Savory Spinach Bacon Bites
Delightful and bite-sized, these Savory Spinach Bacon Bites are perfect for any gathering or as a tasty snack. Combining the rich flavors of crispy bacon with nutritious spinach and a creamy, cheesy filling, these quiches are easy to prepare in advance and can be quickly reheated for last-minute entertaining. Enjoy them warm from the oven or serve at room temperature for a versatile appetizer that will impress your guests!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Double crust pie crust
1 (Prepared, rolled out)
Bacon
2 slices (Cooked and crumbled)
Green onion
1/4 cup (Finely chopped)
Eggs
2 (Beaten)
Half-and-half
1/2 cup (None)
Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (Freshly grated)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon (None)
Frozen chopped spinach
9 ounces (Thawed and drained)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Roll out one half of the double crust pie crust on a lightly floured surface.
3
Using a 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter, cut out 12 rounds from the dough.
4
Gently press each round into the cups of a miniature muffin tin, allowing the excess dough to press up along the sides.
5
Repeat the process for the other half of the pie crust in a separate muffin tin.
6
Thoroughly drain the thawed spinach and squeeze out any excess moisture. Set aside.
7
In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, then crumble it once cooled.
8
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped green onions to the bacon drippings and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
9
In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and add in the crumbled bacon and cooked green onions.
10
Mix in the half-and-half, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and nutmeg until well combined.
11
Gently fold in the drained spinach, ensuring that it is evenly coated with the egg mixture.
12
Using a spoon, carefully fill each pastry-lined muffin cup with the spinach mixture until just full.
13
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the tops are lightly golden.
14
Allow to cool in the muffin pan for about 5 minutes before loosening with a knife blade and transferring to a serving platter.
15
Serve the quiches warm or at room temperature to enjoy the full flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Spinach Bacon Bites?
These are delightful bite-sized appetizers featuring crispy bacon, nutritious spinach, and a creamy cheese filling inside a pie crust.
How many bites does this recipe produce?
The recipe makes approximately 24 mini quiches by cutting 12 rounds from each half of the double pie crust.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
What size cookie cutter is needed for the dough?
A 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter is used to create the perfect rounds for a miniature muffin tin.
How should the frozen spinach be prepared?
The spinach must be thawed and then squeezed thoroughly to remove any excess moisture before being added to the mixture.
How do I cook the bacon for this recipe?
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
What should I do with the green onions?
Finely chop the green onions and sauté them in the leftover bacon drippings for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Can I substitute the half-and-half?
While half-and-half provides a creamy texture, you could use whole milk or heavy cream as alternatives, though the richness will vary.
What type of cheese is used in these bites?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Why is nutmeg included in the ingredients?
Nutmeg is a classic addition to spinach and egg dishes, adding a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
How long do the spinach bacon bites need to bake?
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the filling is set and the tops are lightly golden.
How long should they cool before serving?
Allow them to cool in the muffin pan for about 5 minutes before removing them.
What is the best way to remove the quiches from the tin?
Loosen the edges carefully with a knife blade before transferring them to a serving platter.
Can these be served at room temperature?
Yes, these bites can be served warm from the oven or at room temperature, making them a versatile appetizer.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, these are easy to prepare in advance and can be quickly reheated for entertaining.
Is it necessary to use a miniature muffin tin?
Yes, the recipe and crust measurements are specifically designed for miniature muffin tin cups.
How many eggs are required for the filling?
Two beaten eggs are used to bind the filling ingredients together.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, but you will need to cook it down first and squeeze out the moisture to match the consistency of the 9 ounces of frozen spinach.
Should the pie crust be homemade or store-bought?
The recipe works with any double crust pie crust, whether it is prepared from a box or made from scratch.
How do I ensure the crust doesn't get soggy?
Thoroughly draining the spinach is the most important step to prevent excess moisture from making the crust soggy.
How much bacon is needed for the recipe?
You only need 2 slices of bacon for this recipe.
Are these bites suitable for vegetarians?
No, they contain bacon. However, you can omit the bacon and sauté the onions in butter to make them vegetarian.
How do I fill the pastry shells?
Use a spoon to fill each crust-lined cup with the spinach and egg mixture until just full.
Can these be frozen?
Yes, they can be frozen after baking. Reheat them in the oven to maintain the texture of the crust.
What category of food do these fall into?
They are classified as appetizers, party food, or finger foods.
Is salt added to the mixture?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is included in the egg mixture.
What if I don't have a cookie cutter?
You can use the rim of a small glass or a jar lid that is approximately 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
How much green onion is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions.
Do I need to grease the muffin tin?
Pie crust usually contains enough fat to prevent sticking, but you can lightly grease the tin if you prefer.
What makes these quiches 'savory'?
The combination of bacon, Parmesan cheese, green onions, and a touch of nutmeg creates a rich, savory profile.