Spinach and Gruyere Cheese Quiche with a Hash Brown Crust

Ingredients:

• 3 cups frozen hash browns, thawed and excess moisture squeezed out
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3-4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (or diced ham)
• 6 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (both red and green)
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 package (about 6 ounces) baby spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Optional additions:

• 1/4 cup chopped spinach or kale
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare hash brown crust: Grease a 9-inch springform pan or pie dish. Line it with parchment paper cut to size, including the sides. Grease it again, lightly. In a large mixing bowl, combine thawed hash browns, melted butter, egg, salt, and pepper. Press the hash brown mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan to form a crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crispy.
3. Prepare quiche filling: Meanwhile, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if desired) in a bowl. In a skillet, sauté diced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic until softened. Add baby spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble quiche: Remove quiche from the oven. Sprinkle half of the shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the baked hash brown crust. Add crumbled bacon (or ham), sautéed vegetables, and egg mixture. Sprinkle remaining Gruyère cheese on top.
5. Bake quiche: Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Place springform pan on a baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Check for doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.
6. Cool and serve: Allow quiche to cool before removing from the pan. Garnish with fresh herbs, sour cream, salsa, avocado slices, or crumbled feta cheese (if desired).

Optional additions:

• For extra flavor: Add spinach, kale, crumbled feta cheese, or red pepper flakes.
• For a richer texture: Use a combination of Gruyère and cheddar cheese.
• For a spicier kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture.

Enjoy your delicious Hash Brown Quiche!