π₯π³ Bacon Spinach Asiago Quiche: A Delicious Treat! π₯π³
Bacon Spinach Asiago Quiche is a delightful and savory dish that combines the rich, smoky flavors of bacon with the earthy essence of spinach and the sharp, nutty notes of Asiago cheese, all encased in a buttery, flaky pie crust. This quiche is a fantastic brunch option or even a satisfying dinner choice, perfect for those who appreciate the harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
π History:
Quiche, a French dish, has a long and illustrious history dating back to the medieval German kingdom of Lothringen, which later became the French region of Lorraine. The word “quiche” itself is derived from the German word “kuchen,” meaning cake. Traditional quiche Lorraine is made with eggs, cream, and lardons (cubes of pork fat), but over the years, various ingredients have been added to create different quiche varieties. The Bacon Spinach Asiago Quiche is a modern twist on this classic, bringing in a rich, umami flavor profile.
π½οΈ Components:
To make a Bacon Spinach Asiago Quiche, you will need the following components:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 6-8 strips of bacon
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup grated Asiago cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
π©βπ³ Preparation:
Here’s how to prepare this delicious quiche:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
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Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Remove it from the pan, let it cool, and then crumble it into small pieces.
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Prepare the Crust: Roll out the pie crust and place it in a pie dish. Trim any excess overhang and crimp the edges decoratively.
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Layer the Ingredients: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon, chopped spinach, and grated Asiago cheese evenly over the bottom of the pie crust.
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Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
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Pour the Mixture: Carefully pour the egg mixture over the bacon, spinach, and cheese in the pie crust.
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Bake: Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the quiche is set and the top is golden brown.
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Cool and Serve: Let the quiche cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
β±οΈ Total Time:
The total time needed to prepare a Bacon Spinach Asiago Quiche will typically be around 1 hour, which includes preparation and baking time.
Now, you’re ready to enjoy this delicious quiche, bursting with the flavors of bacon, spinach, and Asiago cheese. It’s perfect for a leisurely brunch, a family gathering, or any occasion when you want to impress your guests with a homemade culinary masterpiece. π½οΈππ₯π³
π₯π³ Bacon Spinach Asiago Quiche: Nutrition Facts and Health Information π₯π³
Here’s some important nutrition information and health considerations for Bacon Spinach Asiago Quiche:
π Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values for 1 Serving, based on a 6-serving quiche):
- Calories: Around 400-450 calories
- Protein: Approximately 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 20-25 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
- Sugar: Less than 2 grams
- Fat: About 30-35 grams
- Saturated Fat: Around 15-20 grams
- Cholesterol: Approximately 200-250 milligrams
- Sodium: Approximately 400-500 milligrams
- Vitamins and Minerals: Bacon Spinach Asiago Quiche is a good source of protein, calcium from Asiago cheese, and various vitamins and minerals from spinach and eggs, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and various B vitamins.
π½οΈ Health Information:
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Moderation is Key: While quiche can be a delicious and nutritious meal, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation. The relatively high fat and calorie content makes it a treat to savor occasionally rather than a daily staple.
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Protein Source: Quiche provides a good source of protein from the eggs and cheese. Protein is essential for muscle maintenance and overall body function.
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Calcium and Vitamins: The Asiago cheese in the quiche is a source of calcium, which is important for strong bones and teeth. Spinach contributes essential vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin K.
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Saturated Fat: Be mindful of the saturated fat content, mainly coming from the bacon and cheese. Excessive consumption of saturated fat may contribute to heart-related health issues, so it’s best to enjoy this dish in moderation.
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Sodium: Keep an eye on the sodium content, especially if you have dietary restrictions or need to manage your blood pressure. Reducing the amount of added salt in the recipe can help control sodium intake.
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Fiber: While quiche is not particularly high in fiber, you can increase its fiber content by adding more vegetables or serving it with a side salad or whole-grain bread.
Remember that the specific nutrition facts may vary based on the exact ingredients and portion size you use. To make Bacon Spinach Asiago Quiche a healthier choice, you can consider using leaner bacon or turkey bacon, reducing the amount of cheese, and adding more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or tomatoes to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
Enjoy this delicious quiche in moderation and as part of a balanced diet to make the most of its flavors and nutritional benefits! π₯π³π₯π
