Quiche With Three Variations
Ingredients
Base
- 1 (6-inch) pie crust, blind-baked
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 to 2/3 cup half-and-half
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Variation #1
- 2 to 3 slices bacon, diced
- 1/2 cup sliced onion (about 1/2 small onion)
- 2 ounces Gruyère cheese, or Emmentaler cheese, grated
Variation #2
- 1/2 to 2/3 cup mushrooms, quartered or sliced, cooked
- 2/3 cup cooked spinach, optional
- 2 ounces Gruyère cheese, smoked or regular, or smoked Gouda cheese, grated, optional
Variation #3
- 1/2 cup diced roasted red pepper
- 1/2 cup slow-browned onions, optional
- 1 1/2 ounces aged Gouda cheese, grated, optional
Instructions
- 1
Main - Preheat oven to 375 F.
- 2
Main - In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, salt, pepper and nutmeg until thoroughly combined but not frothy.
- 3
Main - Spread filling ingredients (see below for preparation) over the bottom of the blind-baked crust.
- 4
Main - Pour the custard over carefully, making sure not to pour over the top of the crust. (It's best to place the quiche on a sheet pan or cookie sheet before pouring in the custard.)
- 5
Main - Depending on the size of your pan and the amount of filling you use, you may need less custard. If you need more, whisk another egg with 1/4 cup of half-and-half and add to the crust.
- 6
Main - Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or just until the custard is set and the top is very lightly browned.
- 7
Main - Let cool for 10 minutes or more before slicing.
- 8
Filling Variation #1 - In a small skillet, cook the bacon until browned but not completely crisp.
- 9
Filling Variation #1 - Remove from pan and cool.
- 10
Filling Variation #1 - Add the sliced onions to the bacon fat and cook until the pieces separate and soften.
- 11
Filling Variation #1 - Let cool.
- 12
Filling Variation #1 - Spread the bacon and onions over the bottom of the crust and top with the grated cheese.
- 13
Filling Variation #2 - Thoroughly drain the spinach, pressing as much liquid as possible out.
- 14
Filling Variation #2 - Chop coarsely.
- 15
Filling Variation #2 - Spread the mushrooms and spinach evenly over the bottom of the crust.
- 16
Filling Variation #2 - Sprinkle with cheese.
- 17
Filling Variation #3 - Thoroughly dry the roasted red pepper.
- 18
Filling Variation #3 - Spread the red pepper and onions evenly over the bottom of the crust.
- 19
Filling Variation #3 - Sprinkle with cheeses.
