A classic quiche is a savory, custard-filled pie that’s both elegant and versatile. Packed with a rich mixture of eggs, cream, and your favorite fillings like cheese, vegetables, and meat, this dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and enjoy a slice of comfort and sophistication.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Customizable with your favorite ingredients.
- Perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
- Works for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
- Elegant enough for entertaining, yet simple to make.
- Can be served warm, cold, or at room temperature.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pre-made or homemade pie crust
- Eggs
- Heavy cream or whole milk
- Salt and pepper
- Optional seasonings: Nutmeg, garlic powder, or fresh herbs
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère)
- Cooked vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.)
- Cooked meats (bacon, ham, or sausage)
Directions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie crust and press it into a pie dish. Prick the bottom with a fork, line with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights. Bake for 10-15 minutes to blind bake. Remove weights and set aside.
- Make the Custard: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings until smooth.
- Assemble the Quiche: Spread your chosen fillings (cheese, vegetables, and meat) evenly over the crust. Pour the egg mixture over the top, filling the crust without overflowing.
- Bake: Place the quiche in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the quiche to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Quiche: Skip the meat and load up on vegetables like zucchini, tomatoes, and spinach.
- Crustless Quiche: Omit the crust and bake the filling directly in a greased pie dish for a lower-carb option.
- Dairy-Free Quiche: Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and replace the cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
- Seafood Quiche: Add cooked shrimp, crab meat, or smoked salmon for a seafood twist.
- Herbaceous Quiche: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme for added flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the baked quiche tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating: Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes, pre-made pie crusts work perfectly and save time.
2. How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Blind bake the crust before adding the filling to ensure it stays crisp.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Quiche can be made a day in advance and reheated before serving.
4. Can I freeze unbaked quiche?
Yes, assemble the quiche, cover tightly, and freeze. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
5. What’s the best cheese for quiche?
Gruyère, cheddar, and Swiss are classic options, but any melting cheese works well.
6. Can I make a mini version?
Yes, use a muffin tin to make mini quiches. Reduce baking time to 20-25 minutes.
7. What’s the ideal egg-to-liquid ratio?
A general rule is 1 egg for every ½ cup of liquid (milk or cream).
8. How do I know when the quiche is done?
The quiche is ready when the center is set but slightly jiggly. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
9. Can I use skim milk?
Yes, but the quiche will be less rich. Whole milk or cream is recommended for the best texture.
10. What are some unique filling combinations?
Try spinach and feta, smoked salmon and dill, or caramelized onion and goat cheese for creative variations.
Conclusion
Quiche is a timeless dish that combines elegance with comfort. Whether you customize it with your favorite ingredients or stick to the classics, this versatile recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Serve it for any meal, and enjoy the rich, custardy goodness in every bite!
PrintQuiche
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
Quiche is a savory tart filled with a rich, creamy custard, eggs, cheese, and your choice of vegetables, meats, or seafood. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. Customize it with your favorite fillings for a versatile and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3–4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream or whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyère, Swiss, cheddar, or your favorite)
- 1 cup filling of choice (cooked bacon, ham, sautéed spinach, mushrooms, onions, or roasted vegetables)
Instructions
- Make the Crust:
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Form it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prebake the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim the edges and crimp if desired.
- Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream (or milk), salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Assemble the Quiche:
- Spread the cheese evenly over the bottom of the prebaked crust. Add your chosen fillings in an even layer. Pour the egg mixture over the top, ensuring it fills all gaps.
- Bake the Quiche:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden. Allow the quiche to cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve warm or at room temperature, paired with a fresh salad or fruit on the side.
Notes
- You can use a store-bought pie crust for convenience.
- Experiment with fillings to suit your taste—smoked salmon, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes are great options.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.