Quiche is a classic French dish that has become popular all over the world for its versatility and delicious taste. It’s a savory pie made with a creamy egg custard filling and various ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, and meat. Quiche can be served hot or cold, making it perfect for any meal of the day. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a basic quiche that you can customize with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients for Quiche
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 2-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (such as Gruyere, Swiss, or cheddar)
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon, ham, or sausage (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped vegetables (such as spinach, mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers)
How to Make Quiche
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the butter and mix with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prebake the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Trim and crimp the edges of the crust.
- Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the cheese, cooked meat, and vegetables.
- Pour the filling into the prebaked crust.
Step 4: Bake the Quiche
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the quiche for 35-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
About the Main Ingredients
Eggs
Eggs are the main ingredient in quiche, providing a creamy and custardy texture. They also act as a binding agent, holding the filling together.
Milk and Cream
Milk and cream add richness to the quiche filling, making it creamy and flavorful. You can use any combination of milk and cream depending on your preference.
Cheese
Cheese adds a savory and salty flavor to the quiche. Gruyere, Swiss, and cheddar are popular choices, but you can use any type of cheese you like.
Vegetables
Vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers add flavor and texture to the quiche. You can use any combination of vegetables you like, making quiche a great way to use up leftover vegetables.
Meat
Meat such as bacon, ham, or sausage adds protein and flavor to the quiche. You can use cooked and crumbled meat or omit it for a vegetarian quiche.
Quiche is a versatile and delicious dish that can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you prefer a classic quiche Lorraine with bacon and cheese or a vegetarian quiche with spinach and mushrooms, this recipe is sure to please. Serve quiche for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, and enjoy its creamy, savory goodness.
