Spinach, Bacon + Leek Quiche

Spinach Bacon Leek Quiche

Spinach Bacon Leek Quiche

For Easter this year I decided to make this lovely Spinach, Bacon + Leek Quiche. I love baking pies and tarts and quiches, especially around the holidays, and with so much time on my hands at home lately (a.k.a. #quarantinecooking) what perfect time then to bake up a comforting pie to devour for our holiday brunch.

For the sake of time and also using up some things we had in the freezer, I used a frozen ready-made pie crust shell but you could certainly make your own pie crust from scratch (which is basically a short-crust pastry made with flour, butter, salt and water ) and roll it out into a 9-inch pie pan. Blind bake the crust for 10 minutes first if you want a crispier pie crust (topped with parchment paper and filled with dried beans or pie weights).

Pour Egg Custard

Simply cook your bacon, drain and crumble or chop it up and set aside. Make your egg custard with some sour cream and whole milk (or heavy cream if you wish for a richer custard), dried or fresh sliced leeks and seasonings. Add the shredded cheese. Then whisk it all together by hand until well blended and airy. Layer the spinach and cooked bacon on top of the cooked or uncooked pie shell. Pour the egg custard on top and bake for 35-45 minutes until the eggs are set and the crust is golden brown. If the crust edges start getting too dark, roll some foil over the edges while baking to prevent them from burning.

Spinach Bacon Quiche

Take the quiche out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then slice and serve warm, with a side of fruit and salad and mimosas. Perfect Easter brunch!

Chef’s Note: The quiche can also be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven (covered in foil) for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees F. Can also be served at room temperature.  You can also substitute the veggies by using onions or scallions, broccoli or zucchini, bell peppers or mushrooms.. and whatever cheese you like! Swiss or Gruyere are great melty cheese for quiche and go great with the spinach and bacon flavors. Prosciutto or pancetta or sausage would be equally delicious instead of bacon. Or leave meat out all together for a delicious vegetarian quiche.

Spinach, Bacon + Leek Quiche

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Yield: 8

Serving Size: 1 wedge

This is a lovely quiche for a brunch or special occasion meal. Made with three cheeses, bacon, spinach and leeks in a ready-made pie crust. So easy and delicious and perfect for Easter brunch or Mother's Day!

Ingredients

  • 6 slices bacon
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk or half and half
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Kosher Salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons dried leeks
  • 1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash seasoning (unsalted)
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar, Mozzarella, Monterey Jack)
  • 1 (9-inch) pie crust, frozen and defrosted or homemade

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Cook bacon in a large frying pan, drain and crumble, set aside.
  3. Roll out pie crust and fit into a 9-inch pie dish. Cover with parchment paper and fill with dried beans. Bake the crust for 10 minutes and set aside.
  4. Combine the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, Mrs. Dash seasoning and dried leeks in a large mixing bowl and whisk together.
  5. Layer the spinach, bacon, and cheese in the bottom of the pie crust, then pour the egg mixture on top.
  6. Bake for and additional 35 minutes until the egg mixture is set. Let cool for 10 minutes.
  7. Cut into 8 wedges and serve.
  8. Great with a side of green salad and fresh fruit and mimosas for a perfect brunch.

Notes

Note: The quiche can also be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven (covered in foil) for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees F. Can also be served at room temperature.  You can also substitute the veggies by using onions or scallions and broccoli or zucchini and use whatever cheese you like. Prosciutto, ham, pancetta or sausage would be equally delicious instead of bacon. Or leave it out all together for a meatless vegetarian quiche! 

Recipe adapted from Paula Deen

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https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2020/04/spinach-bacon-leek-quiche/

Ham, Cheese, Broccoli + Mushroom Frittata {#Keto}

Keto Ham, Cheese, Mushroom + Broccoli Frittata

Who loves #brunch besides me? One of my favorite recipes around the holidays is a big egg casserole, quiche or frittata made with lots of delicious ingredients like ham or bacon, cheese, veggies all baked together into a hot, bubbling dish of goodness.

This Ham, Cheese, Broccoli + Mushroom Frittata is also #lowcarb, #keto and #Whole30 diet friendly – something we all are looking for to eat lighter and shed a few pounds after an indulgent holiday filled with rich, carb-laden, sugar-filled foods.

Mix ingredients in large casserole dish

I made the frittata with some cooked smoked ham, broccoli, mozzarella and cheddar cheese, sautéed buttery mushrooms, eggs and a touch of light cream, dried leeks, a dash of onion salt and a little garlic.  It’s all layered together in a casserole dish then baked in the oven for 40-45 minutes, then served at room temperature.

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and cheeses – some crumbled breakfast sausage or bacon instead of ham. Sub some halved cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers or asparagus, and use some creamy brie or swiss or gruyere cheese would all be equally delicious! Or leave out the meat altogether and make it a #vegetarian egg casserole instead.

The frittata can also be cooked in a cast iron pan on the stove for a few minutes and finished in the oven until cooked through. It can also be made ahead of time and reheated, or served room temperature. Great served with a side salad or fruit salad for brunch. Yum!

Frittata

Happy New Year #2020! 

Keto Ham, Cheese, Broccoli + Mushroom Frittata

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 8

Serving Size: 1 square (1/8 of frittata)

Ingredients

  • Olive oil cooking spray
  • 5 cups broccoli
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 cup cooked ham, diced
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 12 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup light cream
  • 1 tablespoons dried leeks
  • Onion salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh or dried parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees, Spray a 9x13 or medium round baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Blanch the broccoli for a few minutes, drain and run under cool water, set aside.
  3. Melt butter in a small sauté pan and cook mushrooms for 5-6 minutes until tender and browned. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Layer the broccoli, mushrooms and ham in the baking dish.
  5. Beat the eggs in a large mixing bowl and add cream, dried leeks and season with onion salt and pepper.
  6. Pour the egg mixture over the cooked veggies and ham and stir ingredients together.
  7. Sprinkle the cheese over the top, mixing it through the casserole.
  8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until eggs are set and the top is lightly browned. Remove from oven and let cool.
  9. Serve warm, cut into squares.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and cheeses - some cooked sausage or bacon instead of ham, tomatoes, peppers or asparagus would also be equally delicious and nutritious. The frittata can also be cooked in a cast iron pan on the stove for a few minutes and finished in the oven until cooked through. Can be made ahead of time and reheated, or served room temperature. Great with a side salad or fruit salad for brunch.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2019/12/ham-cheese-broccoli-mushroom-frittata-keto/

Some other frittata/quiche/egg casseroles you might wanna try!

Bacon, Onion + Cheese Frittata

Summer Veggie Frittata

Italian Frittata w/ Potato, Red Pepper + Bacon

Mushroom, Ham + Cheese Strata

Holiday Strata

Spinach, Cheese + Green Onion Quiche

Pan-Seared Scallops w/ Leek, Thyme & Wine Cream Sauce; Lemon-Leek Orzo & Sauteed Zucchini Squash

Pan-Seared Scallops with Leek, Thyme & Wine Cream Sauce, Lemon-Leek Orzo & Sauteed Garlic Zucchini & Squash
Pan-Seared Scallops with Leek, Thyme & Wine Cream Sauce, Lemon-Leek Orzo & Sauteed Garlic Zucchini & Squash

This dish is a special treat I created for a recent audition for a new cooking show for ABC – I decided to create a dish that would not only impress the food judges and producers but also one featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients and irresistible to the tastebuds! Fresh Pan-seared Scallops served in a Leek and Thyme Wine Cream sauce with a side of Orzo (a small rice-shaped pasta) made with Meyer lemon-infused oil, lemon zest, and leeks. Sauteed Zucchini and Summer Squash is a perfect accompaniment to the scallops and orzo; made with garlic, olive oil, herbs de Provence, and a touch of butter, topped with some Himalayan pink onion sea salt and fresh ground black pepper.

Lemon-Leek Orzo

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon lemon-infused oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup leeks, trimmed, rinsed, sliced
  • 1/2 cup orzo pasta
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Italian Sea Salt with Lemon, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and leeks and saute for about 5 minutes until soft.
  2. Add orzo, broth, wine, thyme, lemon zest, sea salt and pepper to taste; mix ingredients together and bring to a boil. Cover and immediately reduce to a simmer on low heat.
  3. Cook orzo for about 15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed and stir ingredients together. Pasta should be al dente and will be an opaque color when done. (Read the package directions if adjusting quantity to ensure cooking time is correct).
  4. Set aside, covered, and keep warm. Serve with the Pan-seared Scallops and Leek-Thyme Wine Cream Sauce and Sauteed Zucchini Squash.
https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2012/07/pan-seared-scallops-w-leek-thyme-lemon-leek-orzo-sauteed-zucchini-squash/

Pan-Seared Scallops in Leek & Thyme Wine Cream Sauce

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 leek, rinsed, trimmed and sliced
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 tablespoon parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup half and half
  • 1 pound jumbo sea scallops
  • Kosher or Sea Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Saute garlic and leeks in olive oil over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, being careful not to burn garlic.
  2. Add the wine, chicken broth, parsley and thyme, raise the heat to medium-high and let the liquid thicken and reduce to about half, stirring often (cook about 5-7 minutes until you get desired thickness).
  3. Stir in the cream, reduce heat to low and let simmer for another minute or so, mixing the sauce well.
  4. Rinse sea scallops and pat dry. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  5. Heat olive oil in a cast iron saute pan over medium-high heat. Sear the scallops for about 3 minutes on each side, until a golden brown crust forms and scallops are no longer pink (do not turn scallops until each side is done).
  6. Serve scallops with the Leek and Thyme Wine Cream Sauce garnished with some extra parsley and thyme with the Lemon-Leek Orzo and Sauteed Zucchini (recipes follow). A crisp white wine such as a Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc is the recommended pairing for this dish.
https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2012/07/pan-seared-scallops-w-leek-thyme-lemon-leek-orzo-sauteed-zucchini-squash/

Sauteed Garlic and Zucchini Squash

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 zucchini, sliced and cut in half
  • 1 yellow summer squash, sliced and cut in half
  • 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
  • Himalayan Pink Onion Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. In a large saute pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
  2. Saute garlic for about 1 minute until lightly browned.
  3. Add zucchini, yellow squash, herbes de Provence, onion salt and black pepper; mix well. Saute for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until zucchini and squash are slightly browned and soft.
  4. Serve as a side dish to the Pan-seared Scallops and Lemon-Leek Orzo.
https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2012/07/pan-seared-scallops-w-leek-thyme-lemon-leek-orzo-sauteed-zucchini-squash/

 

Butternut Squash Agnolotti w/ Brown Butter, Sage & Pine Nuts | Chicken Marsala Ravioli w/ Wild Mushroom & Leeks

Buitoni New Pasta Flavors
Buitoni New Pasta Flavors

There’s some new kids on the block – and some mighty tasty ones at that. Buitoni reached out to me and asked me to create some recipes to go with their two new stuffed pasta flavors which are totally rockin’!

The Roasted Butternut Squash Agnolotti is a luscious half-moon pasta generously filled with oven-roasted Butternut Squash, Impastata Ricotta, aged Parmesan and Grada Padano cheeses, accented with amaretti cookie crumbs. I decided to create a luscious sauce with Brown Butter, Sage, Pancetta, Shallots, and Toasted Pine Nuts.

The savory Chicken Marsala Ravioli is a delicate pasta filled with all-natural white meat chicken, roasted portabello mushrooms and caramelized onions with Impastata Ricotta, aged Parmesan and Asiago cheeses, accented with Marsala wine. To compliment the savory chicken and mushroom flavors inside, I created a Wild Mushrooms, Leeks, and Thyme in a Garlic, Wine and Cream Sauce to go with.

The fresh pasta cooks super fast (approximately 5-6 minutes) so you’ll want to get your sauce going first before you cook the pasta, or you can cook the pasta first and set it aside until you add it to the sauce at the end to coat.

I recommend a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or or a dry Rose to go with the Butternut Squash Agnolotti, and a light red table wine such as Montepulcciano d’Abruzzo or Pinot Noir to accompany the Chicken Marsala Ravioli. Serve both with a side of toasty garlic bread and a simple Arugula or Romaine salad with some shaved Parmesan cheese a light lemon vinaigrette dressing (a few tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, two teaspoons of Dijon or grainy mustard, a squeeze or two of lemon and salt and pepper).

Roasted Butternut Squash Agnolotti w/ Brown Butter, Sage, Pancetta, Shallots and Toasted Pine Nuts
Roasted Butternut Squash Agnolotti w/ Brown Butter, Sage, Pancetta, Shallots and Toasted Pine Nuts

Butternut Squash Agnolotti with Brown Butter, Pancetta, Shallots, Sage, and Toasted Pinenuts

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Serving Size: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 package Buitoni Butternut Squash Agnolotti
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 4 oz. pancetta, diced
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated, plus extra for garnish
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted, for garnish
  • Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Boil water in a large saucepan and season with salt and olive oil. Cook stuffed pasta according to package directions (about 4-6 minutes) and drain; set aside.
  2. Heat a tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Cook garlic and shallots for about two minutes until lightly browned. Add pancetta and cook until crispy and browned. Add chicken stock and sage to the pan and reduce over medium-high until sauce thickens. Lower heat and add cooked Agnolotti to the sauce; toss to coat.
  3. Toast pine nuts in a small pan over medium heat until lightly golden brown, remove from heat.
  4. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese, kosher salt and freshly ground pepper (to taste), toasted pine nuts and a few sage leaves for garnish.

Notes

Serve pasta with a simple Arugula salad tossed in a light lemon Vinaigrette dressing and some toasted garlic bread. Wine pairings: Sauvignon Blanc, dry White table wine or Rose.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2012/07/new-buitoni-stuffed-pasta-flavors-2-rockin-sauce-recipes/

Chicken Marsala Ravioli with Wild Mushrooms, Leeks, Thyme in a Garlic Wine Cream Sauce
Chicken Marsala Ravioli with Wild Mushrooms, Leeks, Thyme in a Garlic Wine Cream Sauce

Chicken Marsala Ravioli with Wild Mushrooms, Leeks, Thyme in a Garlic Wine Cream Sauce

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 package Buitoni Chicken Marsala Ravioli
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 shallot, minced
  • 1 leek, rinsed, trimmed and sliced
  • 3.5 ounces Wild Mushrooms (Chanterelle or Porcini)
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup half and half or heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon thyme leaves, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley, chopped
  • Dash of Sea Salt (I used Pink Himalayan Onion Sea Salt)
  • Fresh ground black pepper
  • 5-6 sprays White Truffle Oil (equal to 1 teaspoon) - optional
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Boil water in a large sauce pan (with some salt and olive oil). Cook pasta according to package directions (approximately 5-7 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  2. Melt butter over medium heat in a large saute pan; add garlic and shallots and cook about 2 minutes until translucent. Add leeks and mushrooms and saute until brown, about 7 minutes. Turn heat up to medium-high and deglaze the pan with wine and broth, until sauce thickens and reduces by half, for about 5 minutes. Add cream and stir in chopped thyme and parsley and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook on low for about 1 minute, stirring often.
  3. Return cooked Ravioli to sauce pan and toss to coat with the sauce, cooking over low heat for about 1 minute. Add a few sprays of Truffle Oil if using.
  4. Transfer pasta and sauce to a serving dish and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Garnish with additional chopped thyme and parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Serve Chicken Marsala Ravioli with a simple green or Arugula salad with shaved Parmesan cheese and a light lemon Vinaigrette dressing and some toasted garlic bread. Wine pairing: Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir or light red Italian table wine such as Montepulcciano d'Abruzzo.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2012/07/new-buitoni-stuffed-pasta-flavors-2-rockin-sauce-recipes/

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*This is a sponsored post by Buitoni. All recipes, recommendations and opinions are my own.