A Deliciously Easy Cheese and Onion Quiche Recipe
This recipe delivers a savory and satisfying cheese and onion quiche perfect for a light lunch, a delightful dinner, or a crowd-pleasing party snack. We'll guide you through each step, ensuring a flawlessly golden-brown crust and a creamy, cheesy filling. Get ready to impress!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed for a classic 9-inch quiche dish. Adjust quantities as needed for larger or smaller dishes.
For the Pastry:
- 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:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend!)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped chives for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Making the Pastry:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the Dough: 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 more tender crust.
- Roll and Bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to your 9-inch quiche dish, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling. Blind bake the crust (optional but recommended) for 10-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C) before adding the filling. This prevents a soggy bottom.
Preparing the Filling:
- Sauté Onions: While the crust is chilling (or baking), melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until softened and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. This step is crucial for enhancing the flavor of your quiche.
- Whisk Together Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Quiche: Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the onions. Pour the egg mixture over the cheese and onions.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and golden brown. The center should be just slightly jiggly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the quiche cool slightly before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh chives, if desired.
Tips for Quiche Perfection:
- Don't overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry quiche. Check for doneness at the 35-minute mark.
- Use quality ingredients: The flavor of your quiche will be directly impacted by the quality of your ingredients. Use good quality cheese and fresh, flavorful onions.
- Experiment with cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gruyere, Swiss, or a blend of cheeses would also be delicious.
- Add other vegetables: Consider adding other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to your quiche for added flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions:
This cheese and onion quiche is delicious on its own, but it pairs well with a simple side salad, a fresh baguette, or a bowl of soup.
Enjoy your homemade cheese and onion quiche! Remember to share your culinary creations on social media and tag us! (add your social media handles here if applicable). Happy baking!