Easy Crustless Spinach Quiche
Easy Crustless Spinach Quiche is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 327 calories per serving. Recipe by The Stay At Home Chef on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 55 min | Total: 1 hr 40 min
Cost: $9.17 total, $1.53 per serving
Ingredients
- 10 oz Frozen Spinach (Thawed and well drained)
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil (Extra‑virgin recommended)
- 1 small White Onion (Diced; can substitute yellow or sweet onion)
- 4 oz Cremini Mushrooms (Sliced; can use white button mushrooms)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 8 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Shredded; can use mild cheddar)
- 6 oz Feta Cheese (Crumbled; can use reduced‑fat feta)
- 5 Large Eggs (Room temperature)
- 0.5 cup Milk (2% milk; can use whole or skim)
- 0.25 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
Drain and prepare spinach
Thaw the frozen spinach, then gather it in your hand and squeeze out all excess liquid into a bowl. Pat the remaining spinach dry with paper towels.
Time: PT10M
Preheat oven and grease pie plate
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9‑inch deep‑dish pie plate with a little olive oil or butter.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Sauté onion, mushrooms, and garlic
Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms; sauté until tender, about 5‑7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook another 1‑2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: medium‑high
Add spinach to skillet
Turn off the heat. Add the drained spinach to the skillet, break up any clumps and stir to combine with the vegetables.
Time: PT2M
Assemble filling and add cheese
Spoon the vegetable‑spinach mixture into the greased pie plate. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar and crumbled feta over the top and gently stir so the cheeses are evenly distributed.
Time: PT5M
Whisk egg mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 5 large eggs, 1/2 cup 2% milk, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth and slightly frothy.
Time: PT3M
Add custard to pie
Pour the egg‑milk mixture over the cheese‑vegetable layer, tilting the plate and using a spoon to help the custard fill any gaps.
Time: PT1M
Bake quiche
Place the pie plate in the preheated oven and bake for 40‑45 minutes, until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool and serve
Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool on a rack for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 327
- Protein
- 19g
- Carbohydrates
- 4g
- Fat
- 24g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free
Allergens: Eggs, Dairy (cheddar, feta, milk)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Frozen Spinach: Fresh spinach (about 12 oz), Canned spinach (drained)
- Instead of Olive Oil: Butter, Vegetable oil
- Instead of White Onion: Shallots, Leeks
- Instead of Cremini Mushrooms: White button mushrooms, Portobello mushrooms (sliced)
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Gruyère, Monterey Jack
- Instead of Feta Cheese: Goat cheese, Ricotta
- Instead of Large Eggs: Egg replacer (not recommended)
- Instead of Milk: Unsweetened almond milk, Soy milk
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- 9‑Inch Deep‑Dish Pie Plate
- Oven
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Paper Towels (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Drain and prepare spinach thoroughly to avoid soggy texture
- Bake until the center is set; under‑baking leaves a runny quiche
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced flavor; mild cheddar works but is less tangy.
- Crumble the feta evenly to distribute its salty bite throughout the quiche.
- Let the quiche rest after baking; this makes slicing cleaner.
Troubleshooting
Quiche is soggy
Make sure the spinach is thoroughly drained and pat dry; you can also press it between paper towels for extra moisture removal.
Top is too brown before center sets
Cover the quiche loosely with foil halfway through baking to prevent over‑browning.
Center is still liquid after baking time
Continue baking in 5‑minute increments; test with a knife until it comes out clean.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in oven before serving.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The quiche can be baked a day ahead and reheated in a 350°F oven for 10‑15 minutes.
- Cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of crustless spinach quiche in American brunch cuisine?
Quiche, originally a French savory tart, became a staple of American brunch culture in the mid‑20th century. The crustless version emerged as a low‑carb, gluten‑free adaptation, offering the same rich custard flavor while fitting modern health trends.
What are the traditional regional variations of spinach quiche in French cuisine?
In France, classic quiche Lorraine uses bacon and cheese, while a regional variation called "Quiche aux Épinards" incorporates fresh spinach, Gruyère, and sometimes cream. The Stay At Home Chef’s version swaps the crust for a lighter, crustless style.
How is crustless spinach quiche traditionally served in American brunch settings?
It is typically served warm, sliced into wedges, and accompanied by a simple green salad, fresh fruit, or a glass of orange juice. Some diners also enjoy it with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce.
What occasions or celebrations is crustless spinach quiche traditionally associated with in American culture?
The dish is popular for weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts, potlucks, and as a make‑ahead option for busy weekdays. Its versatility makes it a go‑to for Easter brunches and family gatherings.
What makes crustless spinach quiche special or unique in American brunch cuisine?
By eliminating the pastry crust, the quiche becomes lower in carbs and calories while still delivering a creamy, protein‑rich custard. The combination of spinach, sharp cheddar, and feta adds both earthiness and tang, setting it apart from traditional cheese‑only quiches.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making crustless spinach quiche?
Common errors include not draining the spinach enough, which leads to a soggy texture, and over‑baking, which dries out the custard. Also, using too much cheese can make the filling overly dense.
Why does this crustless spinach quiche recipe use a deep‑dish pie plate instead of a regular tart pan?
A deep‑dish pan provides extra volume for the generous filling and helps keep the quiche from spilling over during baking, especially important when omitting a crust that would otherwise contain the mixture.
Can I make crustless spinach quiche ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, bake the quiche, let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; reheat in a 350°F oven before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the crustless spinach quiche is done cooking?
The top should be lightly golden and set, while the center should be firm to the touch but still slightly jiggle in the middle. A clean knife inserted into the center should come out with only a few moist crumbs.
What does the YouTube channel The Stay At Home Chef specialize in?
The Stay At Home Chef focuses on easy‑to‑follow, restaurant‑quality recipes that home cooks can prepare with everyday ingredients and minimal equipment, covering a wide range of cuisines and meal types.
How does the YouTube channel The Stay At Home Chef's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
The Stay At Home Chef emphasizes simplicity, quick prep, and ingredient accessibility while still delivering flavorful, restaurant‑style results, often providing variations and make‑ahead tips that other channels may overlook.
Last updated: August 31, 2026






