A Simple, Delicious Cheese Quiche Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious and impressive dish to make for brunch, a potluck, or a weeknight dinner? Look no further than this easy cheese quiche recipe! This recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, offering a customizable base for your favorite cheeses and add-ins. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe provides a great foundation; feel free to adjust quantities based on your preferred taste and the size of your quiche dish.
- For the Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup ice water
- For the Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (Cheddar, Gruyere, Swiss, or a blend are all excellent choices!)
- Optional additions: Cooked bacon, chopped vegetables (onions, spinach, mushrooms), herbs (chives, thyme)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This recipe is broken down into easy-to-follow steps, ensuring a perfect quiche every time.
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 fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a flakier crust.
- Roll and bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit your quiche dish. Transfer the dough to the dish, trim the edges, and prick the bottom with a fork. Blind bake the crust (bake it empty) at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Preparing the Filling and Baking the Quiche:
- Whisk the eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cheese and optional ingredients: Stir in the shredded cheese and any other desired additions.
- Pour into the crust: Pour the egg mixture into the pre-baked pie crust.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-45 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the center is just slightly jiggly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with only a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and serve: Let the quiche cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Cheese Quiche:
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry quiche. Start checking for doneness around the 35-minute mark.
- Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your quiche.
- Get creative with cheese: Experiment with different cheese combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.
- Add some color: Incorporate colorful vegetables like bell peppers or tomatoes for visual appeal and added nutrients.
- Make it ahead: This quiche can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it perfect for entertaining.
This cheese quiche recipe is a fantastic base for culinary creativity. Experiment with various cheeses, vegetables, and herbs to craft your signature quiche! Enjoy the process and the delicious results. Happy baking!
