Shrimp and Spinach Quiche

There’s something truly magical about the combination of tender shrimp nestled into a creamy custard with the earthy green freshness of spinach, all cradled in a buttery golden crust. This Shrimp and Spinach Quiche is more than a meal — it’s a celebration of comfort and elegance that will leave your kitchen smelling irresistible and your taste buds delighted. Imagine pulling this dish out of the oven, the top slightly puffed and golden, the aroma of garlic and cheese mingling with the delicate sweetness of shrimp. Trust me, you’re going to love this.

Behind the Recipe

Every quiche tells a little story, and this one is inspired by lazy weekend brunches and coastal flavors. Shrimp always feels like a touch of indulgence, while spinach keeps it grounded with its hearty green bite. It’s the kind of dish that feels special enough for guests but easy enough to enjoy for a simple family meal. Growing up near the coast, shrimp was always part of our table, and pairing it with creamy eggs was a way to stretch a luxury ingredient into something hearty and filling.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Quiche may be most famously tied to French cuisine, especially the beloved Quiche Lorraine, but variations have made their way across the globe. In coastal regions, seafood versions are a favorite, giving a local twist to the classic. Spinach and shrimp together bring both the sea and the garden to your plate, a marriage of flavors that has been appreciated in Mediterranean cooking for centuries. This particular combination showcases how versatile quiche truly is, adapting effortlessly to what’s fresh and available.

Why You’ll Love Shrimp and Spinach Quiche

Sometimes you need more than just a delicious meal — you need one that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. Here’s why this quiche is about to become a go-to favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, and equally delicious hot or at room temperature.

Budget-Friendly: A small amount of shrimp goes a long way when paired with eggs and vegetables, giving you luxury flavor without the high cost.

Quick and Easy: With just a bit of chopping, sautéing, and whisking, this dish comes together smoothly, making it weeknight-friendly.

Customizable: Swap in different veggies, cheeses, or even other proteins to fit your cravings or what’s in your fridge.

Crowd-Pleasing: Its creamy, savory flavor with bursts of tender shrimp makes it universally loved by adults and kids alike.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake the quiche the night before, then reheat slices for an effortless breakfast or lunch.

Great for Leftovers: Enjoy a cold slice straight from the fridge or reheat for another round of comfort food.

Print

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Cooking a quiche is all about balance, and these little tricks will help you nail it every time:

1. Pre-cook the spinach: Sauté it to release excess water so your quiche won’t turn soggy.
2. Season in layers: Lightly season the shrimp and spinach before adding them to the custard for deeper flavor.
3. Use fresh shrimp if possible: The sweetness of fresh shrimp shines through, but frozen works just fine if thawed properly.
4. Don’t overbake: The center should jiggle slightly when you pull it from the oven. It will finish setting as it cools.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before you get started, make sure you have these essentials on hand:

Mixing Bowls: For whisking the egg mixture and combining ingredients.

Skillet: To sauté the shrimp and spinach.

Whisk: Helps achieve a silky, custard-like filling.

Pie Dish (9-inch): The classic vessel for baking a quiche.

Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping shrimp, garlic, and spinach.

Ingredients in Shrimp and Spinach Quiche

The beauty of this recipe lies in how each ingredient plays its part to create harmony in flavor and texture. Here’s everything you’ll need:

1. Pie Crust: 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust, provides the buttery, crisp foundation.
2. Shrimp: 1 cup medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and roughly chopped, adds delicate sweetness.
3. Spinach: 2 cups fresh spinach, sautéed until wilted, brings earthy freshness.
4. Eggs: 4 large eggs, the base of the custard filling.
5. Milk: 1 cup whole milk, ensures creaminess without heaviness.
6. Cheese: 1 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella, melts into gooey richness.
7. Garlic: 2 cloves minced garlic, infuses flavor into the spinach and shrimp.
8. Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for sautéing.
9. Salt and Pepper: To taste, enhances every flavor in the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Every kitchen is different, so here are some easy swaps if needed:

Shrimp: Substitute with crab meat or diced cooked chicken.

Spinach: Use kale or Swiss chard instead.

Milk: Swap with half-and-half for extra richness or almond milk for a lighter touch.

Cheese: Try cheddar, feta, or Parmesan for a new twist.

Ingredient Spotlight

Shrimp: Sweet, tender, and slightly briny, shrimp elevates this quiche into something special while still remaining approachable.

Spinach: Its mild earthiness balances the richness of eggs and cheese, adding vibrant green color and nutrition.

Instructions for Making Shrimp and Spinach Quiche

Quiche is all about layering flavors and baking them into a harmonious whole. Here’s how to bring it together step by step:

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place a baking sheet inside to catch any drips.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Roll out and fit your pie crust into a 9-inch dish. Prick the bottom with a fork and set aside.
4. Assemble the Dish: In a skillet, heat olive oil, sauté garlic, then cook shrimp until just pink. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Spread this mixture evenly over the pie crust. Sprinkle cheese on top, then pour in the egg mixture.
5. Cook to Perfection: Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is mostly set with a slight jiggle.
6. Finishing Touches: Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing so the filling holds together.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Slice into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This quiche is a dance of textures: the buttery crispness of the crust, the tender juiciness of shrimp, and the smooth custard that holds everything together. The spinach weaves in a soft green note while the cheese adds a gooey, slightly salty bite. Every forkful offers contrast, making it irresistible from first bite to last.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Little tweaks can make all the difference in your quiche:

• Use room temperature eggs for a smoother custard.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the custard for a subtle warmth.
• If you want an extra golden top, sprinkle a bit of Parmesan before baking.

What to Avoid

Even a great recipe can stumble with a few common missteps. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Overcooking the shrimp, which makes them rubbery.
• Skipping the pre-cook of spinach, which can make your filling watery.
• Overfilling the crust, leading to spillover in the oven.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 280

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This quiche is a lifesaver when made ahead. You can prep the crust and filling the night before, then bake fresh in the morning. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and individual slices can be frozen for up to a month. Reheat gently in the oven to preserve the crust’s texture.

How to Serve Shrimp and Spinach Quiche

Pair this quiche with a light green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, a side of roasted potatoes, or even a simple bowl of fresh fruit. It’s equally lovely with a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of sparkling water at brunch.

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Slice and tuck into a sandwich with lettuce and tomato.
• Dice and fold into a wrap with extra greens.
• Reheat and top with a dollop of sour cream or salsa for a fresh twist.

Additional Tips

For maximum freshness, always let your quiche rest before slicing. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before serving brightens the flavors beautifully.

Make It a Showstopper

Present your quiche on a wooden board or a colorful platter, garnish with extra spinach leaves or lemon wedges, and cut clean slices for an irresistible display.

Variations to Try

• Mediterranean Quiche: Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta alongside the spinach.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeños with the spinach.
• Cheesy Overload: Mix two or three cheeses for more depth of flavor.
• Vegetable Boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra veggie goodness.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before cooking.

2. Do I need to blind-bake the crust?

Not for this recipe, but if you prefer an extra-crisp base, you can blind-bake it for 10 minutes.

3. Can I make this without cheese?

Absolutely, though the texture will be slightly less creamy.

4. What milk works best?

Whole milk provides the perfect creaminess, but half-and-half adds richness if you prefer.

5. How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Always cook the spinach beforehand and let it drain well.

6. Can I use a store-bought crust?

Yes, it works wonderfully for convenience.

7. Is this freezer-friendly?

Yes, wrap slices individually and freeze for up to a month.

8. What’s the best way to reheat?

Warm slices in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

9. Can I add more seafood?

Crab or scallops can be delicious additions.

10. Is it gluten-free?

Only if you use a gluten-free pie crust.

Conclusion

This Shrimp and Spinach Quiche is more than just a recipe — it’s an invitation to gather, share, and savor. With its golden crust, creamy filling, and delicate balance of shrimp and greens, it promises comfort and elegance in every bite. Whether you serve it for brunch with friends or as a cozy weeknight dinner, let me tell you, it’s worth every bite.

Discover the simple steps to making Shrimp and Spinach Quiche