If you have not yet fallen in love with a quiche that perfectly balances rich, creamy cheese and sweetly nutty caramelized onions, then this Cheese & Caramelized Onion Quiche Recipe is about to become your new obsession. The delicate layers of crisp phyllo dough cradle a luscious custard filling generously studded with sharp, melty cheese and slow-cooked onions that have developed a deep, mellow sweetness. Whether you’re serving it for a leisurely brunch, a light dinner, or an elegant appetizer, this quiche offers an irresistible combination of textures and flavors that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a white pie dish on a white marbled surface, filled with a golden-brown crust that folds slightly over the edges. Inside the crust, there is a layer of a rich, brown filling evenly spread out. A woman's hand is sprinkling shredded pale yellow cheese evenly on top of the filling. Behind the dish, there is a clear glass measuring cup filled with more shredded cheese and a block of pale yellow cheese with a grater next to it. The background and surface are clean with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients may look simple, but each one plays a crucial role in crafting the irresistible flavors and textures that make this Cheese & Caramelized Onion Quiche Recipe so memorable. From the golden buttery phyllo crust to the silky custard filling, every component shines.

1 large onion (chopped, about 1½ cups): Slowly caramelized for that deep, sweet flavor that makes this quiche sing.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter or ghee: Adds richness and helps caramelize the onions perfectly without burning.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a subtle fruity undertone during onion cooking.
¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors throughout the dish.
8 sheets phyllo dough (9-by-13-inch sheets): Creates a wonderfully flaky and crisp crust that is lighter than traditional pie dough.
¼ cup melted ghee or clarified butter: Keeps the phyllo layers moist and delicately golden as they bake.
6 large eggs: The foundation of the creamy custard filling.
¾ cup whole milk: Adds smoothness and balances the creaminess.
½ cup heavy cream: Contributes luxurious richness and tenderness to the custard.
½ cup crème fraîche: Brings a subtle tang and extra creaminess that elevates the filling.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Seasoning for the custard layers to highlight the cheeses and onions.
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle spicy note to contrast the sweetness.
¼ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg: Just a hint to deepen the savory custard flavors.
4½ oz cheese of your choice (shredded, about 1½ cups): Use your favorite melty cheese—Gruyère, sharp cheddar, or a blend—for the perfect gooey finish.

How to Make Cheese & Caramelized Onion Quiche Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by melting butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add your chopped onions and sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt. Patience is key here—cook them slowly for 40 to 50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This slow caramelization brings out the natural sweetness of the onions, which is essential for the depth of flavor in your quiche.

Step 2: Prepare the Oven and Phyllo Crust

While your onions are nearing perfect caramelization, get your oven ready by placing a baking stone or heavy baking sheet in the lower third and preheating to 375°F. Lightly brush a deep 10-inch pie pan with melted ghee. Begin layering phyllo sheets, brushing each one generously with ghee and rotating angles as you go to cover the pan evenly. Don’t forget to keep the extra phyllo covered with plastic wrap and a damp towel to prevent it from drying out. Once all sheets are layered and edges folded in, add a light weight to the bottom and bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove the weight and bake a little longer to dry the bottom thoroughly.

Step 3: Make the Custard Filling

Reduce your oven’s temperature to 350°F. In a blender or using a whisk, combine eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, and crème fraîche until smooth and silky. Add salt, freshly ground black pepper, and nutmeg, blending again to incorporate the spices evenly. This custard mixture will be the luscious base that binds the cheese and caramelized onions together in perfect harmony.

Step 4: Assemble the Quiche

Scatter the caramelized onions evenly across the par-baked phyllo crust, then sprinkle about two-thirds of your shredded cheese over the onions. Carefully pour the custard mixture on top, allowing it to diffuse throughout, then finish with the remaining cheese scattered over the surface. This layering creates delightful pockets of gooey, flavorful cheese with bursts of sweet onion in every bite.

Step 5: Bake the Quiche

Bake your quiche for 45 to 55 minutes until the edges are golden and puffed, and the center is just a touch wobbly. A thin knife gently inserted near the center should come out cleanly. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, tent it with foil to prevent burning while the filling finishes cooking perfectly.

Step 6: Cool and Set

Remove the quiche from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool for 1 to 2 hours until it reaches room temperature. For the best texture and ease of slicing, refrigerate the quiche covered for a few hours or overnight—this waiting time truly helps the custard set firmly while keeping everything creamy and tender.

How to Serve Cheese & Caramelized Onion Quiche Recipe

A slice of quiche sits on a white textured plate on a white marbled surface, topped with small green herbs with purple stems. The quiche shows three layers: a golden-brown flaky crust on the edge, a thick pale yellow egg and cheese layer in the middle with visible soft texture, and a slightly browned top layer. Behind the slice, there is a whole quiche in a white fluted pie dish with a rich golden crust. A silver fork rests on the plate beside the quiche slice. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or finely chopped chives makes a lovely fresh contrast to the rich custard and cheese. For a touch of brightness, a small dollop of crème fraîche or a drizzle of balsamic reduction can elevate each slice beautifully.

Side Dishes

This quiche pairs wonderfully with a crisp, peppery arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette. Roasted seasonal vegetables or a simple tomato salad with fresh basil also complement the savory flavors while keeping the meal light and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving this Cheese & Caramelized Onion Quiche Recipe in individual ramekins or mini tart pans makes them perfect for entertaining or brunch gatherings. You can also slice it into small squares and serve warm as elegant finger food at a party—everyone will be asking for the recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, cover your quiche tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen, and the texture remains delightfully creamy after resting overnight.

Freezing

You can freeze slices individually by wrapping them in foil then placing in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To bring your quiche back to life, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes. This reheating method crisps up the phyllo crust nicely while gently warming the filling so it’s tender and creamy again.

FAQs

Can I use a traditional pie crust instead of phyllo dough?

Absolutely! A classic buttery pie crust adds a different but equally delicious texture. Just note that the phyllo here brings a lighter, crispier shell that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.

What types of cheese work best?

Gruyère is a classic choice for quiche because of its rich, nutty flavor and great melting quality. Sharp cheddar, fontina, or a combination also work wonderfully—choose cheeses you love that melt well.

How far ahead can I make this quiche?

You can prepare the quiche fully a day ahead, refrigerate it, and reheat before serving. Caramelized onions can also be made several days in advance and stored in the fridge to save prep time.

Can I add other vegetables or meats?

Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or small cooked bacon pieces can elevate your quiche. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture from veggies to avoid a soggy crust.

Is crème fraîche necessary in this recipe?

Crème fraîche adds a wonderful tang and richness but if you don’t have it, sour cream or even full-fat Greek yogurt can be a good substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Cheese & Caramelized Onion Quiche Recipe is like sharing a little piece of cozy bliss. Its elegant layers of flaky phyllo, sweet caramelized onions, and ooey-gooey cheese come together in a way that’s truly comforting and impressively delicious. I promise, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a treasured go-to for brunches, casual dinners, or whenever you simply want to indulge in great food that feels homemade and special. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to delight your taste buds—you will not regret it!