Tomato Quiche is a savory, creamy dish that perfectly combines the fresh flavor of ripe tomatoes with a rich, cheesy custard. It’s an elegant yet simple dish that’s great for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. With a flaky crust and a filling packed with flavor, this quiche is sure to become a family favorite! 🍅🥧
Tomato Quiche brings together the natural sweetness of tomatoes and the richness of eggs and cheese, all encased in a buttery, flaky crust. The tomatoes provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy custard, making each bite flavorful and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for an easy meal to prepare ahead of time, this quiche is the perfect choice.
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Quiche
This quiche is both elegant and comforting, with a delicate balance of flavors. It’s incredibly versatile, too—you can serve it hot, warm, or cold. The combination of fresh tomatoes and cheese makes this dish irresistible, while the flaky pastry crust adds a buttery contrast. Best of all, it’s simple to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
Main Ingredients for Tomato Quiche
Each ingredient in this recipe is chosen to create a rich, savory quiche with the perfect texture and flavor:
For the Crust:
- All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups): Flour forms the base of the quiche crust, creating a flaky, buttery texture.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup, chilled and cubed): Butter adds richness and helps create a tender, flaky crust.
- Cold butter is key to achieving a perfectly flaky crust.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): A small amount of salt enhances the flavor of the crust.
- Ice Water (3-4 tablespoons): Ice water brings the dough together while keeping the butter cold, resulting in a tender crust.
For the Filling:
- Tomatoes (3 medium, sliced): Fresh, ripe tomatoes are the star of this quiche, providing natural sweetness and juiciness.
- Use firm tomatoes to prevent the quiche from becoming too watery.
- Eggs (4 large): Eggs form the custard base of the quiche, giving it structure and a creamy texture.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): Cream adds richness and a velvety texture to the custard.
- You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Shredded Cheese (1 cup, any variety): Cheese adds savory depth to the quiche. Cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella are great choices.
- For extra flavor, try a combination of cheeses.
- Fresh Basil (2 tablespoons, chopped): Basil adds a fresh, herbal note that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that enhance the flavors of the quiche.
Benefits of Ingredients
- Tomatoes are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, making this quiche not only delicious but also nutritious.
- Eggs are a great source of protein and contribute to the quiche’s rich, creamy filling.
How to Make Tomato Quiche: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Keep the butter cold to ensure the crust turns out flaky and tender.
- Roll Out the Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the edges. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges as desired.
- Blind Bake the Crust: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for another 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
- Blind baking helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy when the filling is added.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Slice and Drain the Tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes and place them on paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Lightly sprinkle the tomatoes with salt to help draw out any additional moisture. Let them sit for about 10 minutes, then gently pat them dry.
- Draining the tomatoes ensures the quiche doesn’t become too watery.
- Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, shredded cheese, chopped basil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Layer the Tomatoes: Arrange a layer of sliced tomatoes on the bottom of the pre-baked crust. Pour the egg and cream mixture over the tomatoes, then top with the remaining tomato slices.
- For a decorative touch, alternate the direction of the tomato slices on top.
- Bake the Quiche: Bake the quiche in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. Let the quiche cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the quiche and serve it warm, garnished with extra fresh basil if desired. Pair it with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Tomato Quiche
- Use Fresh Tomatoes: Fresh, firm tomatoes work best for this recipe. If your tomatoes are very juicy, be sure to drain them well to prevent the quiche from becoming watery.
- Don’t Skip Blind Baking: Blind baking the crust helps it stay crisp, even with the wet filling.
- Let It Rest: Allow the quiche to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This will help it set and make it easier to slice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tomato Quiche
Can I make this quiche ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the quiche a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes before serving.
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a store-bought pie crust will work just as well. Just follow the package instructions for pre-baking the crust.
What other ingredients can I add to the quiche?
Feel free to add ingredients like sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, or cooked bacon for extra flavor. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture from the vegetables before adding them to the quiche.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze quiche?
Yes! Quiche freezes well. After baking and cooling, wrap the quiche tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
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