Are you looking for a delicious, satisfying, and surprisingly easy meal to brighten your day? Look no further! This quiche recipe with sausage is the perfect solution for a quick dinner, a delightful brunch, or even a simple yet impressive lunch. Packed with savory sausage, creamy eggs, and a flaky crust, this quiche is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a perfect example of how homemade cooking can be both healthy and incredibly flavorful, offering a delicious alternative to takeout or processed foods.
Ingredients:
This recipe makes a 9-inch quiche. Feel free to double it for a larger crowd!
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, casings removed
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk or cream (half-and-half works well too!)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the cold 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 until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix!
- Chill: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a flakier crust.
- Roll and bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. Blind bake for 10-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C) before adding the filling (this prevents a soggy bottom!).
Preparing the Filling and Baking the Quiche:
- Cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbly. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Whisk eggs and milk: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or cream), salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the quiche: Spread the cooked sausage and vegetables evenly over the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and parsley. Pour the egg mixture over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and 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 for the Best Quiche:
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry quiche. Start checking for doneness around the 35-minute mark.
- Use quality ingredients: The flavor of your quiche will be enhanced by using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Get creative with fillings: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, cheeses, and meats. Mushrooms, spinach, and bacon are all delicious additions.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Quiche: Omit the sausage and add your favorite vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini.
- Spicy Quiche: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a little kick.
- Herb Quiche: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used. A general estimate for a 1/6 slice is approximately 350-400 calories, 20-25g fat, 15-20g protein, and 10-15g carbohydrates. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredient details.
This easy quiche recipe with sausage is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!