courtesy The Incredibble Egg

Quiche is a great anytime versatile dish. And we have a step by step guide on how to make a perfect one – and the great thing is you can all kinds of extras for fillings too. Follow these three simple steps and our helpful tips on how to make the perfect quiche.

• WHAT YOU NEED 1/2 to 1cup shredded cheese (2 to 4 oz.)1baked pie crust (9-inch)1/2 to 1cup filling (see below)6EGGS1cup milk1/2tsp. dried thyme leaves OR other herb1/2tsp. salt

DIRECTIONS

1. HEAT oven to 375°F. SPREAD cheese evenly in bottom of pie shell. TOP with filling in an even layer.
2. BEAT eggs, milk, thyme and salt in medium bowl until blended. Carefully POUR over filling in pie shell.
3. BAKE in center of 375°F oven until center is almost set but jiggles slightly when dish is gently shaken and knife inserted near center comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes. LET STAND 5 minutes. CUT into wedges.

INSIDER INFO

Enjoy

Flavor your quiche with seasonings that compliment your filling. Try chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil or oregano, when available.

Baked quiche is a perfect light luncheon or supper entrée. Serve with a tossed salad and fresh fruit dessert.

Leftovers are good cold or reheated briefly in the oven or microwave. Great for snacking or a quick breakfast on the run.

Insider Information on How to Make a Quiche Perfectly

If using frozen pie shell for your quiche, choose the deep-dish size. Always bake your pie shell first to avoid a soggy crust.

For a non-traditional “crust”, mix cooked rice, orzo, spinach or hash browns with a beaten egg and press it into a greased quiche dish or pie plate. (Hash Brown-Crusted Mediterranean Quiche, Turkey-Vegetable Hash Brown Quiche)

Individual quiches can be baked in pastry tart shells, muffin tins or hollowed out vegetables. (Breakfast Biscuit Quiches; Broccoli Quiche in Colorful Peppers)

Make fillings from your favorite foods or from leftovers. Use a combination of cheese, meat, seafood or poultry and vegetables.

Filling ingredients should be cooked, not raw. Pieces should be cut fairly small and drained well.

Some classic fillings combinations are Cheddar cheese and ham or sautéed onion, bacon and Swiss Gruyere cheese.

The pie crust protects the custard filling from direct oven heat, so a water bath is not necessary.

Baked quiche should be removed from the oven before the center is completely set. The center will jiggle slightly when cup or dish is gently shaken. Quiche will continue to “cook” after it’s removed and center will firm up quickly. Over baked quiche may curdle. The knife test: Test for doneness with a thin-bladed knife. Insert knife about 1 inch from the center of a one-dish quiche; midway between center and edge of cups. If knife is clean when pulled out, the quiche is done. If any quiche clings to the blade, bake a few minutes longer and test again. Cheese fillings: Quiche fillings containing cheese may continue to test “wet” even after they are done. Tap or gently shake the dish; remove quiche from oven when the center is almost set but still jiggles a bit.

For a richer quiche, substitute half-and-half for the milk.

Need a party appetizer? Bake quiche in a square or rectangular pan; cut into small squares or triangles. Or bake in mini muffin cups (Mini Wonton Quiches).