Quiche Recipe: A Savory Pie for Any Occasion

Quiche is a beloved classic that can be enjoyed any time of the day or occasion. Whether it's for brunch on weekends, as a light lunch, or even as a casual dinner with friends and family, quiche fits perfectly into your meal plans without requiring too much effort. This versatile dish also makes an ideal option for potlucks, picnics, or casual parties, where you can customize the filling to match the season or the specific event.

For this recipe, we'll focus on a basic egg and cheese quiche which is simple but incredibly tasty when executed well. The key ingredients in a quiche are fresh vegetables, eggs, cheese, and your choice of meat. This particular version includes spinach for added nutrients, mushrooms for flavor, and ham to give it that savory kick.

Cooking Time: 1 hour (preparation time: 20 minutes; baking time: 40 minutes)

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-baked quiche crust
• 1/2 cup of cream cheese, softened
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or any other type you prefer)
• 10 ounces of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 8-ounce package of sliced mushrooms
• 4 slices of cooked ham or turkey bacon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. If you're using a pre-baked crust, skip this step. Otherwise, bake the uncooked pie shell for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown before proceeding.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese and eggs until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stir in the shredded cheddar, spinach, mushrooms, and ham into this mixture.
5. Pour the mixture into the pre-baked crust or raw pie shell.
6. Bake for 40 minutes or until the center is set (slightly jiggles when gently shaken).
7. Allow to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips and Variations:

If you want to add more flavor, consider adding some garlic powder or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary into the egg mixture for a richer taste. You can also experiment with different types of cheese—try goat cheese, blue cheese, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick.

Nutritional Information:

For an 8-serving quiche, each slice will contain approximately:- Calories: 305- Protein: 15g- Fat: 24g (saturated fat included)- Carbohydrates: 19g

Cooking Tips:

• To ensure the crust stays golden and flaky, brush it with melted butter after baking. This also helps prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Make sure to properly drain your spinach before adding it; excess liquid can cause the quiche to have a runny consistency when cooked.
• For even cooking, consider placing an oven rack closer to the bottom of the oven and positioning the pie pan on that shelf. Alternatively, you could rotate the dish halfway through baking time for uniformity.

Storage:

If stored properly, a quiche can last in your refrigerator for up to 4 days after being made. It’s best enjoyed fresh though; as it sits longer, its texture and taste may slightly deteriorate over time. If you decide to freeze leftover pieces, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or place them inside an airtight container before freezing. They should remain good quality for about two months when kept at 0°F.

Quiche is not only delicious but also incredibly flexible due to its ability to incorporate various ingredients based on personal preference and dietary needs. It's particularly suitable during those times when you need a meal that’s both comforting yet light enough so as not to overwhelm your digestion post-meal.