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Garlicky Spinach & Chèvre Custard Slab

Garlicky Spinach & Chèvre Custard Slab

A deeply savory, crustless custard that bakes up in a single layer with lacy, browned edges and a silken center. We ditch the pastry because on a Tuesday, we aren't suffering for dinner, but we never compromise on flavor. Soft goat cheese melts into earthy spinach and toasted walnuts for maximum impact.

Camille Roux
Camille Roux
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
6
easy
dinner
crustlesssavory-bakingweeknight-dinnersheet-pan+1

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Timeline

45 minutes
0m10m20m30m40m45m
Preheat and prep pan
Sauté garlic and spinach
5m
Whisk the custard
4m
Assemble the fillings
Bake the custard slab
25m
Rest and serve
5m

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter(Divided; cultured if you have it)
  • 3 cloves garlic(Smashed, skins removed)
  • 10 oz baby spinach(Washed and thoroughly dried)
  • 6 large eggs(Room temperature)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp kosher salt(Diamond Crystal)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper(Freshly ground)
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg(Freshly grated)
  • 5 oz soft goat cheese (chèvre)(Crumbled into large chunks)
  • 1/3 cup toasted walnuts(Roughly chopped)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously grease a 9x13 metal or ceramic baking dish with 1 tbsp unsalted butter. I prefer a metal pan here—it conducts heat faster and gives you those lacy, browned edges we want.

    3 min

    Tip: Butter is not a garnish; it prevents sticking and flavors the crustless edges.

  2. 2

    In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the remaining 1 tbsp unsalted butter. Drop in 3 cloves garlic and toast until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the 10 oz baby spinach in handfuls, tossing until just wilted. Remove the garlic cloves and discard. Drain off any excess liquid—water is the enemy of a good custard.

    5 min

    Tip: Squeeze the spinach slightly if it looks too wet.

  3. 3

    While the spinach cools slightly, grab a large mixing bowl. Vigorously whisk together the 6 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg. Whisk until completely uniform; no rogue egg whites should remain.

    4 min

    Tip: One-bowl mixing is the weeknight shortcut.

  4. 4

    Scatter the drained spinach evenly across the bottom of your buttered baking dish. Pinch off rustic chunks of the 5 oz soft goat cheese (chèvre) and distribute them over the greens, followed by an even scatter of the 1/3 cup toasted walnuts.

    3 min

    Tip: Leave the cheese in distinct chunks so you get sharp, tangy pockets in every bite.

  5. 5

    Pour the custard mixture gently over the fillings. Transfer to the oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. You are looking for puffed, deeply golden edges and a center that has a distinct wobble when you gently tap the pan.

    25 min

    Tip: Watch the wobble! Overbaked custard gets tight like a bad alibi.

  6. 6

    Pull the pan from the oven and let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. The residual heat will gently finish setting the center. Cut into large squares and serve warm.

    5 min

    Tip: Do not skip the rest. It allows the custard to slice cleanly.

Chef's Notes

Cami's shortcut note: By ditching the pastry crust, we save 2 hours of chilling and rolling. The trade-off? You must generously butter your pan to ensure those edges crisp up rather than glue themselves to the metal. Don't skip this. Also, let time do the work at the end—cutting a boiling-hot custard just leads to a weeping mess. Give it 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Garlicky Spinach & Chèvre Custard Slab take to make?

Garlicky Spinach & Chèvre Custard Slab takes about 40 minutes total. That includes 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 6 servings.

What skill level is needed for Garlicky Spinach & Chèvre Custard Slab?

This recipe is rated easy — it's beginner-friendly and straightforward.

What ingredients do I need for Garlicky Spinach & Chèvre Custard Slab?

The main ingredients are: unsalted butter, garlic, baby spinach, large eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, kosher salt, black pepper, nutmeg, soft goat cheese (chèvre), toasted walnuts.

What type of meal is Garlicky Spinach & Chèvre Custard Slab?

Garlicky Spinach & Chèvre Custard Slab is categorized as: dinner.