A quiche is the ultimate dish for any meal, whether it’s a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or an elegant dinner. With its flaky, buttery crust and rich, creamy filling, this classic quiche recipe is both simple to make and endlessly versatile. Originating from France, this savory pie has become a beloved staple around the world, thanks to its delightful combination of eggs, cheese, and an array of flavorful ingredients like crispy bacon, tender vegetables, or fresh herbs.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a brunch gathering or simply want a delicious meal that’s easy to prepare, this recipe offers a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Customize it with your favorite ingredients, or enjoy it in its traditional form — either way, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Judith’s classic quiche recipe ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the filling:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyère, cheddar, Swiss, or a mix)
- 1 cup fillings (e.g., cooked bacon, ham, sautéed spinach, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, etc.)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (optional: parsley, chives, thyme, etc.)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the crust:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. It should be moist but not sticky.
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Roll out the crust:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough around the edges.
4. Blind bake the crust:
- Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10-15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for another 5 minutes, until the crust is lightly golden.
5. Prepare the filling:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs (if using).
6. Assemble the quiche:
- Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked crust. Add your choice of fillings (e.g., bacon, vegetables, etc.) on top of the cheese.
- Pour the egg mixture over the fillings, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
7. Bake the quiche:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden. The center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid.
8. Cool and serve:
- Allow the quiche to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
- Make it your own: Swap in different cheeses, meats, or vegetables based on your preferences.
- Advance prep: The crust can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
Enjoy your delicious homemade quiche! Would you like to know more about variations or additional tips?