Description
Winter Vegetable Quiche is a savory and comforting baked dish that combines a flaky pie crust with a creamy egg custard filled with hearty winter vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, and butternut squash. This quiche is perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, offering a warm and satisfying way to enjoy seasonal produce, enhanced with Gruyère cheese and subtle spices.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 9-inch pie crust, prepared
Vegetable Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped
- 1/2 cup diced butternut squash, roasted or par-cooked
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Custard
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the quiche.
- Blind-bake crust: Blind-bake the pie crust according to package or your recipe instructions to ensure it is partially cooked and holds its shape during baking.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced mushrooms, chopped broccoli, and roasted or par-cooked butternut squash. Cook until the vegetables are tender, then stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to bring out the flavors.
- Prepare custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream (or half-and-half), salt, black pepper, and optional nutmeg until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble quiche: Spread the cooked vegetable mixture evenly across the blind-baked pie crust. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese evenly over the vegetables.
- Add custard and bake: Carefully pour the egg custard mixture over the vegetables and cheese in the pie crust. Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Remove the quiche from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows it to firm up for easier slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute the listed winter vegetables with other seasonal options such as kale, spinach, or leeks based on availability and preference.
- This quiche can be made ahead of time and reheated gently in the oven to preserve its texture and flavor.
- For a complete meal, serve with a simple green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
