Basic Quiche Recipe: A Simple Guide to Perfect Crust and Creamy Filling
Are you looking for a delicious and versatile dish that's perfect for brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner? Look no further than the classic quiche! This recipe will guide you through making a basic quiche, focusing on achieving a perfectly flaky crust and a creamy, flavorful filling. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to be easy to follow and produce impressive results.
Ingredients for the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
Ingredients for the Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese!)
- 1 cup cooked and chopped vegetables (onions, spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers – get creative!)
- Optional: 1/4 cup cooked bacon or ham, crumbled
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
- Add ice water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.
- Roll and bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie plate, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent air bubbles. You can either blind bake the crust (line with parchment paper and pie weights, bake for 15 minutes) or bake it directly for 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until lightly golden.
Making the Filling:
- Whisk the eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Add cheese and vegetables: Stir in the shredded cheese and cooked vegetables (and bacon/ham, if using).
- Pour into crust: Pour the egg mixture into the pre-baked pie crust.
- Bake: Bake the quiche at 375°F (190°C) for 35-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden brown. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the quiche cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Perfect Quiche:
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry quiche. Start checking for doneness around 35 minutes.
- Use quality ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of your quiche.
- Get creative with fillings: Experiment with different cheeses, vegetables, meats, and herbs to create your own unique quiche variations. Consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make it ahead: Quiches are great for meal prepping! They can be made a day or two in advance and reheated.
This basic quiche recipe is a fantastic starting point for culinary exploration. Enjoy the process of creating your own delicious and customized quiches! Remember to share your creations and tag us! Happy baking!
