Enjoy a classic brunch dish fit for royalty!
Looking for a dish that feels a little fancy but is secretly super approachable? Quiche Florentine is the answer. It’s the perfect breakfast, brunch, or even dinner option that feels like a special occasion without you having to spend hours in the kitchen. This layered pie of soft spinach, tender eggs, nutty cheese, and buttery crust tastes like a true indulgence. As a plus, it’s a great way to clean out your fridge—throw in some cheese you love, maybe toss in extra herbs, and you’ve got a personal twist on a classic recipe.
This flavorful dish comes from 16th-century France, when Italian-born Catherine de’ Medici married King Henry II and introduced her new French family to the cooking styles of Florence, Italy. The story goes that her chefs often made meals with spinach and butter because they were her favorite. And so, the term “Florentine” came to signify spinach-rich dishes in French cuisine. Whether or not that’s the real reason, this quiche celebrates simple, fresh flavors with a fun dose of history to boot.
Is Quiche Florentine Healthy?
Quiche Florentine is suitable for diets that allow dairy, eggs, and gluten, plus it’s rich in protein, iron, and B vitamins. However, for those with sensitivities or intolerances, substitutions can easily be made.
For example, anyone avoiding dairy can use plant-based cheese, cream, milk, and butter, all of which are fairly common at most grocery stores. You could also add nutritional yeast for some extra cheesy plant-based flavor. For 100% vegan eaters, silken tofu can make a decent egg replacement (and still pack a protein punch); just make sure to season it with extra salt and pepper. Gluten-free pie crusts are also found at most large grocery stores.
While this meal can be quite heavy in fats and carbs, using alternative ingredients may create a lighter quiche that can accommodate various kinds of diets while maintaining the same delicious taste. Feel free to experiment and invoke the spirit of culinary creativity!
A Cross-Cultural Classic
Even though Catherine de’ Medici’s marriage to King Henry II was wrought with political and personal tension, she made the most of it, maintaining high status in court with her artistic perspective and energetic attitude.
We can bring that same positive endurance, innovative thinking, and fiery will to our own table when we make this dish, being grateful for the simple pleasures that came from such trying times in history.
As a combination of Italian and French cultures, quiche Florentine has not only become a European staple, but a symbol of cross-cultural union and brotherhood. This makes it a great feel-good dish for families new and old!
How To Make Ahead And Store
Make sure to let the quiche cool completely before storing it. Leftovers can be kept in the fridge in a large zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 days. You can keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. If freezing your leftovers, make sure to defrost them in the fridge for about 24 hours before reheating. When you’re ready to eat, bake in an oven-safe dish for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Serving Suggestions
Quiche Florentine makes a great breakfast, lunch, or dinner and thus can be paired with many different dishes depending on the occasion! If you’re looking for a sweet side dish for a decadent breakfast or brunch, you could try this unique Coconut Milk Quinoa Fruit Salad. This makes a light, high-fiber complement to the heavier, rich quiche, and the leftovers can be easily stored for later.
Equally light, nutritious, and delicious is a Kale Salad, which could brighten your lunch or dinner table with fresh spring vibes. Craving a more savory pairing? You might enjoy serving it with some Air-Fryer Potatoes.
Whichever pairing you choose, this recipe will help you make the most of any meal, impressing your guests and loved ones with nourishment and knowledge of a little European history.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch frozen pie crust
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 3 ounces chèvre or other soft goat cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach loosely chopped
- 1 shallot chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh thyme leaves optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Take the pie crust out of the freezer to thaw slightly. Once it's pliable, prick the bottom and sides with a fork to prevent puffing. For an extra flat crust, use pie weights or dried beans during pre-baking.
- Bake the pie crust on the lower third rack of the oven for 15-20 minutes or until just starting to brown. Remove from oven and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and cream. Crumble in the goat cheese with your fingers, then add the chopped spinach, shallot, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; chunks of goat cheese are fine as they will melt during baking.
- Lower the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Pour the egg mixture into the pre-baked crust. If the crust has cracked, don't worry—it won't affect the final quiche.
- Bake for approximately 50 minutes. The quiche is done when the center is set with a slight jiggle. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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