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    Home » Season » Christmas

    Published: Apr 11, 2022 · Modified: Feb 8, 2023 by Heather Bilyeu · This post may contain affiliate links · 6 Comments

    Caramelized Onion and Spinach Quiche

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    Caramelized Onion and Spinach Quiche is the perfect breakfast and will be loved by all! Packed with sweet onions, swiss cheese, and all the perfect flavors in a flaky homemade pie crust. This will be on the regular rotation from now on.

    Y'all. I love quiche! It is one of my favorite breakfast dishes. Caramelized onion and spinach quiche is a delicious breakfast option filled with veggies, cheese, and all the breakfast goodness you can want!

    It is consistently a top-performing recipe at FSS always - and for good reason!

    Lets not waste any time shall we?!

    aramelized Onion and Spinach Quiche  on top of a green napkin with plates next to it.
    Jump to:
    • The First Step in Making a Quiche
    • How to Make Homemade Pie Crust
    • How to Blind Bake Pie Crust for Quiche
    • How To Caramelize Onions
    • Ingredients Needed
    • How to Prep The Quiche Base
    • Instructions
    • Prep Ahead Tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Caramelized Onion and Spinach Quiche

    See the full WEB STORY here!

    The First Step in Making a Quiche

    Personally, I believe you need a homemade pie crust.

    Now if that isn't your thing or you don't have time - no worries, you can use a store-bought one. BBBUUUUTTTTTT I think the homemade version tastes 10x better and is really not that hard to make.

    How to Make Homemade Pie Crust

    unbaked pie crust in a pie plate.
    • 1 Cup Flour
    • 3 Tablespoons Butter
    • 3 Tablespoons Lard or Shortening
    • ½ Teaspoon Salt
    • 3-7 Tablespoons Ice Water  + more if needed
    1. In a large bowl, add flour, salt, cold butter, and cold lard/shortening.
    2. Using a pastry cutter, cut butter and lard into the flour until the mixture resembles small pea size shapes. If the butter and lard have gotten too warm in the process, place into the freezer for 5 minutes to chill before continuing.
    3. Fill a large glass with water and ice. Using a tablespoon measure, spoon 3-5 tablespoons of the ice water into the flour mixture. Using a fork or spatula, mix well. You may need to add in more water if still floury and not coming together. You want the dough to just begin to come together - not sticky and wet but not floury and crumbly as well. It will still be a bit crumbly but when you squeeze it together with your hands it stays together (see the picture below). Do not add too much water (I usually end up adding around 10 tablespoons most of the time).
    4. Sprinkle flour lightly out onto the counter and place dough on top. Roll around flour so that all sides are covered and bring it together into a ball shape.
    5. Roll out with a rolling pin in a circle until it is larger than your pie plate.
    6. Gently pick up the crust at one end and scoot the pie plate right up next to the dough so that it is easy to flip over/drag over onto the pie plate (this allows you not to have to pick up the entire pie of dough and risk breaking). Make sure the dough lays evenly around all the edges.
    7. Trim off any excess on the sides of the crust, then gently crimp your edges with your fingers all the way around the pie plate. (To crimp: gently fold the excess crust under itself on the edge. With your pointer finger and thumb on both hands, gently pinch together the crust then push both hands together to meet, forming a small pinch. Repeat around the entire crust.)
    unbaked pie crust with baking beans inside it
    pie crust over the top of a pie plate on the counter.

    How to Blind Bake Pie Crust for Quiche

    What does blind baking a pie crust mean? Blind baking a pie crust is the process of partially cooking a crust in its shell without a filling inside. You do this for any liquid or custard-based quiches or pies because they are liquid fillings. If you were to place a liquid filling in an unbaked pie crust and bake, the bottom of the pie crust would never be able to fully bake and still be raw. By blind baking it by itself, you ensure that the bottom of the crust actually gets baked for those types of recipes.

    You will need to use pie weights, or better yet, just buy a bag of $1.50 dried pinto beans from Walmart and designate them to be your "baking beans" used only for this recipe (my mom and I have ours stored in a mason jar). You will need the weight of the beans on top of the crust to ensure an even bake on the bottom without any air bubbles forming.

    1. If a blind or partial bake is needed, pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
    2. Place wax or parchment paper over the pie crust on the pie plate. Pour in baking beans or pie weights and evenly distribute around the shell.
    3. Place in the oven for 15-16 minutes.
    4. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
    5. Pick up the edges of the wax or parchment paper and pour the beans into a mason jar. Proceed with the recipe as directed.

    Recipes you would need to blind bake a pie crust for would be things like quiches, and custard filling pies like pumpkin, pecan, cherry, etc.

    How To Caramelize Onions

    There is one major key to this.

    Low and slow.

    You cannot rush this process. It takes time but it is oh so worth it.

    1. In a large skillet add 1 tablespoon of butter and turn on medium-low.
    2. Slice a whole onion very thinly. I just use a mandolin * for this - I think it is easier or you can use a knife as well. Just make sure your knife is sharp and you cut even and thin slices.
    3. Place the onion in the skillet with the butter and stir with a wooden spoon to coat the onions. You will cook over medium low heat for about 30 minutes. During this time the onions will begin to sweat, become translucent, and evenly start to brown and caramelize making the most delicious, sweet, and nutty flavor. Your house will smell amazing!
    4. Continue to stir on and off during the 30 minutes. If you think your onion has soaked up all the butter and is beginning to stick to the pan, just add some more.
    caramelizing onions in a skillet on the stove.

    Ingredients Needed

    • Eggs
    • Milk
    • Salt
    • Red Pepper Flakes
    • White Pepper
    • Swiss Cheese
    eggs, milk, cheese, and spices in clear bowls on a white table.

    How to Prep The Quiche Base

    While the pie crust and onions are cooking, go ahead and prep your egg base for the quiche.

    1. Beat your eggs with milk and spices.
    2. Shred your swiss cheese.
    3. Add the cheese to the egg mixture.
    the egg base for caramelized Onion and Spinach Quiche in a clear bowl.

    Instructions

    Once your onions are almost finished (with 5-10 minutes remaining) add in 3 big handfuls of spinach to the skillet. It doesn't take long to wilt down.

    Once the spinach is wilted and the onions caramelized, take off the heat and cool for 5 minutes.

    Add to the egg mixture and stir until everything is evenly combined.

    When the pie crust is finished, remove it from the oven and carefully remove the pie weights or beans. This is where having the paper bigger than the pie shell comes in handy. You can just pick up the edges, form a "funnel" and pour the weights or beans right back into their storage container (mason jars are PERFECT for this!).

    Pour the egg mixture into the blind-baked pie crust and place it into the oven to bake for 45 minutes.

    You will know when the caramelized onion and spinach quiche is finished when the top is slightly golden brown and the middle is set. At 45 minutes take an oven mitt and gently shake the quiche. If the middle still "jiggles" a little bake for 5-10 more minutes until the middle is totally set.

    Remove from the oven and let cool for 10-20 minutes. Slice and enjoy!

    spinach and onion quiche in a pie crust right before going in the oven.

    Prep Ahead Tips

    Spinach onion quiche is a great dish to make ahead of time for any special occasion you may need it for - the holidays, a brunch, bridal or wedding shower, or to have on hand for breakfast during the week!

    Prep and bake according to directions. Cool and place covered in the fridge for 24 hours.

    When ready to serve, remove it from the fridge. This can be served cold, at room temp, or if you would like it warm - place it in a 200-degree oven for about 10-20 minutes until gently warmed back up!

    See Frequently Asked Questions below for how to freeze and prep pie crust ahead of time.

    Caramelized Onion and Spinach Quiche is the perfect breakfast item! It can be enjoyed hot or cold and makes great leftovers to eat for breakfast all week!

    a slice of caramelized Onion and Spinach Quiche on a white plate with the pie plate behind it.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Should I Prebake Crust for Quiche?

    Yes! You need to partially pre-bake your crust for quiche so that the bottom of the crust fully cooks. You will use a method called "blind baking" for this.
    See below or the recipe card for instructions.

    How Do I Blind Bake A Pie Crust?

    Once your pie crust is on a pie plate, place a sheet of wax or parchment paper over top. You want this to be bigger than the actual pie. Pour pie weights (*affiliate link) or I just use a bag of dried pinto beans, and pour on top of the paper. Spread the weight out evenly amongst the pie crust, making sure that you get all the way to the edges. Place in a preheated 375-degree oven and bake for 15-16 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before removing the baking beans/weights and paper.

    Can I Use Milk Instead of Heavy Cream for Quiche?

    You can use milk instead of cream in the quiche filling. I always use milk in my filling.

    How to Store Leftovers

    Leftovers can be kept covered in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

    a slice of caramelized Onion and Spinach Quiche with the pie plate behind it.

    Want More Delicious Breakfast Recipes? Look No Further!

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    • Easy Homemade Monkey Bread
    • Blueberry Protein Bars {made with Kodiak Cakes}
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    • Brioche French Toast
    • Easy Cream Cheese Danish
    • Kitchen Sink Breakfast Casserole
    Print
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    caramelized onion and spinach quiche sliced in a pie plate with a green napkin next to it

    Caramelized Onion and Spinach Quiche


    ★★★★★

    5 from 1 reviews

    • Author: Heather Bilyeu
    • Total Time: 95 minutes
    • Yield: 8 pieces 1x
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    Caramelized onion and spinach quiche is the perfect breakfast and will be loved by all. Packed with sweet onions, swiss cheese, and all the perfect flavors in a flaky homemade pie crust. This will be on the regular rotation from now on.


    Ingredients

    Scale

    For The Pie Crust

    • 1 Homemade Pie Crust OR 1 Storebought/Premade Pie Crust

    For The Caramelized Onions

    • 1 Yellow Onion
    • 1 ½ Tablespoon Butter - divided
    • 3-5 Ounces Spinach

    For The Egg Mixture

    • 8 Eggs
    • ½ Cup Milk
    • ½ Teaspoon Salt
    • ¼ Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
    • ⅛ Teaspoon White Pepper
    • 1 Cup Swiss Cheese - grated

    Instructions

    Pie Crust

    1. Follow the directions for homemade pie crust if using.
    2. BLIND BAKE:  for both store-bought and homemade, once your pie crust is on the pie plate, place a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper over the top, larger than the actual pie plate. Place pie weights or dried beans over top of the paper and spread evenly over the bottom of the shell, making sure to get all the way to the edges, corners, and sides. Place in the oven at 375 degrees for 15-16 minutes. Once finished, remove and let cool until the quiche mixture is ready. Remove the pie weights once cooled down a bit. Proceed with the recipe.

    Caramelized Onions

    1. In a large skillet, add in 1 tablespoon of butter and the onion, thinly sliced. 
    2. Turn on medium-low and cook for 30 minutes, stirring often. Over the next 30 minutes, the onions will turn a caramel color. Make sure to keep an eye on them and do not turn the heat up. This can be done while the crust is blind baking.
    3. With about 5 minutes left, add in the spinach and another ½ tablespoon of butter. Cook until the spinach has wilted then remove from the heat.

    Egg Mixture

    1. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. 
    2. In a large bowl, add 8 eggs and beat with a fork until the yolks are broken.
    3. Add in the milk, salt, red pepper flakes, white pepper, and shredded swiss cheese. Mix well.
    4. Add in the caramelized onions and spinach. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
    5. Pour carefully into the blind-baked pie crust and place into the oven to bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until the middle is set and doesn't jiggle anymore.

    Notes

    • Leftovers can be kept covered in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
    • Prep Time: 20 minutes
    • Cook Time: 75 minutes
    • Category: Breakfast
    • Method: Baking
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 slice
    • Calories: 316
    • Sugar: 1.9 g
    • Sodium: 134.5 mg
    • Fat: 22.1 g
    • Carbohydrates: 15.3 g
    • Fiber: 0.8 g
    • Protein: 13.6 g
    • Cholesterol: 234.4 mg

    Keywords: Caramelized Onion and Spinach Quiche

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @fuelingasouthernsoul on Instagram and hashtag it #fuelingasouthernsoul

    Please rate and review below!

    Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes
    Disclosure. Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link, I may receive compensation. This compensation comes at no additional cost to you, and as always I only recommend products I trust! Heather Bilyeu is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
    « Roasted Red Pepper and Egg White Sous Vide Bites
    Bourbon Pecan and Chocolate Slab Bars »

    Filed Under: Christmas, Easter, Recipe Video, Savory Breakfast, Southern, Thanksgiving Tagged With: Eggs

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Heather says

      August 10, 2020 at 7:52 pm

      It is overwhelming. I highly recommend WordPress. Also, check out Food Blogger Pro. That is where I learned most of what I know and how I started out. IT IS THE BEST!

      Reply
    2. Heather says

      August 27, 2020 at 11:47 pm

      lol thank you 🙂

      Reply
    3. Caitlin says

      August 05, 2021 at 2:43 pm

      Maybe the be quiche I’ve ever had! I loved making this and thought the steps were very easy. One thing is that I didn’t see instructions for how to use the egg in the pie crust. I did add an egg into the mixture anyway. I also used the full amount of dough as I had a big pie plate (I didn’t divide it in 2). Very tasty, I will 100% make this again.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Heather says

        August 05, 2021 at 7:23 pm

        Oh my gosh! So I have no idea why there is an egg in the ingredients list - haha! I have never used an egg for my pie crust - this is a mystery and I am so sorry haha! I am glad it still turned out though 🙂 Thanks for reading and making it - and sharinf! I love this recipe too!

        Reply
    4. Jennifer Monahan says

      November 02, 2022 at 9:54 pm

      Makes a lovely quiche! I don’t blind bake the frozen pie shell from
      My grocery store but it does dethaw. The onions are wonderful in it!

      Reply
      • Heather says

        November 03, 2022 at 12:41 pm

        So glad you liked it! Thanks for making and commenting!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Heather! Grab a glass of wine, a blanket, and a cozy seat on your back porch. I am so glad you are here! Born and raised in Kentucky and with proper southern roots, my love for entertaining and hospitality runs deep within my soul. There is nothing that I love more than having people around my table and loving them through food and drink!

    More about me →

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