Vegetable Cheese Tart
A savory vegetable cheese tart featuring tender spinach, earthy beets, and Swiss cheese, perfect for a comforting meal or brunch with vibrant flavors and hearty textures.
Ingredients
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 2 cups half and half ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 1 package Knorr vegetable soup and recipe mix ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell ⓘ
- 6 medium fresh beets
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon black mustard seed ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut off the stems and leaves from the beets.
- Wash beets in running cold water.
- Put them in a deep pan, cover with water, add turmeric, and bring to a boil.
- Cook for 20 minutes or until fully cooked but still firm.
- Let cool, peel, and rinse under running water.
- Slice into 1/4-inch matchstick pieces.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and half and half until well combined.
- Stir in the Knorr vegetable soup mix, shredded Swiss cheese, and drained spinach.
- Spread the sliced beets evenly in the unbaked pie shell.
- Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables in the pie shell.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until set and golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a blend of Swiss and Gruyère cheese. If you don't have Knorr vegetable soup mix, you can use your own blend of dried herbs and spices, such as onion powder, garlic powder, and vegetable bouillon. Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill before serving can also enhance the dish. This tart can be made ahead and served as part of a brunch alongside Green Corn Cakes.
Serving Suggestions
This Vegetable Cheese Tart is delicious served warm or at room temperature. Pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It also makes an excellent appetizer for gatherings. For an added touch, serve alongside a light dip or sauce, or consider complementing it with a slice of Aunt Catherine's Unbelievable Cookies for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes, but the oven method helps maintain the tart's crispy crust.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable Cheese Tart contains roughly 789 calories, with 31g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (81% of the Daily Value), and protein (62% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 713mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can substitute fresh spinach for the frozen variety. Use about 6 cups of fresh spinach, sauté it briefly in a pan to reduce moisture, and then drain before adding it to the tart mixture. This will ensure the tart stays firm and not watery.
Is it possible to make this tart gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free pie crust instead of a traditional pie shell. Many grocery stores offer ready-made gluten-free options, or you can make your own using gluten-free flour blends. Just ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How can I make this dish more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider sautéing the spinach with garlic and onions before adding it to the tart mixture. You can also add spices such as paprika or a pinch of cayenne for heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can also elevate the dish significantly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).