Mini quiches are a versatile and delightful treat that can be served at breakfast, brunch, or as an appetizer at any gathering. These bite-sized wonders feature a buttery, flaky crust and a creamy, flavorful filling. This recipe will guide you through creating a batch of mini quiches that are not only delicious but also easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients:
For the Mini Quiche Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Mini Quiche Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup grated cheese (such as cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère)
- 1/2 cup diced cooked bacon or other fillings (vegetables, herbs, or cooked sausage)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Quiche Crust
- In a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Slowly drizzle in the ice water and continue to pulse until the dough starts to come together. It should be moist but not sticky.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough and Cut the Crusts
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out rounds that will fit into the cups of a mini muffin tin.
- Press each round into the cups to create the crusts for your mini quiches.
Step 4: Prepare the Quiche Filling
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the grated cheese and your choice of fillings (e.g., diced cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, or herbs).
Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Mini Quiches
- Spoon the quiche filling into the prepared crusts, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the quiches are puffed and golden brown.
- Allow the mini quiches to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool further.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the mini quiches warm as an appetizer or at a brunch gathering.
Mini quiches are a crowd-pleaser and a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. With a buttery, flaky crust and a creamy, customizable filling, they make for a delightful and elegant treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, as a party appetizer, or simply as a snack, these bite-sized delights are sure to be a hit.