A Simple Quiche Recipe: Easy, Delicious, and Customizable
Are you looking for a simple yet impressive dish to add to your culinary repertoire? Look no further than the humble quiche! This versatile baked dish is perfect for brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner. This recipe focuses on simplicity, making it ideal for beginner cooks while still delivering a delicious and satisfying result. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it easy to whip up even on a busy weeknight.
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ 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
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese!)
- 1 cup cooked vegetables (such as broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or diced ham) – feel free to experiment!
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
This simple quiche recipe breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps, ensuring a successful outcome 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 fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
- Roll and shape: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit your quiche pan (approximately 9-inch). Gently transfer the dough to the pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough.
Preparing the Filling:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Whisk the wet ingredients: 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.
- Pour into the crust: Pour the egg mixture into the prepared pie crust.
Baking the Quiche:
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the crust is golden brown. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the quiche cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Tips for Quiche Success:
- Blind baking (optional): For a crispier crust, you can pre-bake the crust for 10-12 minutes before adding the filling. This prevents a soggy bottom.
- Customize your fillings: The beauty of quiche is its versatility! Experiment with different cheeses, vegetables, meats, or herbs to create your own unique variations. Consider adding bacon, sausage, caramelized onions, or roasted peppers.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can lead to a dry quiche. Start checking for doneness around 35 minutes.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your simple quiche warm or at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with a side salad, fresh fruit, or a simple green vegetable.
This simple quiche recipe provides a delicious and customizable base for your culinary creations. Experiment with different ingredients and make it your own! Enjoy the process and the delicious results.
