Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal? Look no further! This recipe for Eggs in a Pie Crust is a fantastic option for a healthy breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. It's surprisingly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste and dietary needs. This simple recipe transforms humble ingredients into a delicious and impressive dish, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend brunch. Get ready to elevate your breakfast game with this homemade masterpiece!
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet (14.1 ounces) ready-made pie crust
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk or cream (whole milk recommended for richness)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped chives or other fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gently unfold the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie plate. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork several times to prevent it from puffing up during baking. This is a crucial step for even cooking and a beautiful finished pie.
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Whisk the Eggs: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until light and frothy. This helps create a smoother, more evenly cooked egg mixture in the pie.
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Add-ins (Optional): Stir in the shredded cheese and/or chopped chives into the egg mixture if desired. Feel free to experiment with other add-ins like diced ham, bacon, sautéed vegetables, or different types of cheese.
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Pour & Bake: Carefully pour the egg mixture into the prepared pie crust. Dot the top with small pieces of butter. This adds richness and helps create a golden brown crust.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the crust is golden brown. The center should be just slightly jiggly—it will continue to firm up as it cools.
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Cool & Serve: Let the egg pie cool slightly before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set completely and makes it easier to cut neat slices.
Tips for Egg-cellent Results:
- Blind Baking (Optional): For an extra crispy crust, you can pre-bake the pie crust for 8-10 minutes before adding the egg mixture. This helps prevent a soggy bottom.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry eggs. Keep a close eye on the pie during the last few minutes of baking.
- Creative Fillings: Get creative with your fillings! Consider adding sauteed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or your favorite breakfast meats.
Variations:
- Spicy Egg Pie: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Egg Pie: Load up on your favorite vegetables for a hearty and healthy vegetarian meal.
- Cheesy Egg Pie: Experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyère, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, without additions):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Protein: ~15g
- Fat: ~18g
- Carbohydrates: ~10g
This recipe provides a fantastic source of protein and is a delicious way to enjoy eggs. It's a simple, healthy, and satisfying meal perfect for any time of the day. Enjoy!