Cheese Quiche

Cheese quiche is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It features a flaky crust filled with a rich and creamy cheese custard. The best part is that you can use any cheese you prefer, from Emmental, Gruyère, and Cantal to cheddar or any other flavorful cheese of your choice. The addition of fresh herbs elevates the flavor, offering a burst of freshness to each bite.

Makes: 4 to 8 servings

Time: About 1.5 hours, somewhat unattended; less if you have a premade crust

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 recipe Flaky Piecrust, made without sugar, or Savory Tart Crust, fitted into a 10-inch tart pan or 9-inch deep-dish pie pan and chilled
• 6 eggs, at room temperature
• 2 cups grated Emmental, Gruyère, Cantal, cheddar, or other flavorful cheese
• 2 cups cream, half-and-half, milk, or a combination, heated gently just until warm
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, or to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and position the rack in the middle. Prebake the chilled crust as described on page 928 until it begins to brown, approximately 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool on a rack while you prepare the filling. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining ingredients (eggs, grated cheese, heated cream, salt, and cayenne). Beat until well blended.
3. Place the prebaked crust on a baking sheet and pour the egg mixture into the shell.
4. Bake the quiche for 30 to 40 minutes, or until it is almost firm with a slight jiggle in the middle and lightly browned on top. If the edges of the crust are browning too quickly, reduce the oven temperature. Allow the quiche to cool on a rack.
5. Serve the cheese quiche warm or at room temperature.

VARIATION: PESTO QUICHE

Substitute 3/4 cup of Traditional Pesto for 1/2 cup each of the cheese and cream in the basic quiche recipe. Incorporating pesto adds a burst of herbaceous flavor and a vibrant green color to the quiche.

TIPS:

• For a flaky crust, make sure to chill the pie crust before baking and prebake it slightly before adding the filling.
• To prevent the crust from getting soggy, you can brush it with a beaten egg or a thin layer of melted butter before adding the filling.
• Experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor of your quiche. Try a combination of sharp and mild cheeses for a balanced taste.
• Adding fresh herbs can enhance the flavors of your quiche. Choose herbs that pair well with the cheese and other ingredients.
• If using a premade crust, opt for a high-quality one for the best results. Make sure to follow the package instructions for prebaking, if necessary.
• Allow the quiche to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help it set and make it easier to handle.
• Quiche can be served warm or at room temperature. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
• Leftover quiche can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick and easy meal the next day. Simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.

The cheese quiche is a delightful and customizable dish that can be enjoyed for any meal of the day. Its rich and creamy texture combined with the flaky crust creates a satisfying and indulgent experience. With the option to incorporate pesto, you can add a unique twist to the classic recipe. Whether served as the centerpiece of a brunch or as part of a light dinner, this cheese quiche is sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds.