Description
Ina Garten’s crustless quiche delivers a luxurious breakfast experience with silky eggs and sharp cheddar cheese. Elegant yet simple, this protein-packed dish offers a delightful morning meal you can savor without fussy pastry preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Dairy and Protein:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) half-and-half
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 4 ounces (113 grams) grated or crumbled cheese (like Cheddar, goat cheese, Gruyere)
- ¾ cup (180 milliliters) chopped crisp bacon, diced ham or salami
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 2 to 3 cups (480–720 milliliters) prepared vegetables (like leeks, broccoli, onions, mushrooms, spinach)
- 1 to 4 tablespoons (15–60 milliliters) minced herbs (like parsley, chives, tarragon)
Seasonings and Thickeners:
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Freshly grated nutmeg
- Pinch cayenne or paprika
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) all-purpose flour (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the cooking space by positioning the oven rack at 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal temperature for a perfectly golden quiche.
- Transform the pie pan into a flavor foundation by generously coating its surface with softened butter, then sprinkle a delicate layer of grated Parmesan cheese to create a savory crust base.
- Craft the silky custard base by whisking together half-and-half, whole eggs, and additional egg yolks until smooth, incorporating kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a subtle hint of nutmeg or cayenne for depth of flavor.
- Construct the first vegetable and cheese layer by carefully distributing half of the selected ingredients across the buttered pan, ensuring even coverage and maximizing flavor potential.
- Complete the vegetable foundation by adding the remaining cheese and vegetable components, creating a robust and colorful base for the quiche.
- Enhance the dish with protein by sprinkling chopped bacon, diced ham, or salami over the vegetable layers, complementing the existing flavors with rich, savory notes.
- Gently cascade the prepared custard mixture over the layered ingredients, allowing it to naturally settle and fill any gaps between the vegetables and proteins.
- Transfer the quiche to the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 40 to 50 minutes until the center sets firmly and the top achieves a delicate golden-brown hue.
- Remove from the oven and let the quiche rest for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the custard to stabilize and the flavors to fully integrate before serving.
Notes
- Cracking eggs at room temperature guarantees a smoother, more luxurious custard texture.
- Experiment with various vegetable and cheese combinations to make each quiche uniquely yours.
- Protein additions like crispy bacon or tender ham instantly transform this dish into a complete meal.
- Fresh herbs sprinkled on top elevate the quiche from ordinary to extraordinary with minimal effort.
- Layering ingredients strategically prevents vegetables and cheese from sinking during baking.
- Storing leftovers properly ensures you can enjoy this delicious dish for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg