Ingredients
- Eggs (6 large): The binding agent and protein base for our quiches, providing richness and structure.
- Milk (1 cup, whole milk or 2%): Adds moisture and creaminess to the quiche filling, creating a smoother texture. You can also use dairy-free alternatives like almond milk or oat milk.
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): Enhances the richness and decadent flavor of the quiche, contributing to a velvety texture. For a lighter option, you can substitute with more milk or half-and-half.
- Shredded Cheese (1 ½ cups, cheddar, Gruyere, or a blend): Provides a savory, cheesy flavor and melts beautifully into the quiche. Use your favorite cheese or a combination for a more complex taste.
- Onion (½ cup, finely diced): Adds a savory base flavor to the quiche, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Bell Pepper (½ cup, finely diced, any color): Contributes sweetness and vibrant color, adding a pleasant texture and nutritional boost.
- Spinach (1 cup, chopped, fresh or frozen, thawed and squeezed dry): Introduces earthy notes and a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. Make sure to remove excess moisture from frozen spinach for the best texture.
- Mushrooms (½ cup, sliced): Adds a meaty, umami flavor and a satisfying texture to the quiche.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Used for sautéing the vegetables, adding flavor and preventing them from becoming soggy in the quiche.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and balances the richness of the cheese and eggs.
- Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor to the quiche.
- Nutmeg (Pinch, optional): Provides a warm, slightly sweet spice that complements the cheese and vegetables beautifully (optional but recommended).
- Pre-made Mini Pie Crusts or Puff Pastry (12-15): Provides a convenient and flaky base for the mini quiches. You can also make your own crust or use crustless options.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners. If using pre-made mini pie crusts, place them into the muffin tin cups. If using puff pastry, cut out circles slightly larger than the muffin cups and gently press them into the cups, allowing them to come slightly up the sides.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper and sauté for 3-5 minutes, until softened. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until they release their moisture and become tender. If using fresh spinach, add it to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is thawed and squeezed dry before adding it to the mixing bowl later. Season the vegetables with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and heavy cream until well combined. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using).
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed vegetables and shredded cheese to the egg mixture. Gently stir to distribute the vegetables and cheese evenly throughout the egg mixture.
- Fill the Crusts: Carefully spoon the egg and vegetable mixture into each prepared mini crust, filling each cup about ¾ full. Be careful not to overfill, as the quiches will puff up during baking.
- Bake the Mini Quiches: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the quiches are set and the tops are lightly golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center of a quiche should come out clean when they are done.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the mini quiches cool in the tin for a few minutes before gently removing them. Serve warm or at room temperature. These mini quiches are delicious served immediately or can be made ahead and enjoyed later.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 15 grams