Light yet filling, savory yet elegant, Quiche aux Épinards is one of France’s most beloved savory pies. Made with a flaky pastry crust, creamy egg filling, and nutritious spinach, it’s a perfect dish for brunch, lunch, dinner—or any time you want to impress with minimal effort.

Let’s explore the origins, ingredients, variations, and recipe for making a truly authentic French spinach quiche right in your own kitchen.

🥧 What is Quiche aux Épinards?

Quiche aux Épinards is a savory open-faced pie made with:

A buttery shortcrust pastry base (pâte brisée)

A rich custard filling made from eggs and cream

Spinach (fresh or frozen), which adds a healthy, earthy touch

It’s similar to the famous Quiche Lorraine, but instead of bacon, it features leafy greens—sometimes enhanced with cheese, herbs, or onions.

This dish is especially popular in Alsace, Provence, and northern France, and is served warm or at room temperature with salad or soup.

🧾 Ingredients

For the crust (Pâte Brisée):

200 g all-purpose flour

100 g unsalted butter (cold, cubed)

1 egg yolk

A pinch of salt

1–2 tbsp cold water


For the filling:

250 g fresh spinach (or 200 g frozen, thawed and drained)

3 large eggs

200 ml heavy cream (or half cream, half milk)

100 g grated cheese (Gruyère, Emmental, or goat cheese)

1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)

1 clove garlic (minced, optional)

Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg

🍳 How to Make Quiche aux Épinards

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Mix flour and salt in a bowl. Add the cold butter and rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

  2. Add egg yolk and just enough water to form a dough.

  3. Shape into a disk, wrap in cling film, and chill for 30 minutes.

  4. Roll out and press into a tart pan (24 cm). Prick the bottom with a fork and refrigerate again for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Blind Bake the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

  2. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with baking beans.

  3. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove paper and beans, bake for another 5–10 minutes until slightly golden.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

  1. In a pan, heat oil/butter. Add garlic (if using) and spinach. Cook until wilted and liquid evaporates. Cool slightly.

  2. In a bowl, whisk eggs, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

  3. Stir in the cheese and cooked spinach.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

  1. Pour the spinach mixture into the pre-baked crust.

  2. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30–35 minutes, or until set and golden on top.

  3. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

💡 Tips for the Perfect Quiche

Use fresh spinach for better texture and color, but frozen works fine if well drained.

Add a handful of sautéed onions or leeks for extra flavor.

Let the quiche cool slightly before cutting to keep slices clean.

For a lighter version, use low-fat cream or Greek yogurt.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

Serve warm or room temperature with a simple green salad.

Accompany with a bowl of vegetable soup or tomato gazpacho.

Pair with a glass of dry white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

🧀 Variations of Spinach Quiche

Quiche Épinards et Chèvre: Add crumbled goat cheese for tang.

Quiche Épinards et Saumon: Include smoked or poached salmon.

Vegan version: Use plant-based milk, tofu, and dairy-free crust.

🇫🇷 French Comfort, Made Simple

Quiche aux Épinards is a brilliant example of French home cooking—uncomplicated, nutritious, and packed with flavor. It's a perfect make-ahead dish that tastes even better the next day, whether packed in a picnic or served for a casual dinner.

Bon appétit! 🥧🥬🧀