Caprese Florentine Quiche is a delightful dish that combines the freshness of tomatoes, spinach, and basil with the creaminess of eggs and cheese. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, this quiche is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this recipe will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this quiche comes together quickly.
Flavorful Experience: The combination of fresh vegetables and creamy filling creates a delicious harmony that pleases the palate.
Versatile for Any Meal: Enjoy it warm or cold, making it an excellent option for picnics or meal prep.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with spinach and tomatoes, it’s a nutritious choice that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Impressive Presentation: The colorful layers make this dish a standout centerpiece for any gathering.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make all the difference in your cooking experience. Here are some essential items you’ll need to create your Caprese Florentine Quiche.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Pie dish
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Pie dish: A good quality pie dish ensures even cooking and helps create a perfect crust.
Mixing bowl: A spacious mixing bowl makes it easy to combine ingredients without spilling.
Whisk: Using a whisk helps achieve a fluffy egg mixture for your quiche.

Ingredients

For the Crust

3 cups Ore-Ida Shredded Hash Brown Potatoes (thawed & drained)
4 tablespoons butter (melted)

For the Filling

3 roma tomatoes (sliced lengthwise)
1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves (roughly chopped)
8 – 10 fresh basil leaves
7 large eggs
1/2 cup half & half (may need a tablespoon or so more)
1 cup finely shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt & pepper to season

How to Make Caprese Florentine Quiche

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease your pie dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

Gently press the thawed and drained Shredded Hash Brown Potatoes between paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Toss the potatoes with melted butter until well coated.
Press the potato mixture into the bottom and up the sides of your pie dish to form a crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown with crisp edges.

Step 3: Lower Oven Temperature

Once done, remove the crust from the oven and lower the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Layer Your Ingredients

Arrange tomato slices in a circle around the outer edge of your crust.
Top with chopped spinach followed by placing basil leaves flat on top.

Step 5: Prepare Egg Mixture

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine eggs, half & half, and mozzarella cheese.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Slowly pour this mixture over your layered ingredients in the pie dish.

Step 6: Bake Until Set

Bake for an additional 30-40 minutes or until golden on top and set in the center. Enjoy your delicious Caprese Florentine Quiche!

How to Serve Caprese Florentine Quiche

Caprese Florentine Quiche is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are serving it for brunch, lunch, or dinner, these suggestions will elevate your meal.

For a Brunch Gathering

Pair with Fresh Fruit: Serve slices of quiche alongside a colorful fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
Add a Green Salad: A simple mixed greens salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette complements the flavors beautifully.

As a Lunch Option

Serve with Crusty Bread: Enjoy slices of quiche with warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavors.
Include a Soup: A light tomato basil soup pairs wonderfully and creates a comforting meal.

For Dinner Parties

Offer Wine Pairings: A glass of crisp white wine enhances the experience and matches well with the quiche.
Garnish with Extra Basil: Top servings with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch that looks appealing on the plate.

How to Perfect Caprese Florentine Quiche

Creating the perfect Caprese Florentine Quiche involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure success:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh tomatoes and basil for vibrant flavor and color.
Dry Hash Browns Thoroughly: Ensuring your hash browns are dry will help achieve a crispier crust.
Experiment with Cheeses: Try using different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for added depth.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the quiche to sit for about 10 minutes after baking helps it set and makes slicing easier.

Best Side Dishes for Caprese Florentine Quiche

Complementing your Caprese Florentine Quiche with side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here’s a list of great options:

Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with vinaigrette adds freshness.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring color and nutrition to the plate.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges provide a hearty addition that many enjoy.
Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus offers elegance and pairs well with egg dishes.
Fruit Tart: A sweet fruit tart serves as a delightful dessert option after your savory quiche.
Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is always a hit and adds comforting flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Caprese Florentine Quiche, avoid common pitfalls to ensure a perfect dish every time.

Skipping the potato drying step: Not drying the Shredded Hash Brown Potatoes can lead to a soggy crust. Always press them between paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs and half & half can affect the cooking process. Make sure to let them come to room temperature before mixing.
Overcrowding the filling: Adding too many layers of vegetables can make it hard for the eggs to set. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
Not adjusting baking times: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your quiche and adjust baking times as needed until it’s golden brown and set.
Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning can lead to a bland quiche. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper generously.

Refrigerator Storage

item Store leftover Caprese Florentine Quiche in an airtight container.
item It will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Caprese Florentine Quiche

item Wrap individual slices or the whole quiche tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
item It can be frozen for up to 2 months for best flavor.

Reheating Caprese Florentine Quiche

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet, covering with a lid, for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Caprese Florentine Quiche?

Caprese Florentine Quiche is a delicious savory pie made with eggs, cheese, tomatoes, spinach, and basil, all nestled in a crispy hash brown crust.

Can I customize my Caprese Florentine Quiche?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or even swap out mozzarella for goat cheese or feta for added flavor.

How do I know when my quiche is done?

Your quiche is done when it turns golden brown on top and the egg mixture is set in the center. A slight jiggle is fine!

Can I make this quiche ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day before serving. Just bake it as directed, let it cool completely, then store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

The Caprese Florentine Quiche is not only flavorful but also versatile, making it perfect for brunch or dinner. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or cheeses. Try this recipe today and enjoy its delightful taste!