Ina Garten’s Flaky Asparagus Quiche Recipe: Quick & Savory Joy

Asparagus quiche transforms breakfast tables into gourmet playgrounds with its luscious, emerald-studded landscape of creamy delight.

Sophisticated yet wonderfully approachable, this culinary marvel whispers elegance through every golden, tender bite.

Crisp green spears dance within a buttery crust, promising flavor explosions that awaken sleepy taste buds.

Professional and home chefs alike adore how effortlessly these delicate ingredients merge into a stunning morning masterpiece.

Eggs and dairy create a luxurious foundation that elevates humble asparagus into something extraordinary.

Each forkful tells a story of comfort and refinement, blending rustic charm with culinary finesse.

This recipe beckons you to break free from mundane morning meals and embrace deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredient List for Ina Garten Asparagus Quiche

• Pie Shells: Select pre-made or fresh shells with buttery, delicate texture and crisp edges.

• Asparagus: Choose slender, bright green stalks with tight, compact tips and no wilting.

• Bacon: Pick thick-cut, quality bacon with good marbling for maximum flavor and crisp texture.

• Eggs, Heavy Cream: Select farm-fresh eggs with bright yellow yolks and full-bodied cream with rich, smooth consistency.

• Shredded Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar or gruyère with robust, nutty undertones.

• Ground Nutmeg, Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground spices for vibrant, intense flavor profiles.

Kitchen Gear for Ina Garten Asparagus Quiche

• Oven: Standard kitchen oven for baking quiche to golden perfection.
• Steamer Basket: Essential for cooking asparagus evenly and maintaining crisp texture.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for crisping bacon to delicious golden brown.
• Mixing Bowl: Needed for blending egg mixture smoothly.
• Whisk: Great for combining eggs and cream without lumps.
• Paper Towels: Helps drain excess bacon grease for crispy results.
• Cutting Board: Useful for chopping and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Helps slice and crumble bacon precisely.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Pie Shells: Ready-made or homemade base for quiche.

Method for Making Ina Garten Asparagus Quiche

• Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F and get ready for a culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Transform Asparagus

Toss fresh asparagus into a steamer basket with a splash of boiling water. Let them steam until they’re tender yet still have a delightful crunch, then set aside to cool.

• Crisp Bacon Magic

Sizzle bacon in a hot skillet until it turns golden and irresistibly crunchy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into bite-sized pieces that’ll add serious flavor.

• Build Quiche Foundation

Gently brush pie shells with egg white, then create a delicious layer of crumbled bacon, cooled asparagus, and a generous sprinkle of cheese. This is where the magic begins.

• Whip Up Creamy Filling

Blend eggs with heavy cream, a whisper of nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until the mixture is silky smooth and begging to be poured.

• Bake To Perfection

Pour the dreamy egg mixture over your carefully crafted layers. Slide into the oven and bake until the center sets and the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown.

• Serve And Savor

Pull out your masterpiece, let it cool slightly, and slice into this mouthwatering quiche. Prepare for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Taste Tweaks for Ina Garten Asparagus Quiche

Master these delectable cooking tips and variations to elevate your culinary creation.

Replace traditional bacon with pancetta, ham, or turkey bacon for unique flavor profiles that keep your taste buds dancing. Vegetarian friends can swap bacon with caramelized mushrooms or roasted bell peppers.

Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar to transform the quiche’s personality. Mixing two cheese types creates complex, rich flavor layers that make each bite extraordinary.

Blind bake the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding fillings to prevent soggy bottoms. Brush crust edges with egg wash for a gorgeous golden shine that screams professional baker.

Rotate seasonal vegetables like spring leeks, summer zucchini, or winter kale to keep your quiche exciting and connected to nature’s bounty. Fresh herbs like thyme or chives can also dramatically enhance the overall taste experience.

Presentation Tips for Ina Garten Asparagus Quiche

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Create a light, crisp green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy quiche.
• Brunch Companion Beverage: Serve alongside a mimosa or fresh-squeezed orange juice for a delightful weekend brunch experience that elevates the entire meal.
• Garnish with Herb Flair: Sprinkle chopped fresh chives or parsley on top to add a bright, fresh pop of color and enhance the quiche's herbal undertones.
• Elegant Presentation Tip: Cut the quiche into elegant triangular slices and arrange on a white ceramic plate to showcase the beautiful layers of asparagus, bacon, and golden crust.

Ina Garten Asparagus Quiche: Plan and Store

• Maximize Freshness: Store leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The crisp texture remains best when kept cool and covered.
• Freeze with Ease: Wrap individual quiche slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen quiche stays delicious for 2-3 months, perfect for quick future meals.
• Reheat Like a Pro: Warm refrigerated quiche in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain the flaky crust and prevent soggy edges.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare quiche ahead of time for busy mornings. Cut into individual portions, wrap securely, and store in the refrigerator. Grab-and-go breakfast becomes a delightful reality with this simple strategy.

Elegant Asparagus Quiche Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s asparagus quiche blends elegant French culinary traditions with fresh seasonal produce. Creamy eggs, crisp pastry, and tender asparagus create a perfect brunch centerpiece you will savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 8-inch unbaked pie shells
• 1 lb (454 g) fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into ½-inch pieces
• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
• 4 large eggs
• 10 slices bacon
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) half-and-half cream
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prep Oven: Position rack in center and preheat to 400°F (200°C) for optimal baking environment.
2. Asparagus Treatment: Steam asparagus in boiling water until tender-crisp, then pat dry and set aside for later incorporation.
3. Bacon Preparation: Crisp bacon in skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown, drain on paper towels, and crumble into small pieces.
4. Pie Shell Layering: Brush pie shells with egg white, create a strategic base layer by evenly distributing crumbled bacon, cooled asparagus, and shredded cheese.
5. Custard Creation: Whisk eggs, heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper into a smooth, luxurious mixture that will bind the quiche components.
6. Baking Finale: Pour custard over layered ingredients, bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until center sets and top achieves a golden, slightly puffy appearance. Rest at room temperature before serving to stabilize texture and enhance flavor profile.

Notes

• Prep Asparagus Perfectly: Steam asparagus just until tender-crisp to maintain its vibrant color and prevent overcooking, which can make it mushy and lose nutritional value.
• Bacon Technique: Render bacon slowly over medium-high heat to achieve maximum crispness and extract rich, smoky flavor without burning the meat.
• Egg Wash Secret: Brushing pie crust with egg white creates a protective moisture barrier, keeping the bottom crust crisp and preventing soggy texture.
• Baking Precision: Watch the quiche carefully during final 10 minutes of baking; a slightly puffy, golden top indicates perfect doneness without overcooking the delicate custard.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg