If you’re on the hunt for a savory, fresh, and utterly satisfying dish that brings a burst of color and flavor to your table, look no further than this Cherry Tomato, Leek, and Spinach Quiche Recipe. This quiche perfectly balances the sweet juiciness of cherry tomatoes, the mild earthiness of leeks, and the vibrant green freshness of spinach, all tied together with creamy cheeses and a flaky pie crust. Whether you want a hearty brunch, a light dinner, or a stunning dish to impress guests, this recipe is a delightful and versatile option you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is simple but crucial to achieving that perfect harmony of flavors and textures in this Cherry Tomato, Leek, and Spinach Quiche Recipe. Each item plays its own role— from the richness of the cheeses to the fresh crunch of the vegetables— creating a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- 9 inch pie crust: The buttery, flaky foundation that holds all the goodness together.
- 1 cup packed sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Adds a tangy, melty layer of flavor right beneath the veggies.
- 1/2 leek (chopped): Provides a mild onion-like sweetness and a lovely texture contrast.
- 1 (9-oz) box frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry): Delivers vibrant color and earthy tones while staying moist-free.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped): Bursts of herbal brightness woven throughout the filling.
- 4 ounces goat cheese (crumbled): Creamy, slightly tangy, and melts beautifully into the quiche.
- Cherry tomatoes (most of a 10 ounce box, halved): Sweet and juicy jewels sitting on top for freshness and visual appeal.
- 6 large eggs: The fantastic binder that sets everything into a custardy delight.
- 1 & 1/4 cups Almond Breeze Almondmilk Original: A light, dairy-free way to create a luscious custard texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Adds just the right touch of warmth and spice.
- Fresh basil (to garnish): Finishing touch for vibrant green color and extra aroma.
How to Make Cherry Tomato, Leek, and Spinach Quiche Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. Give your quiche pan a light coating of nonstick spray or butter so the pie crust releases easily after baking. Getting this step right ensures your quiche will have perfect edges and no sticking to worry about.
Step 2: Fit the Pie Crust
Carefully press the pie crust into your quiche or 9-inch pie pan, making sure to trim any excess. A well-fitted crust is the essential home base for your quiche layers and keeps everything neat and tidy during baking.
Step 3: Layer the Cheddar Cheese
Sprinkle a generous cup of shredded sharp cheddar evenly over the crust. This will melt into a rich, gooey layer, creating structural support and flavor richness beneath the veggies.
Step 4: Prepare and Add the Leeks
Trim the green tops and roots from your leek, then slice it lengthwise and rinse thoroughly; leeks tend to hide dirt in their folds! Chop half the leek finely, about the size of diced onions. Scatter these sweet, tender pieces over the cheddar layer for a mild onion taste with a subtle crunch.
Step 5: Add the Spinach
Make sure to squeeze as much water from your thawed spinach as possible—too much moisture can make the quiche soggy. Spread the spinach evenly over the leeks, adding beautiful green color and earthy depth to your filling.
Step 6: Sprinkle Fresh Basil
Now scatter a quarter cup of chopped fresh basil atop the spinach. This fresh herb adds vibrant taste notes that contrast wonderfully with the richness of cheeses and eggs.
Step 7: Crumble Goat Cheese
Using a fork, crumble the creamy goat cheese evenly over the basil. Its tanginess cuts through the richness and lends a delightful creamy texture once baked.
Step 8: Top with Cherry Tomatoes
Halve your cherry tomatoes with a serrated knife and arrange as many as you can fit on top. These tomatoes will roast down slightly, releasing their sweetness and providing juicy bursts in every bite.
Step 9: Mix and Pour the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together 6 eggs, the almond milk, salt, and pepper until combined and a little frothy—about one minute of beating. Pour this custardy mixture evenly over your layered ingredients, filling the pan almost to the brim.
Step 10: Prepare for Baking
If your quiche pan has a separable base or you notice it’s quite full, place the pan on a baking sheet to catch any leaks or spills. This simple precaution saves you an oven mess and helps ensure even baking.
Step 11: Bake Until Set and Golden
Pop the quiche in the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Look for a gently browned top and a quiche that doesn’t jiggle when you shake the pan—your custard should be perfectly set.
Step 12: Cool and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the quiche rest for a few minutes to firm up further. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve warm for the best experience.
How to Serve Cherry Tomato, Leek, and Spinach Quiche Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil sprinkled on top brightens the dish both visually and in flavor. You can also add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few flakes of crushed red pepper for a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
This quiche pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a simple fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. Roasted potatoes or grilled asparagus also complement this savory dish nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch, serve individual slices on colorful plates with a small herb salad on the side. You could even make mini quiches using muffin tins for a party-ready finger food version. Adding edible flowers or microgreens as garnish makes it extra special and elegant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your quiche, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day meals or quick snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze slices of this quiche by wrapping them well in plastic and foil. To maintain the best texture, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftover quiche in a 350-degree F oven for 10-15 minutes until warm and slightly crisp on the edges. Avoid microwaving for the best texture, but if you must, use low power and cover loosely to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just sauté fresh spinach until wilted, then drain any excess moisture before adding. This keeps the quiche from getting soggy while still packing in fresh flavor.
Is it possible to make this quiche dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives for the cheddar and goat cheese, and the almond milk already keeps the liquid dairy-free. Just make sure any substitutes melt well to maintain a creamy texture.
What can I do if I don’t have a pie crust?
You can use a store-bought crust, a homemade dough, or even skip the crust altogether for a crustless quiche. Just grease your pan well and expect a slightly different texture.
How can I tell when the quiche is fully cooked?
The top should be lightly browned and the custard shouldn’t jiggle when you shake the pan gently. Inserting a knife that comes out clean is another good test.
Can I add other vegetables or proteins to this recipe?
Definitely! This Cherry Tomato, Leek, and Spinach Quiche Recipe is versatile. Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, or cooked bacon to suit your tastes.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Tomato, Leek, and Spinach Quiche Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s both nourishing and elegant. It’s one of those dishes that makes you feel like you’re giving yourself and your loved ones a big, comforting hug through food. So don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into making this quiche that will brighten up any meal!
