Green Chile And Cheese Quiche
Introducing a delightful twist on a classic dish, this Green Chile and Cheese Quiche combines creamy, savory flavors with a hint of spice. Featuring a rich blend of eggs, heavy cream, and a zesty kick from green chiles, this quiche is perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner. Topped with a gooey layer of Mexican cheese blend, it’s encased in a perfectly crisp pie crust.
Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or as a convenient frozen meal, this quiche promises to be a crowd-pleaser with its flavorful and satisfying bite.
Green Chile And Cheese Quiche
Ingredients
6 eggs
1 cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¾ cup chopped green chile frozen or canned is fine
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 prepared pie crust, store-bought is fine
Instructions:
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Whisk together the eggs, cream, salt, and pepper.
Place the crust in a deep pie plate or round 9″pan.
Prick the crust with a fork several times.
Spread the green chile across the bottom of the crust and then cover with cheese.
Pour the egg mixture over the cheese and chile.
Step 2:
Bake for 15 minutes at 425 degrees.
Reduce the heat to 300 degrees and bake an additional 30-40 minutes, until the quiche is puffy and lightly browned.
Let cool 5-10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!
FREEZER INSTRUCTIONS:
Let the quiche cool completely.
Cover tightly with foil and freeze until ready to use.
Thaw completely in the refrigerator and then warm covered with foil in the oven or slice and warm individual servings in the microwave.
You can also freeze individual servings of leftover quiche in airtight containers or ziploc bags.
Simply warm in the microwave when ready to serve.
Notes:
Pie Crust Tips: If using a store-bought pie crust, make sure it’s fully thawed before placing it in the pan. To avoid a soggy bottom, you can partially pre-bake the crust for about 5 minutes before adding the filling.
Green Chile: Frozen or canned green chiles both work well. If using canned chiles, make sure to drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the quiche.
Cheese: The Mexican cheese blend provides a great flavor, but feel free to use other cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack if you prefer. For a sharper taste, try adding a bit of grated Parmesan on top.
Egg Mixture: Whisk the eggs and cream together thoroughly to ensure a smooth custard. Avoid over-mixing, as this can incorporate too much air and create a spongy texture.
Baking: The initial high temperature helps set the crust and start cooking the filling quickly. Lowering the temperature for the remaining baking time ensures the custard cooks evenly without over-browning the top.
Cooling: Let the quiche cool for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the custard to set properly and makes for cleaner slices.
Freezing: For best results, wrap the quiche tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing. If freezing individual slices, place a piece of parchment or wax paper between slices to prevent sticking.
Reheating: When reheating from frozen, cover the quiche with foil to prevent it from drying out. Microwaving individual slices is convenient, but reheating in the oven can help maintain a crisp crust.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 301kcal · Carbohydrates: 13g · Protein: 9g · Fat: 24g · Saturated Fat: 12g · Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g · Monounsaturated Fat: 8g · Trans Fat: 1g · Cholesterol: 177mg · Sodium: 435mg · Potassium: 101mg · Fiber: 1g · Sugar: 1g · Vitamin A: 708IU · Vitamin C: 2mg · Calcium: 134mg · Iron: 1mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh green chiles instead of canned or frozen ones?
Absolutely! Fresh green chiles can be used instead of canned or frozen ones for a fresher flavor.
Simply roast, peel, and chop the fresh chiles before adding them to the quiche.
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese according to your taste preferences.
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese would also work well in this quiche.
Can I make this quiche ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the quiche ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking.
Simply cover the assembled quiche tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before baking as directed.
Can I freeze leftovers of this quiche?
Absolutely! Leftover quiche can be frozen for future enjoyment.
Once cooled completely, wrap the quiche tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, thaw the quiche overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it in the oven or microwave.
Is there a gluten-free option for the pie crust?
Yes, if you prefer a gluten-free option, you can use a store-bought gluten-free pie crust or make your own using a gluten-free pie crust recipe.
Simply follow the same instructions for assembling and baking the quiche.
Can I use frozen pie crust instead of a store-bought one?
Yes, you can use a frozen pie crust instead of a store-bought one. Just make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before using.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream in the quiche?
While heavy cream provides a rich texture, you can substitute it with whole milk for a lighter version of the quiche.
However, the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
How do I know when the quiche is done baking?
The quiche is done when the center is set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
You can also insert a knife or toothpick into the center, and it should come out clean.
Can I add other ingredients to the quiche?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your quiche by adding ingredients like cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Is it necessary to prick the crust with a fork before baking?
Pricking the crust with a fork helps prevent air bubbles from forming during baking, resulting in a more even crust.
It also allows steam to escape, preventing the crust from puffing up too much.
Can I make the quiche crustless?
Yes, you can omit the crust altogether for a crustless version of the quiche.
Simply grease the pie plate or baking dish well before pouring in the egg mixture and other ingredients.
How long does the quiche need to cool before serving?
It’s best to let the quiche cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.
Can I use a different type of cheese in the quiche?
Certainly! While the recipe calls for Mexican cheese blend, you can use other types of cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack according to your preference.
How long can I store leftover quiche in the refrigerator?
Leftover quiche can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Make sure to cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
Can I reheat the entire quiche after freezing it?
Yes, you can reheat the entire quiche after freezing it.
Simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Alternatively, you can slice and warm individual servings in the microwave.