There is something truly comforting about a homemade quiche, and this Easy Quiche with Vegetables and Cheese Recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just beginning, this delightful dish brings together fresh vegetables, rich cheese, and creamy custard in a buttery pie crust that makes every bite a celebration. It’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner, offering versatility, vibrant colors, and an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth and joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right for this recipe is straightforward and crucial for achieving that perfect harmony of taste, texture, and appearance. Each item plays a special role, contributing to the creamy, flavorful, and colorful quiche that you’ll love serving again and again.
- 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust: Provides a flaky, buttery base that holds all the delicious fillings together.
- 2 cups vegetables and/or meat mix-ins: Choose your favorites like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or ham to add texture and bursts of flavor.
- 1 cup shredded or crumbled cheese: Use sharp cheddar, gruyere, goat cheese, or feta to create a melty, savory topping that ties everything together.
- 2 tablespoons sliced scallions or chopped fresh herbs: These add a fresh, bright note that elevates the overall taste.
- 4 large eggs: The binding agent that forms the custard, giving the quiche its signature silky texture.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness to the custard, making each slice indulgently creamy.
- 3-4 dashes hot sauce (optional): A subtle kick that can add depth to the flavor without overpowering the dish.
- ¼-½ teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the quiche.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and spice, balancing the richness.
How to Make Easy Quiche with Vegetables and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Par-Bake the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Carefully place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate, crimping the edges to give it a nice, decorative border. Use a fork to poke holes in both the bottom and sides. This prevents unwanted bubbles and ensures an even crust. For extra security against shrinking, line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with dry beans or pie weights. Bake the crust for about 12 minutes, then remove from the oven and take out the weights or beans if you used them. Set your pie plate on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips in later steps. This technique ensures your crust is perfectly crisp and ready for the filling.
Step 2: Lower Oven Temperature and Add Fillings
Reduce your oven temperature to 375°F to prepare for the custard baking stage. Evenly spread your chosen mix of vegetables and/or meats across the pre-baked pie crust, creating a vibrant and flavorful base. Follow with a generous sprinkling of cheese along with the sliced scallions or fresh herbs. This layering creates a beautiful foundation that bakes into a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together your eggs, heavy cream, the optional hot sauce, fine sea salt, and black pepper. The careful blending of these ingredients forms the custard that will set around the fillings, binding every component together with creamy perfection. When well combined, slowly pour the custard mixture over the layered fillings, gently wiggling the pie plate to help the liquid seep in evenly between vegetables and cheese.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your quiche for 45 to 55 minutes or until the center is puffed and just set. Keep an eye for a slight golden hue on top and a clean knife inserted in the center to come out mostly clean. The beauty of this step is watching all those fresh flavors meld together into that classic quiche texture everyone adores.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the quiche to rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This resting time gives the custard a chance to firm up, making slicing easier and serving neater. Serve your Easy Quiche with Vegetables and Cheese Recipe warm, at room temperature, or even chilled, depending on your mood and the occasion.
How to Serve Easy Quiche with Vegetables and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or thyme make fantastic garnishes, adding a pop of color and a fragrant hint that brightens the dish. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a dollop of sour cream can enhance the richness, inviting everyone to indulge a little more.
Side Dishes
Pair your quiche with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness. For a heartier meal, roasted potatoes or a bowl of fresh fruit complement the quiche beautifully without overpowering its delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving quiche in individual ramekins or muffin tins can turn this classic into perfect bite-sized appetizers or a party-friendly snack. For brunches, arrange colorful roasted vegetables or fresh slices of heirloom tomatoes alongside to create a vibrant and inviting spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover quiche keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other odors. This makes for an easy, flavorful next-day meal or snack.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Easy Quiche with Vegetables and Cheese Recipe later, wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen quiche can last up to 1 month. To avoid sogginess, it’s best to freeze in individual portions.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through. This method restores the quiche’s crispy edges and keeps the custard creamy. You can also reheat individual pieces in the microwave, but the oven is preferable for texture.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this quiche?
Absolutely! Using a store-bought pie crust can save time and still deliver fantastic results. Just ensure it’s thawed properly if frozen and keep an eye on baking times as they may slightly vary.
What are the best vegetables to use in this quiche?
The possibilities are endless! Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes work beautifully. Just be sure to sauté watery veggies first to prevent a soggy crust.
Can I make this quiche vegetarian?
Definitely. Simply omit any meat and load up on your favorite vegetables and cheese varieties. This makes the recipe not only delicious but also a great option for vegetarian meals.
What cheese melts best in this quiche?
Gruyere, cheddar, and gouda melt wonderfully, creating a creamy texture and rich taste. Mixing cheeses can add complexity, so feel free to experiment with your favorites like feta or goat cheese for unique flavors.
How do I know when the quiche is fully cooked?
The quiche is done when the center is puffed up and set, no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pan. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out nearly clean, maybe with just a slight custard coating.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely believe this Easy Quiche with Vegetables and Cheese Recipe could become your go-to for brunches, light dinners, or anytime you want something homemade but uncomplicated. It’s forgiving, endlessly customizable, and packed with that cozy feeling that only fresh, perfectly baked quiche can bring. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
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Easy Quiche with Vegetables and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This classic and easy quiche recipe features a flaky pie crust filled with a versatile mixture of vegetables, meats, cheeses, and fresh herbs baked in a rich egg and cream custard. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, it can be customized to your favorite ingredients and enjoyed warm or cold.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust
Fillings
- 2 cups vegetables and/or meat mix-ins (such as spinach, mushrooms, bacon, ham, or asparagus)
- 1 cup shredded or crumbled cheese (cheddar, gruyere, gouda, goat cheese, feta, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons sliced scallions or chopped fresh herbs (optional)
Custard
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3–4 dashes hot sauce (optional)
- ¼–½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F to prepare for baking the pie crust.
- Prepare the pie crust: Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges neatly. Use a fork to poke holes on the bottom and sides of the crust to prevent bubbling during baking. For extra protection against shrinking, line the crust with parchment paper and add dry beans or pie weights.
- Blind bake the crust: Bake the crust for 12 minutes until it sets. Remove the pie crust from the oven, carefully take out the parchment paper and weights if used, and place the pie plate on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips.
- Lower oven temperature: Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F to prepare for baking the filled quiche.
- Add fillings: Layer your choice of vegetables and/or meats evenly at the bottom of the par-baked crust. Sprinkle the cheese and scallions or herbs over the top.
- Make the custard: In a bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, hot sauce (if using), salt, and black pepper until combined thoroughly.
- Pour custard over fillings: Slowly pour the egg mixture over the layers in the pie crust. Gently wiggle the pie plate to help the custard settle evenly among the fillings.
- Bake the quiche: Bake at 375°F for 45-55 minutes or until the center is puffed, set, and slightly golden on top.
- Cool before serving: Allow the quiche to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled as desired.
Notes
- Customize the quiche with your preferred mix-ins such as spinach, mushrooms, cooked bacon, ham, or asparagus.
- Use a mix of cheeses to add depth of flavor.
- Blind baking the crust prevents a soggy bottom and ensures even cooking.
- Letting the quiche cool before slicing helps it set and maintain clean slices.
- Hot sauce is optional but adds a subtle kick to the custard.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
