Ultimate Guide to Making Quiche – A Classic USA Brunch Favorite
Quiche, a savory pie that originated in France, has become a favorite dish in America, especially for brunches and special gatherings. With its flaky crust, creamy custard filling, and endless ingredient possibilities, quiche is versatile, easy to make, and a crowd pleaser.
In this article, we’ll dive into quiche basics, explore some popular variations, and provide a step-by-step guide to making the perfect quiche at home.
What is Quiche?
Quiche is a savory tart filled with a pastry crust filled with a custard made from eggs and cream or milk, along with various ingredients such as cheese, meat, seafood, or vegetables. The most popular version is quiche Lorraine, made with bacon or ham and cheese. Over time, quiche has evolved to include many other varieties in America, making it a versatile dish for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Why Quiche is a Great Choice
- Versatile – You can add almost any ingredient to your quiche, from bacon to spinach or mushrooms.
- Makeup Friendly – Quiche can be made ahead of time and served at room temperature or warmed up.
- Great for special occasions – its elegant appearance makes it the perfect dish for brunches, potlucks or family gatherings.
How to Make the Perfect Quiche: A Step-by-Step Recipe
Ingredients
For the crust (you can also use store-bought crust):
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¼ cup ice cold water
- A pinch of salt
For the filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream (or one and a half)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese (gruyere, cheddar, or Swiss works well)
- Half a teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- 1 cup steamed vegetables (spinach, mushrooms or broccoli)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
- Mix the flour: Combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Cut the cold butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough forms a ball.
- Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to roll.
- Roll out the dough: Once chilled, roll the dough on a lightly floured surface into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie pan, pressing it gently into the pan. Cut off any excess dough.
- Bake the crust blind: To avoid a soggy bottom, bake the crust in advance. Line it with parchment paper, fill with pie weights or dried beans, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment, then bake for a further 5 minutes until lightly golden.
2. Prepare the Filling
- Beat the eggs and cream: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, heavy cream, and milk until well combined. Add salt, pepper, and any other spices you like.
- Add your ingredients: Stir in grated cheese and fillings of your choice such as bacon, vegetables or other protein.
3. Assemble the Quiche
- Pour the filling into the crust: Spread the cooked bacon and vegetables evenly over the pre-baked crust, then pour the egg mixture on top.
4. Bake the Quiche
- Bake at 350°F (175°C): Place the quiche in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the center is just set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the catch cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Quiche can be served hot, cold, or at room temperature.
Popular Quiche Variations in the USA
- Quiche Lorraine – Bacon and Gruyère cheese, a classic French-American favorite.
- Spinach and Mushroom Quiche – Vegetarian delight with sautéed spinach and earthy mushrooms.
- Ham and Cheese Quiche – Ham and cheddar cheese make for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Crab and Asparagus Quiche – A more sophisticated option featuring fresh crab meat and tender asparagus.
Tips for the Perfect Quiche Every Time
- Use cold butter for the crust: Cold butter ensures a flaky crust. Keep the dough as low as possible so it doesn’t get tough.
- Blind Back the Crust: This prevents the crust from getting soggy when the wet filling is added.
- Avoid over-baking: Quiche should be creamy, not dry. Remove it from the oven when it sinks a little in the middle, as it will continue to cook as it cools.
- Experiment with ingredients: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different fillings like cheese, meat and vegetables to create your perfect quiche.
The Result
Making quiche at home is easier than you think. With its rich and creamy filling, crispy crust, and limitless ingredient options, it’s a versatile dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, the catch is sure to impress. Try different variations and enjoy this classic dish with your own personal twist.
Now that you have the ultimate guide and a foolproof recipe, it’s time to start baking! Share your quiche making experience with us in the comments below or tag us on social media with your delicious creations.
Happy cooking!
FAQs about Quiche
- Can I make the quiche ahead of time? Yes! You can make the quiche a day in advance and reheat it before serving, or serve it cold.
- Can I freeze quiche? Yes, the catch freezes well. Make sure to let it cool completely before freezing. To reheat, bake it at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
- What is the best cheese for quiche? Gruyère, cheddar, and Swiss cheese are popular choices, but you can use any cheese you like.