Three Cheese Quiche
Three Cheese Quiche is a rich, savory dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. This recipe brings together three kinds of cheese — Gruyère, Swiss, and Cheddar — in a creamy, custard-like filling baked inside a buttery, flaky crust. Each bite offers a balance of cheesy goodness and delicate texture that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you use a store-bought crust or make your own from scratch, this quiche is always a hit on the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy yet elegant: Simple ingredients come together to create a dish worthy of any special occasion.
- Versatile: Serve warm or cold — great for brunch buffets, picnics, or quick weekday meals.
- Customizable: Mix and match your favorite cheeses or add vegetables and meats for extra flavor.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare it the day before and reheat before serving.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 prepared 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing the crust, optional)
For the Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 3 large |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup |
| Whole milk | ½ cup |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg | ¼ teaspoon |
| Gruyère cheese (shredded) | ½ cup |
| Swiss cheese (shredded) | ½ cup |
| Cheddar cheese (shredded) | ½ cup |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust (15 minutes)
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using a store-bought crust, follow the package directions for pre-baking. For homemade crust, roll out the dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim excess dough and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.
Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for about 10 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly before adding the filling.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and milk until well combined. Add salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. The nutmeg enhances the flavor of the cheeses and adds a subtle warmth to the quiche.
Step 3: Assemble the Quiche
Sprinkle half of the cheeses evenly over the cooled crust. Pour the egg mixture on top, then add the remaining cheese, spreading it out evenly. You can swirl a fork lightly through the filling to distribute the cheeses.
Step 4: Bake the Quiche
Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is just set and the top is lightly golden. The quiche will puff up slightly as it bakes but will settle once cooled.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the quiche to cool for about 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps it firm up and makes cutting easier. Serve warm, at room temperature, or even chilled — it’s delicious either way.
Tips for Perfect Quiche
- Use room temperature eggs: They whisk more easily and blend smoothly with the cream.
- Don’t overbake: The center should jiggle slightly when shaken; it will finish setting as it cools.
- Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Let it rest: Cooling allows flavors to meld and prevents a watery texture.
Variations and Add-Ins
- Spinach and Feta Quiche: Add sautéed spinach and crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist.
- Bacon and Onion Quiche: Crisp bacon and caramelized onions pair beautifully with the cheeses.
- Vegetable Quiche: Include diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra color and flavor.
- Crustless Option: Skip the crust and pour the mixture directly into a greased pie dish for a gluten-free version.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes until heated through. Quiche also freezes beautifully — simply wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Three Cheese Quiche with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal. It’s also wonderful as part of a brunch spread with muffins, pastries, and coffee.
Final Thoughts
This Three Cheese Quiche delivers everything you could want — creamy, cheesy richness in a flaky, buttery crust. It’s simple enough for weekday meals but elegant enough for entertaining. Whether enjoyed hot from the oven or chilled the next day, every bite is pure comfort and flavor.
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