If you love brunches filled with rich flavors and beautiful colors, the Duck Egg Spinach and Cheddar Quiche Recipe is a must-try that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Tender spinach and sharp cheddar swirl together under a golden, flaky crust, all brought to life by the unmistakable richness of duck eggs. This quiche is not only a comforting and impressive dish but also wonderfully versatile enough to suit any occasion, from casual breakfast gatherings to cozy dinners. Every bite showcases the creamy texture and full-bodied flavor that only duck eggs can deliver, making this recipe a treasured classic you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Duck Egg Spinach and Cheddar Quiche Recipe is simpler than you might think. Each element plays a vital role in balancing flavors and textures, from the buttery crust that supports the filling to the fresh spinach brightening every bite.
- Pie crust: Choose a store-bought or homemade dough for a buttery, flaky foundation.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness to sauté the shallots and garlic with ease.
- Shallot: Brings a gentle sweetness and depth to the spinach mixture.
- Garlic: Provides an aromatic punch that enhances the savory notes.
- Baby spinach: Offers a fresh, vibrant flavor and beautiful green color.
- Fresh duck eggs: The star ingredient, delivering creamier texture and a richer taste than chicken eggs.
- Whole milk: Lightens the egg mixture for a smooth, custardy filling.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and tangy, it melts perfectly to create cheesy pockets of goodness.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps every bite balanced.
How to Make Duck Egg Spinach and Cheddar Quiche Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Crust
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 Celsius). Take your pie crust and roll it out if it’s homemade, or thaw if using store-bought. Then gently press it into a 9-inch pie plate, making sure the edges are neatly formed to hold the filling in place. This crust will be the crispy, buttery shell that cradles all the rich ingredients inside.
Step 2: Sauté the Shallots, Garlic, and Spinach
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced shallots and let them cook for around 3 minutes until they’re tender and fragrant. Then toss in the minced garlic along with the baby spinach and cook just until the spinach begins to wilt. This mix infuses the quiche with a lovely aroma and a fresh earthy flavor.
Step 3: Layer the Spinach Mixture in the Crust
Spread the hot sautéed spinach, garlic, and shallot blend evenly across the base of your prepared pie crust. This layer adds moisture and vibrant green color to your quiche, creating a wonderful contrast to the creamy custard you’ll pour over it.
Step 4: Whisk Together Duck Eggs and Dairy
In a medium bowl, crack in all four fresh duck eggs and whisk them thoroughly until the yolks are fully broken up. Stir in the whole milk, half of your shredded cheddar cheese, and a teaspoon of sea salt. This custard mixture will be silky and rich, building the creamy texture so essential to a quiche that melts in your mouth.
Step 5: Assemble and Top Your Quiche
Pour the egg and milk custard gently over the spinach layer in the crust. Next, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top. This final cheese layer will brown nicely during baking, adding a beautiful golden crust with pockets of melted cheese throughout.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the quiche in your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center has set completely, and the top is golden and slightly puffed. The aromas filling your kitchen by this point will be irresistible.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Take the quiche out and let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the filling firm up just enough to hold its shape while still being tender and creamy with each slice you serve.
How to Serve Duck Egg Spinach and Cheddar Quiche Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your quiche by adding a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley just before serving. The green specks add a burst of freshness and a pop of color that invites everyone to dig in. A small dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche can also complement the richness beautifully without overpowering the gentle flavors.
Side Dishes
This quiche shines alongside light, crisp sides. Think of a fresh garden salad with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted cherry tomatoes bursting with juiciness. For something heartier, a bowl of creamy potato soup or a fragrant bowl of tomato bisque pairs perfectly for a cozy lunchtime or light dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, slice the quiche into bite-sized squares and serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy finger food. You can also prepare mini versions using tartlet pans, making each portion personal and perfect for brunch spreads or buffet tables. Drizzle a balsamic glaze or a touch of chili oil on top before slicing for an exciting gourmet twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your quiche, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Stored this way, it will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it an excellent option for next-day breakfasts or lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze your quiche, either whole or in individual slices. Wrap well in foil and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. For best quality, consume within one to two months, as freezing helps preserve the texture and flavor without loss.
Reheating
To warm up your quiche, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 Celsius) and heat the slices until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. This method keeps the crust crisp whereas microwaving tends to soften it. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works, just be mindful the texture will differ slightly.
FAQs
Can I substitute chicken eggs for duck eggs in this recipe?
Absolutely. While duck eggs provide a richer, creamier texture and deeper flavor, regular chicken eggs will still work and create a delicious quiche.
Is it necessary to sauté the spinach before baking?
Pre-cooking spinach removes excess moisture, preventing a watery quiche and concentrating the flavors, so it’s highly recommended for the best results.
Can I use other cheeses instead of cheddar?
Definitely! Gruyère, mozzarella, or feta can be fantastic substitutes or additions, each bringing its own unique character to the Duck Egg Spinach and Cheddar Quiche Recipe.
How do I know when the quiche is fully baked?
The quiche is done when the center no longer jiggles and the top has turned a lovely golden color. A knife inserted should come out mostly clean.
Can I make this quiche vegan or dairy-free?
This particular quiche relies on eggs and cheese for its signature flavor and texture, so vegan substitutes require different ingredients and techniques. For dairy-free, try plant-based milks and cheeses, but the texture will vary.
Final Thoughts
This Duck Egg Spinach and Cheddar Quiche Recipe truly captures the joy of comfort food with a fresh, elegant twist. It’s a dish that invites you into the kitchen with simple ingredients and rewards you with layers of flavor and texture. I encourage you to give it a try soon; once you taste the richness duck eggs bring, you’ll see why this quiche quickly claims a special spot on your recipe list.
Print
Duck Egg Spinach and Cheddar Quiche Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Duck Egg Quiche is a rich and flavorful twist on a classic dish, incorporating nutrient-dense duck eggs combined with spinach, shallots, garlic, and cheddar cheese baked in a flaky pie crust. Perfect for a brunch or light dinner, it offers a satisfying balance of creamy texture and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade dough)
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 shallot, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 ounces baby spinach
- 4 fresh duck eggs
- 1 cup (8 ounces) whole milk
- 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (176 C) to ensure it is ready for baking your quiche.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Roll out your dough and place it evenly into a 9-inch pie plate. If using a ready-made crust, defrost it first according to package instructions.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced shallots and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and baby spinach, cooking just until the spinach wilts.
- Assemble Spinach Layer: Evenly spread the sautéed spinach, shallot, and garlic mixture across the bottom of the prepared pie crust.
- Mix Egg Custard: Crack the duck eggs into a mixing bowl and whisk well until the yolks break. Add the whole milk, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and sea salt. Continue whisking until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Combine and Layer: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the spinach layer in the pie crust. Then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top of the egg custard.
- Bake the Quiche: Place the pie plate in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the quiche center is set and firm.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the quiche to cool for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Then slice and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute store-bought pie crust for homemade dough if desired.
- Adjust seasoning by adding pepper or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for additional flavor.
- Use a toothpick or knife to check doneness; it should come out clean from the center.
- Duck eggs are larger and richer than chicken eggs, so they make the custard more creamy and flavorful.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
