Quiche is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It’s a savory pie made with a rich custard filling, typically containing eggs, cream, cheese, and various other ingredients. This recipe will guide you through making the best quiche you’ve ever tasted, with a flaky crust, creamy filling, and delicious flavor. Serve it hot or cold, with a side salad or on its own, for a satisfying meal any time of day.
Ingredients for The Ultimate Quiche
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) 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 cup shredded cheese (such as Gruyere, Swiss, or cheddar)
- 1/2 cup diced cooked ham or bacon
- 1/2 cup chopped vegetables (such as spinach, mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or chives)
How to Make The Ultimate Quiche
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the cold butter and mix with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually 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, diced ham or bacon, chopped vegetables, and fresh herbs.
- 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 rich and creamy texture to the filling.
Milk and Cream
Milk and cream add richness and flavor to the quiche, making it a decadent dish.
Cheese
Cheese adds a savory and gooey texture to the quiche, enhancing its flavor.
Ham or Bacon
Ham or bacon adds a salty and savory flavor to the quiche, complementing the other ingredients.
Vegetables
Vegetables add freshness and color to the quiche, as well as providing added nutrition.
This ultimate quiche recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. With its flaky crust, creamy filling, and delicious flavor, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion. Serve it for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, and enjoy the compliments from your family and friends.
