This buttery bacon and ricotta spinach quiche transforms simple ingredients into a slice of comfort food heaven. Smoky bacon bits and earthy mushrooms complement the creamy blend of ricotta and sharp cheddar, while the thawed spinach adds vibrant color and nutrients to every forkful. The whole delightful mixture bakes to fluffy perfection inside a golden, flaky crust — creating that irresistible contrast between the crisp exterior and the melt-in-your-mouth filling. Serve this versatile quiche with a bright arugula salad for the perfect balance of richness and freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Buttery Bacon & Ricotta Spinach Quiche combines simplicity with gourmet flavor for a dish that feels special yet comes together with minimal effort. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection:
- Perfect Texture Balance: The creamy ricotta creates a fluffy interior while the crisp bacon and golden crust provide satisfying contrast in every bite.
- Meal Prep Champion: Make ahead on Sunday for effortless breakfast, lunch, or dinner options throughout the busy week—it reheats beautifully without losing flavor.
- Versatile Flavor Profile: The combination of sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and earthy mushrooms creates depth that works for any time of day, from brunch gatherings to elegant dinners.
- Foolproof Technique: The addition of flour to the egg mixture helps prevent the dreaded soggy bottom, ensuring your quiche maintains structural integrity when sliced.
- Nutrient-Rich Indulgence: Spinach adds vibrant color and essential vitamins while the protein-packed filling makes this quiche both satisfying and nourishing.
Ingredient Notes
Every component of this Easy Spinach Quiche contributes to its irresistible flavor and texture. The right ingredients—and knowing how to handle them—make all the difference between a good quiche and a memorable one.
- Pie crust: Store-bought refrigerated crusts offer convenience without sacrificing quality. For best results, let refrigerated crusts stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before unrolling to prevent cracking.
- Bacon: Choose center-cut bacon for the perfect meat-to-fat ratio. Cooking it until just crisp ensures it maintains texture in the quiche without becoming too chewy.
- Frozen chopped spinach: An essential time-saver that provides consistent results. Be sure to squeeze it thoroughly in a clean kitchen towel after thawing—excess moisture is the enemy of a perfectly set quiche.
- Eggs: The structural backbone of your quiche. Room temperature eggs incorporate more evenly into the mixture and create a more uniform texture when baked.
- Evaporated milk: Creates a silky, rich texture that regular milk can’t match. Its concentrated proteins help the quiche set firmly without being rubbery—half and half works well as a substitute.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds remarkable creaminess and lightness to the filling. Whole milk ricotta produces the best results, but part-skim works if you’re watching calories.
- All-purpose flour: Just a small amount helps bind the filling and prevents the dreaded “weeping” that can occur with dairy-heavy quiches. For a gluten-free option, substitute rice flour or cornstarch.
- Garlic powder: Provides aromatic depth without the moisture of fresh garlic. Always check freshness—garlic powder should have a strong scent when opened.
- Onion powder: Offers balanced onion flavor throughout the quiche without the prep work or texture of fresh onions. A time-saving ingredient that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
- Salt and pepper: The foundation of proper seasoning. Consider using kosher salt for better flavor distribution and freshly ground pepper for more pronounced spice notes.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Contributes both flavor and that desirable golden-brown top. Grating it yourself rather than using pre-shredded ensures better melting properties.
- Mushrooms: Add earthy flavor and meaty texture. White button mushrooms work perfectly, but cremini (baby portobello) offer a more robust flavor profile.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Used for sautéing the mushrooms to develop their flavor. A high-quality oil makes a noticeable difference, but any olive oil will work in a pinch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate, crimping the edges for a decorative finish.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8-10 minutes. I like to start with a cold pan for more evenly rendered fat. Once crisp, transfer to paper towels to drain, then crumble.
- Drain the thawed spinach thoroughly by pressing it in a fine mesh strainer or squeezing it in a clean kitchen towel—getting as much moisture out as possible prevents a soggy quiche.
- Heat olive oil in the same skillet used for bacon, and sauté the mushrooms for 5-6 minutes until they release their moisture and turn golden brown.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, evaporated milk, ricotta cheese, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until completely smooth.
- Fold the crumbled bacon, drained spinach, sautéed mushrooms, and 1½ cups of the cheddar cheese into the egg mixture, stirring gently to combine.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar on top, and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. The quiche is done when a knife inserted one inch from the center comes out clean.
- Allow the quiche to rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this gives the filling time to set completely for perfect slices.
Make Ahead Tips for Easy Spinach Quiche
This Easy Spinach Quiche is a meal prep superstar that saves precious time during busy mornings! You can prepare the entire filling mixture up to 24 hours in advance—simply combine the eggs, ricotta, bacon, spinach, and seasonings, then refrigerate in a covered bowl. The assembled (unbaked) quiche can also be wrapped tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. When ready to serve, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold. For ultimate convenience, bake the quiche completely and refrigerate for up to 3 days—individual slices reheat beautifully in the microwave for 60-90 seconds, delivering that same creamy, satisfying texture.
Storage & Freezing
This Buttery Bacon & Ricotta Spinach Quiche stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Refrigerate leftover quiche in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For best results, let it cool completely before storing to prevent condensation from making the crust soggy.
For longer storage, this quiche freezes exceptionally well. Once completely cooled, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing for up to 2 months. Alternatively, freeze the entire quiche on a baking sheet until solid, then wrap securely. I’ve found pre-cutting the quiche before freezing makes it easier to grab single servings when needed.
To reheat refrigerated quiche, warm in a 325°F oven for 15 minutes or microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes. For frozen quiche, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or reheat from frozen by extending the oven time to 25-30 minutes. Cover loosely with foil if the top starts to brown too quickly. The texture remains remarkably close to freshly baked, with the bacon and cheese flavors melding beautifully during storage.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Spinach Quiche makes a stunning centerpiece for any meal, with its golden top and savory aroma inviting everyone to the table.
For brunch gatherings, I love serving it alongside a bright citrus salad dressed with a light vinaigrette—the acidity perfectly balances the rich, creamy filling. A basket of crusty sourdough bread or buttery croissants completes the spread beautifully. For a special touch, garnish each slice with a few fresh herbs like chives or thyme.
When serving as a light dinner, pair with roasted vegetables like asparagus or brussels sprouts that complement the earthy mushroom notes in the quiche. A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio makes an excellent beverage pairing, cutting through the richness of the bacon and cheese while enhancing the subtle garlic and onion flavors.
For a casual lunch, a simple side of mixed greens dressed with olive oil and lemon juice is all you need. The contrast between the warm, comforting quiche and cool, crisp greens creates a perfectly balanced plate that satisfies without overwhelming.
Variations & Substitutions
Don’t be afraid to make this quiche your own! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to whatever you have on hand or whatever your taste buds are craving.
- Cheese swaps: While sharp cheddar and ricotta create a perfect balance, feel free to experiment with gruyère for nuttiness, fontina for meltability, or feta for a tangy bite. I sometimes mix in a handful of parmesan for an extra savory dimension.
- Crust alternatives: Make it crustless for a low-carb option by greasing your pie dish well and adding an extra egg to help the quiche set properly. For gluten-free needs, almond flour or gluten-free pie crusts work beautifully.
- Veggie variations: No spinach? Try kale, Swiss chard, or even broccoli florets (just steam them first). The mushrooms can be swapped for sautéed bell peppers, asparagus, or caramelized onions for different flavor profiles.
- Protein options: While bacon adds smoky depth, try diced ham, crumbled sausage, or even smoked salmon for a luxurious twist. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and add extra mushrooms or include sun-dried tomatoes for umami richness.
- Milk alternatives: If evaporated milk isn’t in your pantry, heavy cream creates the richest texture, while half-and-half strikes a nice balance. For a lighter option, whole milk works too—just expect a slightly less creamy result.
- Seasoning twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika to the egg mixture for a subtle flavor enhancement, or sprinkle some fresh herbs like chives, thyme, or dill into the filling for bright, garden-fresh notes.
Tips for the Best Buttery Bacon & Ricotta Spinach Quiche
- Master spinach prep: Press thawed spinach between paper towels, then squeeze in a kitchen towel until completely dry. This extra minute of effort prevents the dreaded soggy quiche syndrome.
- Bacon technique matters: Starting bacon in a cold pan helps render fat more evenly and creates perfectly crisp bits that distribute beautifully throughout your Easy Spinach Quiche.
- Pre-bake for perfection: I’ve found that blind baking the crust for 10 minutes before adding filling creates a barrier against moisture, ensuring a perfectly crisp bottom.
- Room temperature dairy: Let ricotta cheese and evaporated milk sit out for 15-20 minutes before mixing. Room temperature ingredients incorporate more smoothly for a silkier quiche texture.
- Test doneness correctly: Look for a slight jiggle in the center (like set gelatin) rather than complete firmness. The residual heat will finish cooking without drying out your beautiful creation.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, use 1 pound, sautéed until wilted.
How do I prevent a soggy quiche bottom?
Thoroughly drain spinach and blind-bake the crust.
Can I make this quiche without bacon?
Absolutely—substitute roasted red peppers or more mushrooms.
What can I substitute for evaporated milk?
Half and half or a mix of cream and milk.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Use gluten-free pie crust and cornstarch instead of flour.
Can I freeze leftover quiche?
Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
Buttery Bacon & Ricotta Spinach Quiche
This buttery bacon and ricotta spinach quiche transforms simple ingredients into a slice of comfort food heaven. Serve this versatile quiche with a bright arugula salad for the perfect balance of richness and freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust (refrigerated, frozen, or homemade)
- 6 ounces bacon
- 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach (thawed)
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup evaporated milk (or half and half, whole milk, or part heavy cream)
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 2 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate, crimping the edges for a decorative finish.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8-10 minutes. I like to start with a cold pan for more evenly rendered fat. Once crisp, transfer to paper towels to drain, then crumble.
- Drain the thawed spinach thoroughly by pressing it in a fine mesh strainer or squeezing it in a clean kitchen towel—getting as much moisture out as possible prevents a soggy quiche.
- Heat olive oil in the same skillet used for bacon, and sauté the mushrooms for 5-6 minutes until they release their moisture and turn golden brown.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, evaporated milk, ricotta cheese, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until completely smooth.
- Fold the crumbled bacon, drained spinach, sautéed mushrooms, and 1½ cups of the cheddar cheese into the egg mixture, stirring gently to combine.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar on top, and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. The quiche is done when a knife inserted one inch from the center comes out clean.
- Allow the quiche to rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this gives the filling time to set completely for perfect slices.
Notes
- Master spinach prep: Press thawed spinach between paper towels, then squeeze in a kitchen towel until completely dry. This extra minute of effort prevents the dreaded soggy quiche syndrome.
- Bacon technique matters: Starting bacon in a cold pan helps render fat more evenly and creates perfectly crisp bits that distribute beautifully throughout your Easy Spinach Quiche.
- Pre-bake for perfection: I’ve found that blind baking the crust for 10 minutes before adding filling creates a barrier against moisture, ensuring a perfectly crisp bottom.
- Room temperature dairy: Let ricotta cheese and evaporated milk sit out for 15-20 minutes before mixing. Room temperature ingredients incorporate more smoothly for a silkier quiche texture.
- Test doneness correctly: Look for a slight jiggle in the center (like set gelatin) rather than complete firmness. The residual heat will finish cooking without drying out your beautiful creation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 150mg



