Are you craving a delicious, satisfying meal that's also quick and easy to prepare? Look no further! This Cheese and Onion Quiche Lorraine is the perfect answer. It’s a twist on the classic, offering a comforting and flavorful experience without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a delightful brunch, or even a sophisticated lunchbox treat. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant dish.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Items
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous cooking session.
- 1 sheet (14.1 oz) ready-made puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated (or a blend of your favorite cheeses)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Quiche Perfection
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Prepare the Onion: Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor to your quiche. Don't rush it!
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Assemble the Quiche: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or tart pan. Unfold the puff pastry and gently press it into the dish, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides. Trim any excess pastry.
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Layer the Filling: Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the pastry base. Sprinkle half of the grated Gruyère cheese over the onions.
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Create the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Pour and Bake: Pour the egg mixture over the onions and cheese. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese on top.
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Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
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Cool and Serve: Let the quiche cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Quiche Success: Pro-Tips for Perfect Results
- Caramelizing the onions is key: Don't skip this step! It makes all the difference in the flavor of your quiche.
- Blind baking (optional): For a crispier crust, you can pre-bake the pastry shell for 10-12 minutes before adding the filling.
- Cheese variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A blend of Gruyère, Swiss, and cheddar would be delicious!
- Add-ins: Get creative! Consider adding cooked bacon, ham, mushrooms, or spinach to your quiche for extra flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This Cheese and Onion Quiche Lorraine is a simple yet impressive dish perfect for any occasion. Its ease of preparation and delicious flavor make it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying homemade cooking experience!