Are you craving a comforting, flavorful, and visually stunning meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this deep dish quiche recipe! This isn't your average quiche; we're talking a generous, hearty helping of creamy custard nestled in a flaky crust, bursting with your favorite ingredients. Perfect for brunch, a light lunch, or even a satisfying dinner, this deep dish quiche is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a delicious dish that effortlessly blends homemade cooking with the convenience of quick dinner ideas, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend brunches.
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe provides a flexible framework, allowing you to adapt the ingredients to your preferences and what's in season. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, vegetables, and meats to create your signature deep dish quiche.
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (or ham, sausage, or vegetables)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
- ½ cup chopped onion (optional)
- ½ cup chopped bell peppers (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Culinary Magic
This detailed guide will walk you through the process, making even a deep dish quiche a breeze, even for beginners.
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch deep dish pie plate. Transfer the dough to the pie plate, trim the edges, and crimp. Prick the bottom with a fork and blind bake for 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
Preparing the Filling & Baking the Quiche:
- Whisk the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
- Assemble the quiche: Spread the cooked bacon (or your chosen filling) evenly over the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle with the cheddar cheese and any optional vegetables.
- Pour the custard: Gently pour the egg mixture over the filling.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the crust is golden brown. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the quiche cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips and Variations: Elevate Your Quiche Game
- Crust variations: Use store-bought pie crust for a quicker option. Experiment with different types of crusts, like a whole wheat crust or a gluten-free crust.
- Filling variations: Get creative with your fillings! Spinach and feta, mushroom and swiss, or roasted vegetables are all delicious options. Consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
- Make it ahead: This quiche can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Reheat gently before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on ingredients)
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This deep dish quiche recipe is more than just a meal; it's an experience. It's a testament to the joy of homemade cooking, offering a delicious and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and share this culinary masterpiece with your loved ones!