Delicious & Easy Butternut Squash Quiche with Almond Flour Crust (Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free)

Indulge in the perfect harmony of sweet and savory flavors with this exquisite Butternut Squash Quiche. A true culinary delight, this quiche boasts a wonderfully crispy almond flour crust that offers a delightful contrast to its creamy, rich egg filling. Each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes, featuring tender layers of sweet butternut squash, fresh spinach, aromatic sage, and savory prosciutto. What makes this recipe truly special is that it’s thoughtfully crafted to be both dairy-free and gluten-free, making it an ideal choice for almost any dietary preference and a fantastic centerpiece for a special holiday brunch, a leisurely weekend breakfast, or even a light and satisfying dinner.

Quiche is truly one of those versatile dishes that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. For me, it’s a go-to for a satisfying dinner, often paired with a fresh side salad, and any delicious leftovers are perfect for packing into lunches the following day. We frequently experiment with different flavor combinations, and some of our all-time favorites include this vibrant Mediterranean quiche, a light and flavorful crustless asparagus quiche, and these convenient air fryer mini quiches.

If you share my passion for quiche, you are absolutely going to adore this butternut squash and spinach creation. The combination of salty prosciutto, the earthy fragrance of sage, and the natural sweetness of the squash creates a truly harmonious flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated. It’s a dish that feels gourmet but is surprisingly easy to prepare.

One of the best parts about this recipe is its simplicity. There’s no need for the extra step of roasting the butternut squash beforehand, which saves you precious time. Plus, the grain-free almond flour crust is a breeze to whip up – requiring just a few simple ingredients and no complicated dough rolling. You simply mix the ingredients, press the dough into your prepared dish, and you’re halfway to a magnificent meal. This recipe proves that you can create an impressive and delicious brunch dish without a mountain of work, leaving you more time to enjoy with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Butternut Squash Quiche Recipe

This quiche isn’t just another recipe; it’s a culinary experience designed for ease, flavor, and dietary considerations. Here’s why it will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The natural sweetness of butternut squash perfectly complements the savory depth of prosciutto and the earthy notes of sage, creating a complex yet inviting taste.
• Crispy, Flavorful Crust: Our almond flour crust is not only gluten-free but also incredibly easy to make, delivering a satisfying crunch that elevates the entire dish.
• Dietary Friendly: Being both dairy-free and gluten-free, this quiche is an excellent option for those with specific dietary needs or preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice.
• Effortless Preparation: Skip the pre-roasting of squash and complicated dough handling. This recipe is designed for minimal fuss, making it accessible even for novice bakers.
• Versatile for Any Meal: While perfect for brunch, this quiche shines equally well as a light lunch or a comforting dinner, hot or cold.
• Ideal for Holidays: Its vibrant colors and sophisticated flavor make it a stunning and impressive addition to any holiday table, from Thanksgiving brunch to Easter breakfast.

A Closer Look at Key Ingredients

Understanding the role of each ingredient is key to achieving the best possible flavor and texture in your Butternut Squash Quiche. Here’s a detailed breakdown of some of the stars of this recipe:

Butternut Squash: For this quiche, you’ll need about 2 cups of squash. I always recommend opting for a very small butternut squash if you can find one. Not only are smaller squashes easier to handle, peel, and chop, but they also tend to be sweeter. It’s crucial that all your squash cubes are cut into uniform 1/2-inch pieces. This precise sizing ensures that they cook quickly and evenly within the quiche filling, becoming tender without turning mushy. If you happen to purchase pre-cut squash, be sure to double-check the size and cut any larger pieces down to the recommended 1/2-inch to guarantee consistent cooking.

Almond Flour: The choice of flour for your crust significantly impacts its texture. I exclusively use superfine blanched almond flour for this recipe, as it consistently delivers a beautifully delicate and fine texture ideal for baked goods. Blanched almond flour is made from almonds that have had their skins meticulously removed, resulting in a lighter color and smoother consistency. While some recipes might call for almond meal (made from unpeeled almonds with a coarser texture), I have not tested this particular quiche crust with almond meal. For best results and the intended crispy texture, stick with superfine blanched almond flour.

Sage: This aromatic herb plays a crucial role in tying together the sweet and savory notes of the quiche. For the crust, I prefer to use dried sage. It mixes into the dough effortlessly and doesn’t affect the color of the crust. For the filling, if I have fresh sage on hand, I love to use two generous tablespoons of finely chopped fresh sage for an extra burst of vibrant flavor. However, if fresh sage isn’t available, two teaspoons of dried sage in the filling will work perfectly and still infuse the quiche with its wonderful, fragrant essence.

Prosciutto: This thinly sliced, dry-cured Italian ham adds a wonderful salty counterpoint to the sweet squash and creamy eggs. While prosciutto can be enjoyed uncooked, I find that placing torn pieces directly on top of the quiche before baking allows it to crisp up beautifully in the oven. This creates a delightful texture contrast and enhances its rich, savory flavor, making each bite even more satisfying.

Simple Steps to Create Your Butternut Squash Quiche

Making this butternut squash quiche is a straightforward process, designed to be enjoyable and rewarding. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result:

• First, you’ll prepare the easy almond flour dough for the crust. Once mixed, gently press it into your chosen baking dish or pie plate, ensuring it’s well-greased. This initial bake, or ‘blind baking,’ is essential for a crispy base. Bake the crust for about 10-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
• While the crust is baking, prepare your creamy filling. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, unsweetened almond milk, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper until well combined and frothy. This mixture forms the heart of your quiche.
• Once the crust is partially baked, add the colorful and flavorful ingredients. Evenly distribute the fresh spinach, the precisely cut butternut squash cubes, and the fragrant sage over the bottom of the crust. Then, carefully pour the whisked egg mixture over these ingredients, making sure everything is nicely covered.
• For that irresistible savory kick, tear pieces of prosciutto and artfully arrange them on top of the quiche. As it bakes, the prosciutto will crisp up beautifully, adding texture and a depth of flavor.
• Finally, return the quiche to the oven and bake for an additional 40-45 minutes. The quiche is ready when the egg filling is set (it shouldn’t jiggle much in the center), and the butternut squash cubes are wonderfully tender. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving!

Creative Recipe Variations to Explore

While this butternut squash quiche recipe is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your preferences or what you have on hand:

• Go Crustless for a Lighter Option: If you’re short on time, looking to reduce carbs, or prefer a simpler presentation, simply skip the crust entirely. Prepare the filling as directed and pour it directly into a well-greased pie plate or baking dish. This makes for an even quicker, lighter, and equally delicious meal.
• Swap Your Greens: Spinach is a fantastic choice, but don’t hesitate to replace it with other leafy greens. Hearty kale, wilted and chopped, or peppery arugula can add a different dimension of flavor and texture to your quiche.
• Experiment with Herbs: Sage provides a classic, earthy flavor, but other herbs can also shine. Try fresh or dried oregano for an Italian twist, basil for a sweeter aroma, or rosemary for a more robust, woodsy note. A combination of herbs can also be delightful!
• Add Cheese for Dairy Lovers: If you don’t need this quiche to be dairy-free, feel free to introduce some cheese into the mix. Shredded gruyere, sharp cheddar, or even a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese would add a rich, tangy, or nutty flavor, depending on your choice.
• Make it Vegetarian: For a delicious vegetarian version, simply omit the prosciutto. The combination of sweet squash, spinach, and sage is flavorful enough on its own, creating a satisfying meat-free meal. You could also add some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture and umami.

What to Serve with Your Delightful Squash Quiche

A slice of this butternut squash quiche is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to complete your dining experience, whether for breakfast, brunch, or dinner:

• Fresh Green Salad: A simple, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a perfect accompaniment, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich quiche. For a seasonal touch, consider this vibrant roasted beet and carrot salad.
• Crispy Potatoes: Nothing beats the comfort of perfectly cooked potatoes alongside quiche. Try these incredibly crispy air fryer baby potatoes or some hearty air fryer potato wedges for a truly satisfying pairing.
• Additional Veggie Sides: Load up on more healthy vegetables with quick and easy air fryer options. Delicious green beans, earthy radishes, or savory turnip fries all make fantastic choices.
• Healthier Chip Options: For a delightful crunch, add a side of homemade, healthier chips. Our air fryer tortilla chips or flavorful air fryer kale chips are fantastic, guilt-free additions.

Expert Tips and Smart Substitutions for Success

Achieving a perfect quiche every time is easy with these helpful tips and smart substitutions:

• Choosing Your Baking Dish: While I used an 8 x 11 inch oval baking dish for a unique presentation, this recipe is highly flexible. A standard 10-inch pie plate works wonderfully, as does any other oven-safe skillet or baking dish of similar volume. The key is to ensure it’s adequately greased to prevent sticking.
• Dairy Milk Alternative: If you don’t require this recipe to be dairy-free, you can easily substitute the unsweetened almond milk with an equal amount of regular dairy milk. Whole milk or half-and-half will yield an even richer, creamier texture.
• Embrace the “Overflow”: Don’t be alarmed when you pour the egg mixture onto the crust and it appears to overflow slightly around the edges. This is completely normal and actually beneficial! The egg mixture will bake into the edges of the crust, contributing to an extra-crispy and delicious texture. Just make sure your baking dish is thoroughly greased to prevent any sticking.
• Strategic Spinach Placement: To prevent your spinach from becoming too browned or even burning during baking, I highly recommend layering it underneath the butternut squash. This ensures it’s mostly covered by the egg mixture, allowing it to steam and cook gently while retaining its vibrant color and tender texture.
• Reheating Leftovers: For the best results and to maintain that desirable crispy crust, always reheat leftover quiche in the oven on a low heat setting. This gently warms the filling while allowing the crust to crisp up again. Reheating in the microwave is convenient, but it will unfortunately result in a softer, less appealing crust.

Frequently Asked Questions About Butternut Squash Quiche

Can I prepare this quiche ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the crust and blind bake it a day in advance. You can also chop the squash and spinach. The assembled quiche can be baked the day before and gently reheated in the oven, or you can assemble it in the morning and bake it fresh.

How do I know when the quiche is fully cooked?

The quiche is done when the center is set and no longer jiggles significantly when gently shaken. An inserted knife or toothpick into the center should come out clean. The crust should also be golden brown, and the squash tender.

Can I freeze butternut squash quiche?

Yes, quiche freezes very well! Once completely cooled, slice the quiche into individual portions. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat frozen slices in a preheated oven (around 350°F / 175°C) until warmed through, usually about 20-30 minutes, or thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat.

Is butternut squash quiche healthy?

Yes, this recipe is quite healthy! It’s packed with vegetables like butternut squash and spinach, provides protein from eggs, and uses a gluten-free almond flour crust. It’s also dairy-free. Butternut squash is rich in vitamins A and C, and fiber. Prosciutto should be consumed in moderation due to its sodium content, but it adds significant flavor.

Other Delicious Squash Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you’re a fan of the versatile and nutritious squash, here are some other fantastic recipes from our collection that celebrate this wonderful ingredient:

• Air Fryer Butternut Squash Home Fries: A quick and easy way to enjoy crispy, flavorful squash as a side dish or snack.
• Roasted Red Pepper and Butternut Squash Soup: A comforting and creamy soup, perfect for a cozy meal, bursting with roasted flavors.
• Mashed Acorn Squash: A simple yet satisfying side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of acorn squash.
• Butternut Squash Bread with Crumb Topping: A delightful sweet treat, perfect for breakfast or dessert, offering a unique twist on classic banana bread.

I hope you thoroughly enjoy making and savoring this butternut squash quiche recipe! Its delightful blend of sweet and savory, along with its dietary friendliness, makes it a truly special dish. If you give it a try, I’d absolutely love to hear what you think and see your creations in the comments below!

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