This Easy Tomato and Basil Quiche is a tasty dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner! It’s made with fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil, all nestled in a flaky crust.
Honestly, I love how colorful this quiche is—it feels like a sunny day on a plate! Plus, it’s super simple to whip up. Pair it with a salad for a quick and delightful meal!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie crust: You can use either a store-bought crust for convenience or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. If you’re gluten-free, look for pre-made gluten-free pie crusts in stores. Some people also enjoy using phyllo dough for a flakier texture!
Heavy cream: While heavy cream gives a rich flavor, you can swap it with milk or a non-dairy option like almond or oat milk for a lighter quiche. Just note that using low-fat options may change the texture, but it’ll still be good!
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic here, but Swiss cheese adds a lovely nutty flavor. Feel free to use any cheese you love — cheddar, feta, or even goat cheese work well too! This is a great way to use up leftover cheese.
Fresh Basil: If you can’t find fresh basil, dried basil can work too; just use about a tablespoon. Alternatively, you might consider substituting with fresh parsley or oregano for a different flavor profile!
How Can I Avoid a Soggy Crust?
Preventing a soggy crust is really important for keeping your quiche nice and crispy! Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven as mentioned (375°F or 190°C).
- Consider blind baking: Lay parchment paper in the crust and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, then remove the weights and paper, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden.
- Let it cool slightly before adding the filling to help keep it firm!
Taking these steps will ensure that your quiche has a lovely, crisp crust that compliments the delicious filling! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Tomato and Basil Quiche
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Quiche:
- 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- 1 large ripe tomato, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quiche takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 35-40 minutes to bake. If you choose to blind bake the crust, add about 15 minutes to your total time. So, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour in total. Not too shabby for a delicious homemade dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your quiche cooks evenly!
2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
Place your pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides. If there’s any extra dough hanging over the edges, trim it off. Using a fork, prick the bottom of the crust a few times. This helps prevent it from puffing up while baking.
3. Blind Baking (Optional):
If you want to keep your crust from getting soggy, you can blind bake it. Lay parchment paper over the crust and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10 minutes, then carefully remove the weights and parchment and bake for another 5 minutes until the crust is just lightly golden. Let it cool for a few minutes.
4. Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using) until everything is well mixed and combined. Get ready for some deliciousness!
5. Assemble the Quiche:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the bottom of the crust, followed by the lovely sliced tomatoes. Pour the egg and cream mixture gently over everything. Don’t forget to sprinkle the chopped basil on top for that fresh flavor!
6. Brush the Crust:
For a beautiful finish, brush the edges of the pie crust with olive oil or melted butter. This will help it achieve that golden-brown color.
7. Bake:
Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. You want the filling to be set and slightly golden on top. Keep an eye on it towards the end—every oven is a bit different!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once done, take the quiche out of the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. This allows it to set properly and makes slicing easier. Then, slice, serve, and enjoy your delightful Easy Tomato and Basil Quiche!
Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Swiss are fantastic options, feel free to use any cheese you prefer, like cheddar, feta, or goat cheese. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will impart different flavors!
How Can I Store Leftover Quiche?
Leftover quiche can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick snack!
Can I Make This Quiche Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the quiche filling a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just assemble the quiche and bake it when you’re ready to serve. If you’re baking it from the refrigerated state, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Is It Possible to Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just make sure to sauté them first to release excess moisture, which helps prevent a soggy quiche!
