Caprese Quiche: A Deliciously Simple Italian-Inspired Recipe

Caprese salad, with its vibrant colors and fresh flavors of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, is a summertime staple. Now, imagine taking those beloved ingredients and transforming them into a warm, comforting quiche. That’s exactly what this Caprese Quiche recipe offers – a delightful combination of Italian flavors baked into a flaky, golden crust. This quiche is perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends. It’s surprisingly easy to make, using ingredients you likely already have on hand. So, ditch the same old brunch routine and give this Caprese Quiche a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Why You’ll Love This Caprese Quiche

* **Flavorful and Fresh:** The combination of sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil creates a symphony of flavors that is both refreshing and satisfying.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is surprisingly simple, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients.
* **Versatile:** Serve it warm or at room temperature, for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The vibrant colors of the Caprese ingredients make this quiche visually appealing, perfect for entertaining.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by adding different cheeses, herbs, or vegetables.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start baking, gather these ingredients:

**For the Crust:**

* **1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour:** Provides the structure for the crust. You can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.
* **1/2 teaspoon salt:** Enhances the flavor of the crust.
* **1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes:** The cold butter creates flaky layers in the crust. Make sure it’s very cold!
* **1/4 cup ice water:** Binds the dough together. Use ice water to keep the butter cold.

**For the Filling:**

* **1 tablespoon olive oil:** Used for sautéing the garlic and adding flavor.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Adds a savory depth of flavor to the filling.
* **4 large eggs:** Provide structure and richness to the quiche.
* **1 cup heavy cream:** Creates a creamy and luxurious texture.
* **1/2 cup milk:** Thins out the cream slightly, preventing the quiche from being too dense.
* **1/2 teaspoon salt:** Seasons the filling.
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper:** Adds a touch of spice.
* **1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese:** Provides a creamy and cheesy base for the quiche. Part-skim or whole milk mozzarella will work.
* **1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved:** Adds sweetness, acidity, and vibrant color.
* **1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped:** Contributes a fragrant and herbaceous flavor.
* **Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional):** Adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess to complement the other flavors. A high-quality balsamic glaze is recommended.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **9-inch pie dish:** The standard size for a quiche.
* **Food processor (optional):** Makes it easy to combine the crust ingredients. You can also mix the crust by hand.
* **Mixing bowls:** For preparing the crust and filling.
* **Whisk:** For whisking the eggs and cream.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Baking sheet:** To catch any drips during baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your delicious Caprese Quiche:

**1. Prepare the Crust:**

* **Combine dry ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
* **Cut in the butter:** Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If using a food processor, pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
* **Add ice water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
* **Form the dough:** Gently form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.
* **Roll out the dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish and press it into the bottom and up the sides. Crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
* **Pre-bake the crust (optional):** For a crispier crust, pre-bake it. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment paper and weights and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool slightly before filling.

**2. Prepare the Filling:**

* **Sauté the garlic:** Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* **Whisk the eggs and cream:** In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
* **Add the garlic and cheese:** Stir in the sautéed garlic and shredded mozzarella cheese.

**3. Assemble and Bake the Quiche:**

* **Arrange the tomatoes:** Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes in a single layer on the bottom of the pre-baked crust (or unbaked crust if skipping the pre-baking step).
* **Pour the filling:** Pour the egg mixture over the tomatoes.
* **Bake:** Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the center is only slightly jiggly. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.
* **Let cool:** Let the quiche cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set completely.

**4. Garnish and Serve:**

* **Garnish:** Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil leaves over the quiche. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, if desired.
* **Serve:** Serve warm or at room temperature. This quiche pairs well with a side salad or a simple fruit salad.

Tips for the Perfect Caprese Quiche

* **Use cold butter:** Cold butter is essential for creating a flaky crust. Keep the butter in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it, and cut it into cubes just before adding it to the flour mixture.
* **Don’t overmix the crust dough:** Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten, resulting in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together.
* **Chill the dough:** Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and the butter to solidify, resulting in a more tender and flaky crust.
* **Pre-bake the crust (optional):** Pre-baking the crust will prevent it from becoming soggy. This is especially important if you’re using juicy tomatoes.
* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The quality of the ingredients will affect the flavor of the quiche. Use fresh, ripe tomatoes, good-quality mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.
* **Don’t overbake the quiche:** Overbaking the quiche will make it dry and rubbery. Bake until the center is just set and only slightly jiggly.
* **Let the quiche cool before slicing:** Letting the quiche cool allows the filling to set completely, making it easier to slice and serve.

Variations and Substitutions

* **Cheese:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone, Parmesan, or goat cheese. You can also use a combination of cheeses.
* **Herbs:** Try using different herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, or roasted red peppers. Be sure to sauté any vegetables before adding them to the filling to remove excess moisture.
* **Crust:** Use a store-bought pie crust to save time. You can also make a gluten-free crust using gluten-free flour.
* **Dairy-free:** Substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or other plant-based milk alternatives. Use a dairy-free mozzarella cheese alternative.
* **Meat:** Add cooked bacon or prosciutto for a savory twist. Cook and crumble the bacon or prosciutto before adding it to the filling.

## Serving Suggestions

This Caprese Quiche is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways:

* **Brunch:** Serve it alongside fresh fruit, pastries, and coffee for a delicious brunch spread.
* **Lunch:** Enjoy it as a light and satisfying lunch with a side salad.
* **Dinner:** Pair it with a more substantial salad and a crusty bread for a complete dinner.
* **Appetizer:** Cut it into small squares and serve it as an appetizer at a party or gathering.
* **Picnic:** Pack it in a picnic basket for a delightful outdoor meal.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the Caprese Quiche in advance for easier entertaining or meal prepping.

* **Crust:** The crust dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic wrap. You can also pre-bake the crust a day ahead and store it at room temperature.
* **Filling:** The filling can be prepared up to 1 day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to add the tomatoes just before baking to prevent them from making the crust soggy.
* **Baked Quiche:** The baked quiche can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover Caprese Quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Freezer:** You can freeze the baked quiche for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (per serving)

(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)

* Calories: Approximately 350-400
* Fat: 25-30g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 150-200mg
* Sodium: 300-400mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 5-7g
* Protein: 15-20g

## Caprese Quiche Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 50-60 minutes

**Ingredients:**

**For the Crust:**

* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 1/4 cup ice water

**For the Filling:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 4 large eggs
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
* Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)

**Instructions:**

**Prepare the Crust:**

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together.
4. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle and transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish.
6. Crimp the edges and pre-bake the crust at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes with pie weights, then 5-7 minutes without, or skip pre-baking for a softer crust.

**Prepare the Filling:**

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in the sautéed garlic and mozzarella cheese.

**Assemble and Bake:**

1. Arrange halved cherry tomatoes on the bottom of the crust.
2. Pour the egg mixture over the tomatoes.
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until set.
4. Let cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

**Garnish and Serve:**

1. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic glaze (optional).
2. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy your homemade Caprese Quiche! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of Italy.