Quiche is a classic French dish that has become a popular breakfast, brunch, and even dinner option in many countries around the world. It is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of fillings, including vegetables, meat, cheese, and herbs. In this recipe article, we will be sharing a step-by-step guide to making the perfect quiche, along with some tips and tricks to help you achieve a delicious and flaky crust.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2-4 tbsp ice water
For the Filling:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup grated cheese (such as Gruyere, cheddar, or Parmesan)
- 1 cup cooked vegetables (such as spinach, mushrooms, or onions)
- 1/2 cup cooked meat (such as bacon or ham)
- Fresh herbs, chopped (such as thyme, parsley, or chives)
Instructions:
For the Crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together and forms a ball. Be careful not to add too much water, as this can make the crust tough.
- Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish and trim the excess dough from the edges.
- Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust all over. This will prevent the crust from puffing up during baking.
- Line the crust with parchment paper or aluminum foil and fill it with pie weights or dried beans.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper or foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. Set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
For the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Stir in the grated cheese, cooked vegetables, cooked meat, and chopped herbs.
- Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust and smooth it out evenly.
- Bake the quiche for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Allow the quiche to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips:
- Make sure the butter is cold when you are making the crust. This will help create a flaky texture.
- Don’t overwork the dough when you are mixing it together. This can also make the crust tough.
- Blind bake the crust before adding the filling. This will help ensure that the crust is cooked through and doesn’t become soggy from the filling.
- Use a variety of fillings to add flavor and texture to the quiche. Vegetables, meat, cheese, and herbs are all great options.
- Allow the quiche to cool slightly before slicing and serving. This will help the filling set and make it easier to slice.