Description
This Deep-Dish Spinach Pancetta Quiche is a savory delight combining a flaky homemade crust with a rich filling of crispy pancetta, tender onions, fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy Havarti cheese. Baked to golden perfection with a smooth custard made from eggs, Greek yogurt, and reduced-fat milk, this quiche is perfect for brunch, lunch, or a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 8 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1 Large Egg
- 1/2 cup Water
Filling
- 8 ounces Pancetta
- 2 Onions
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Olive Oil
- 4 cups Fresh Baby Spinach
- 8 ounces Havarti Cheese
Custard
- 6 Large Eggs
- 2 cups Fat-Free Greek Yogurt
- 1 cup 2% Reduced Fat Milk
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground White Pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- Salt, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh Basil Leaf, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In the bowl of a food processor, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Add 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Egg and Water: In a small bowl, combine 1 large egg and 1/2 cup water. Add to the food processor and pulse until the mixture just begins to clump together.
- Shape and Chill Dough: Transfer the mixture onto plastic wrap, fold over, and press the crumbs to hold together. Shape into a disc, wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 15-inch circle. Carefully roll the pastry around a rolling pin and transfer it to a 9×2 1/2-inch springform pan, pressing into the sides.
- Trim and Freeze Shell: Trim overhanging pastry to 1 inch and press firmly against the outside of the ring to prevent shrinking. Use trimmings to fill cracks. Freeze the shell for 20 minutes.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Shell: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place springform pan on a baking sheet and line the pastry shell with double thickness aluminum foil overhanging the sides.
- Bake Shell Partially: Bake for about 20 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
- Remove Foil and Finish Baking Shell: Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bottom is lightly browned. Cool on a rack before filling.
- Cook Pancetta: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 8 ounces pancetta until lightly browned, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings in skillet.
- Sauté Onions: Return skillet to medium heat. Add 2 onions and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; cook until tender and golden, 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil; cook for 1 minute.
- Wilt Spinach: Add 4 cups fresh baby spinach; cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Mix Filling: Remove from heat and cool 10 minutes. Stir in cooked pancetta and 8 ounces Havarti cheese.
- Make Custard: In a blender, combine 6 large eggs, 2 cups fat-free Greek yogurt, 1 cup 2% milk, salt to taste, 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Blend until frothy.
- Assemble Quiche: Place pre-baked shell on a baking sheet. Spoon the onion mixture into the shell and pour custard over it.
- Bake Quiche: Bake for 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until top is lightly browned and custard is set, reaching 165°F (70°C) in the center.
- Cool and Release: Let cool in pan for 40 minutes. Run an offset spatula or serrated knife around edge to loosen. Carefully remove springform pan ring.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Cut into wedges and serve warm.
Notes
- For best crust flakiness, use cold unsalted butter and avoid overworking the dough.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent shrinking in the oven.
- Freezing the crust before baking helps maintain its shape and texture.
- Ensure the custard is just set but still moist in the center to avoid a dry quiche.
- Fresh basil adds a refreshing note but can be omitted or substituted with parsley.
- This quiche can be made a day ahead and refrigerated, reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: deep dish quiche, spinach quiche, pancetta quiche, savory tart, brunch recipe, homemade pie crust, Havarti cheese quiche
