This savory quiche combines a flaky buttery crust with a creamy filling of eggs, cheese, mushrooms, and spinach. The crust is prepared by cutting cold butter into flour and chilling before blind baking for a crisp base. The filling blends sautéed vegetables with cream and aged cheese, baked until lightly golden. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, it pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and crisp white wine.
I still remember the first time I baked this savory quiche; the buttery crust and the rich, creamy filling won me over instantly, turning brunch into a heartfelt celebration with every bite.
Once, when unexpected guests dropped by, I whipped up this quiche, and it was met with such delight that it instantly became my go-to crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: I always choose this for its perfect balance, ensuring the crust is flaky and tender without fuss.
- Cold unsalted butter: Using cold butter makes the crust beautifully flaky; keep it chilled until mixing.
- Ice water: Added gradually, it brings the dough together without making it tough.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the veggies; it adds a subtle richness that lifts the filling.
- Fresh vegetables: Mushrooms, onions, and spinach give the quiche a fresh, earthy bite that complements the cream and cheese.
- Gruyère or Swiss cheese: Melts smoothly and adds a nutty flavor that’s essential to the character of this quiche.
- Eggs and heavy cream: The heart of the filling, creating that luscious, silky custard everyone loves.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg build the subtle but vital flavor layers.
Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Gather your ingredients and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). The smell of buttery dough and fresh vegetables will start to fill your kitchen soon.
- Mix the Crust:
- In a large bowl, whisk the flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water, stirring gently until the dough clings together. The texture should be cool and slightly crumbly but cohesive.
- Chill the Dough:
- Shape into a disk, wrap it, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is key for that perfect flaky crust.
- Blind Bake the Crust:
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface. Fit it into your tart pan, trim excess, prick the bottom lightly, then line it with parchment and pie weights. Bake for 15 minutes, remove weights, then bake 5 more minutes until golden.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft and fragrant, then add mushrooms and cook until tender. Toss in spinach last, cooking it until just wilted. The aroma here is just irresistible.
- Mix the Custard:
- Whisk eggs, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Combine the sautéed vegetables and cheese with the custard, stirring until everything is well blended.
- Fill and Bake:
- Pour the filling into your warm crust. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the center is set but still creamy, and the top has a delicate golden hue.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the quiche to rest for at least 10 minutes. This helps it settle, making slicing easier and flavors deeper.
The first time I served this quiche at a family gathering, it wasn’t just food on the table; it was a warm hug in every slice, sparking stories and laughter around the kitchen.
Keeping It Fresh
To keep leftovers tasting fresh, cover tightly and refrigerate. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain that delicate texture instead of the microwave to avoid rubberiness.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
Pair the quiche with a crisp green salad or a light tomato soup for a balanced meal. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water adds a festive touch.
A Time This Recipe Saved the Day
When surprise guests arrived once without notice, this quiche was my kitchen hero—quick to assemble and universally loved.
- Remember to let it cool before slicing to keep those clean edges.
- If you want a meat twist, adding cooked bacon is a game changer.
- Use fresh seasonal vegetables to keep the recipe feeling new each time.
Thanks for sharing this cooking moment with me; here’s to many more delicious memories made in your kitchen.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I make the crust flaky?
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Use cold butter cut into the flour and avoid overmixing. Chilling the dough before baking helps develop a crisp, flaky texture.
- → Can I prepare the filling in advance?
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Yes, sauté the vegetables and mix the custard ahead of time, then combine just before baking to maintain freshness.
- → What cheese works best for this quiche?
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Gruyère or Swiss cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the vegetables and custard well.
- → How can I ensure the filling sets properly?
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Bake until the center is just set and the top is lightly golden, usually about 30-35 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
- → Are there ways to vary the vegetables?
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Yes, feel free to swap mushrooms and spinach for other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini depending on preference.