Are you looking for a delicious, impressive, yet surprisingly easy meal to whip up? Look no further! This quiche recipe with crispy phyllo dough is the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful brunch. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy prep times – this healthy meal is ready in under an hour and boasts a flaky, golden crust that will leave everyone wanting more. It's a simple yet elegant dish that's perfect for both novice and experienced cooks alike. This recipe is a great example of homemade cooking at its finest, delivering a delicious dish without the fuss.
Ingredients:
- For the Phyllo Crust:
- 1 package (14.1 oz) phyllo dough, thawed
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
- For the Quiche Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyere cheese (or a similar cheese like Swiss or Fontina)
- ½ cup cooked bacon or ham, crumbled (optional)
Instructions:
Making the Phyllo Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate or tart pan.
- Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in the pie plate, letting it drape over the edges. Brush with melted butter. Repeat with remaining phyllo sheets, brushing each with butter. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges. You might need to layer a few sheets to get adequate thickness.
Preparing the Quiche Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and mushrooms until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in the Gruyere cheese and the cooled mushroom and onion mixture. If using, add the crumbled bacon or ham.
Assembling and Baking the Quiche:
- Pour the egg mixture into the prepared phyllo crust.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the crust is golden brown. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.
- Let the quiche cool slightly before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set completely, making for easier slicing.
Tips for the Best Quiche:
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can lead to a dry quiche. Start checking for doneness around the 35-minute mark.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your quiche will be greatly enhanced by using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Blind baking (optional): For an extra crispy crust, you can blind bake the phyllo crust for 10-12 minutes before adding the filling. This helps prevent a soggy bottom.
- Get creative with fillings: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, cheeses, and meats to create your own unique quiche combinations. Spinach and feta, or roasted vegetables are also delicious choices.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Quiche: Omit the bacon or ham for a vegetarian-friendly option. Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus.
- Spicy Quiche: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a little kick.
- Gourmet Quiche: Try adding some caramelized onions or sun-dried tomatoes for an elevated flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a general estimate, one serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, 25-30g fat, 15-20g protein, and 10-15g carbohydrates. Use a nutrition calculator for a more precise calculation based on your ingredients.
This easy quiche recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying dish!