Are you searching for a comforting, healthy, and unbelievably delicious meal that's also surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This butternut squash quiche is the perfect answer for busy weeknights or a special weekend brunch. It's packed with the autumnal flavors of sweet butternut squash, earthy spices, and creamy eggs, all nestled in a flaky pastry crust. This recipe is perfect for showcasing the best of homemade cooking, offering a healthy meal that's far superior to takeout. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
This simple ingredients list makes this recipe a perfect choice for quick dinner ideas.
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup ice water
- For the Filling:
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 1 ½ pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup grated cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
This simple step-by-step guide makes this one of the best recipes you'll try.
Get started with the crust:
- Whisk together flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the butternut squash:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
Assemble and bake the quiche:
- Roll out the chilled dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges.
- Sauté the onion and garlic in a pan until softened.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the roasted butternut squash, sautéed onion and garlic, and cheese.
- Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the quiche is set and golden brown. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Best Butternut Squash Quiche:
- For a richer flavor, use homemade pie crust.
- Don't overbake the quiche; it should be set but not dry.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Quiche: This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can easily make it vegan by using a vegan crust and substituting the heavy cream and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- Spicy Quiche: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
- Herby Quiche: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This healthy meal provides a good source of vitamins and nutrients. The exact nutritional content will vary depending on the ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
This delicious and easy butternut squash quiche is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!