes layered as the base. It adds a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory filling.
These variations allow you to get creative and make this quiche truly your own. So, don’t hesitate to mix and match to find your perfect flavor combination! Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to keep that delicious Christmas Morning Quiche fresh and tasty! If you happen to have leftovers (and that’s a big if, because it’s just so good!), here’s how to store it properly.
First, let the quiche cool completely before storing. This is crucial because if you put a hot quiche directly into the fridge, it can create condensation, making it soggy. Once it’s cool, you can cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or simply place it in an airtight container. If you’re planning to enjoy it within a few days, it’ll be perfectly fine in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it! To do this, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container. It should stay fresh for about 1-2 months in the freezer. Just be sure to label it with the date so you know when it was made.
When you’re ready to enjoy your quiche again, reheating is a breeze! If it’s frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. For reheating, I recommend popping it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain that lovely flaky crust and creamy filling. You can also use the microwave if you’re in a hurry, but be careful not to overdo it, as it can get rubbery—about 1-2 minutes should do the trick!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor every last bite of your Christmas Morning Quiche! Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or even a late-night snack. Trust me, it’s just as delightful the next day!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying the Christmas Morning Quiche, it’s always good to be mindful of the nutrition! Below are the typical nutritional values based on standard ingredients. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary depending on your specific choices and brands:
- Calories: 250 per slice
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 10g
These values make it a hearty yet balanced breakfast option! Whether you’re enjoying it on Christmas morning or saving some for later, this quiche is sure to fuel your festive spirit. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make the Christmas Morning Quiche ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the quiche the night before and store it in the fridge before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. In the morning, pop it in the oven straight from the fridge—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time!
What kind of cheese works best in this quiche?
I love using a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for that perfect melty texture, but you can get creative! Feta, Gruyère, or even goat cheese would add a unique twist to your Christmas Morning Quiche.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture from the frozen spinach before adding it to the egg mixture. This will help keep your quiche from getting soggy.
How do I know when the quiche is done baking?
You’ll know your quiche is ready when the edges are set, and the center has a slight jiggle but isn’t wet. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If it looks puffy, don’t worry—it’ll settle as it cools!
Can I add other ingredients like meats or more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add cooked bacon, ham, or your favorite veggies to the mix. Just remember to sauté any raw vegetables first to reduce moisture and enhance their flavors in the Christmas Morning Quiche.
Christmas Morning Quiche: 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make quiche filled with spinach and cheese, perfect for Christmas morning.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the pie crust in a pie dish and poke holes in the bottom.
- In a skillet, sauté the fresh spinach until wilted.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Add the sautéed spinach and shredded cheese to the egg mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the quiche is set and lightly golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables or meats as desired.
- Use any type of cheese you prefer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Christmas Morning Quiche, spinach quiche, cheese quiche, breakfast quiche