Quiche Recipe

A quiche is a savory custard pie filled with a mixture of eggs, cream, cheese, and other ingredients like vegetables, meats, or seafood. This beginner-friendly recipe will guide you through making a delicious quiche with a buttery crust and a creamy filling.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 2-4 tbsp ice water

For the Filling:

• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (such as Gruyère, Swiss, or cheddar)
• 1 cup cooked fillings (such as spinach, bacon, mushrooms, or ham)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:
   • Mix Dry Ingredients:
     • In a large bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
   • Cut in Butter:
     • Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Add Water:
     • Gradually add 2-4 tablespoons of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. The dough should be moist but not sticky.
   • Form the Dough:
     • Gather the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Flour the Surface:
     • Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin.
   • Roll the Dough:
     • Roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
   • Transfer to Pie Dish:
     • Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish. Press it gently into the bottom and sides of the dish, then trim any excess dough around the edges. Crimp the edges if desired.
   • Blind Bake:
     • Line the crust with parchment paper or aluminum foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden.
4. Prepare the Filling:
   • Whisk Eggs and Dairy:
     • In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1 cup of whole milk until well combined.
   • Season:
     • Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Stir to combine.
   • Add Cheese and Fillings:
     • Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese and 1 cup of cooked fillings (such as sautéed spinach, cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or diced ham).
5. Assemble the Quiche:
   • Pour Filling:
     • Pour the egg mixture into the pre-baked crust, spreading the fillings evenly.
6. Bake:
   • Bake the Quiche:
     • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the top is lightly golden. The center should be just set and slightly jiggly.
   • Cool:
     • Remove from the oven and let the quiche cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
7. Serve:
   • Slice and Enjoy:
     • Serve the quiche warm or at room temperature. Pair with a simple salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success:

• Chilled Ingredients: Ensure the butter and water for the crust are very cold to achieve a flaky texture.
• Blind Baking: This step prevents the crust from becoming soggy when the filling is added.
• Even Cooking: If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield during baking.

Variations:

• Quiche Lorraine: Use bacon, Gruyère cheese, and sautéed onions for a classic version.
• Vegetable Quiche: Use a mix of sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach.
• Seafood Quiche: Add cooked shrimp or crabmeat along with your choice of cheese and seasonings.

This classic quiche recipe provides a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Enjoy experimenting with different fillings and flavors!