Cheesy Quiche Recipe: Simple and Delicious!

Introduction to Quiche

Quiche, a savory pastry originating from France, has found its way into the hearts and kitchens around the world. Known for its versatility, quiche can be adapted to include a wide array of fillings, making it an ideal dish for any meal, whether it's a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or a brunch with friends. In this blog post, we'll delve into a simple yet utterly delicious cheesy quiche recipe that you can easily replicate at home. We'll explore the ingredients, the step-by-step preparation, and some tips to ensure your quiche comes out perfect every time.

Ingredients You'll Need

To make a delicious cheesy quiche, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Pastry:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold butter, cut into pieces
  • 2-3 tablespoons cold water
• Filling:
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional for extra flavor)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan
  • 1 cup of any desired add-ins (like spinach, ham, bacon, onions, or broccoli)

Preparing the Pastry

Begin with preparing the crust, as it needs to chill before you can roll it out:

1. Mix the flour and salt in a food processor or large bowl. Add the cold, cubed butter and process or cut into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
2. Drizzle in 2-3 tablespoons of ice water while processing until the dough comes together. If using hands, mix until it just holds together when pinched.
3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, gather into a ball, and flatten into a disk. Wrap it in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten and prevent shrinkage when baking.

Making the Quiche Filling

While the dough is chilling, you can prepare the filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Blend until smooth and well combined.
2. Fold in the shredded cheeses, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the custard mix.
3. Prepare any additional fillings like sauteed onions, cooked bacon, or steamed veggies. Ensure these are cooled before adding to the egg mixture to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely.

Assembling and Baking

With the ingredients prepped, you can now assemble your quiche:

1. Roll out the chilled pastry on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish or quiche pan. Press it into the dish, trim excess dough, and crimp the edges.

   🔔 Note: Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.

2. Place the pie dish into the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm up.
3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Blind bake the crust by covering with parchment paper, filling with pie weights or dried beans, and bake for about 15 minutes until the edges start to turn golden.
5. Remove the weights and parchment, return to oven for 5 minutes to crisp the bottom. Keep an eye to ensure it doesn't over-bake.
6. Once the crust is ready, lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Pour the egg mixture into the crust, and distribute the additional fillings evenly.
7. Bake for about 35-45 minutes or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly. It will continue to set as it cools.
8. Allow the quiche to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to firm up.

Serving and Storing

Serve your quiche warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a salad, making it a complete meal. Here are some tips for serving and storing:

• Serving: Cut into slices with a sharp knife to maintain neat servings.
• Storing: Store leftover quiche in the refrigerator, well-wrapped or in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes to retain the texture.

By following these steps, you can create a cheesy quiche that's not only a delight to the eyes but also to the palate. Whether you're hosting a brunch or looking for a simple dinner solution, this quiche recipe is bound to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

🔔 Note: Feel free to experiment with various cheeses or incorporate different add-ins to customize the flavor profile according to your preference or dietary needs.

Why Quiche?

Quiche is a beloved dish for several reasons:

• It's incredibly versatile, allowing you to use whatever ingredients you have on hand.
• It's a perfect make-ahead meal, great for meal prep or entertaining.
• Quiche travels well, making it suitable for picnics, potlucks, or luncheons.

To wrap up, this cheesy quiche recipe offers a straightforward path to creating a meal that's not just tasty but also elegant. With its rich, cheesy filling and buttery, flaky crust, it's a dish that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Whether you stick to the classic cheese and ham combo or explore with different fillings, this recipe provides a solid foundation for countless variations.

Can I use a store-bought crust for my quiche?

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Yes, you can use a store-bought pie crust to save time. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for pre-baking or blind baking.

How do I know when the quiche is fully baked?

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Quiche is done when the center is set but still slightly jiggly; it should not look overly liquid. It will continue to set as it cools.

What cheeses work well in quiche?

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Cheddar, gruyere, Swiss, and parmesan are popular choices. Feel free to mix cheeses for a blend of flavors.