Corn Tortilla Quiche: A Simple and Delicious Meal

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal? Look no further than a corn tortilla quiche! This versatile dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables and protein, and it’s naturally gluten-free (if you’re using 100% corn tortillas). The crispy corn tortilla crust adds a unique and satisfying texture that you won’t find in a traditional quiche. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the perfect corn tortilla quiche.

## Why Corn Tortilla Quiche?

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about why you should consider making a corn tortilla quiche:

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend mornings.
* **Versatile:** You can customize the fillings to your liking. Use your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and proteins.
* **Gluten-Free:** Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, making this a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or Celiac disease. Just be sure to check the ingredient list of your tortillas to confirm they are made with 100% corn.
* **Delicious:** The combination of the crispy corn tortillas and the creamy, savory filling is simply irresistible.
* **Budget-Friendly:** This recipe is a great way to use up leftover ingredients, helping you save money and reduce food waste.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the basic ingredients you’ll need to make a corn tortilla quiche. Remember, you can adjust these based on your preferences and what you have on hand.

**For the Crust:**

* 6-8 Corn Tortillas: Choose your favorite brand of corn tortillas. Small street-style tortillas or larger tortillas will both work. The number of tortillas needed will vary depending on the size of your baking dish.
* Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: To lightly grease the baking dish and prevent the tortillas from sticking.

**For the Filling:**

* 6 Large Eggs: These form the base of your quiche filling.
* 1/2 cup Milk or Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the filling. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream, depending on your preference.
* 1/4 cup Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a Mexican blend are all great choices.
* 1/4 cup Cooked Protein (optional): Cooked sausage, bacon, ham, chicken, or chorizo add flavor and substance to the quiche. Crumbled tofu or tempeh are good vegetarian alternatives.
* 1/2 cup Chopped Vegetables (optional): Onions, bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, zucchini, or corn are all delicious additions. Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the quiche is recommended to soften them and enhance their flavor.
* Salt and Pepper: To taste.
* Optional Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, dried herbs (such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary), or hot sauce can add extra flavor to the quiche.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Oven: Preheated to 375°F (190°C).
* Baking Dish: A 9-inch pie plate or a similar-sized oven-safe dish.
* Mixing Bowl: For preparing the egg mixture.
* Whisk: For whisking the eggs and other ingredients together.
* Skillet (optional): For sautéing vegetables or cooking protein.
* Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part: making the quiche!

**Step 1: Prepare the Corn Tortilla Crust**

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. This will prevent the tortillas from sticking.
3. Arrange the corn tortillas in the baking dish, overlapping them as needed to cover the bottom and sides. You may need to tear or cut some tortillas to fit them properly. The goal is to create a solid crust that will hold the filling.
4. If desired, lightly brush the tortillas with olive oil. This will help them crisp up in the oven. It’s not essential, but adds some nice texture.

**Step 2: Prepare the Filling**

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, etc.). Make sure the mixture is well combined.
2. If you’re using cooked protein or vegetables, add them to the egg mixture. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
3. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese into the bottom of the tortilla-lined baking dish. This will help create a cheesy layer between the crust and the filling.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the cheese and tortillas in the baking dish. Make sure the tortillas are well covered. If necessary gently push down any tortillas that are sticking out too much so they are partially submerged in the egg mixture.
5. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the quiche.

**Step 3: Bake the Quiche**

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the crust is golden brown. The center of the quiche should be firm to the touch, and a knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
3. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the quiche with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

**Step 4: Cool and Serve**

1. Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the quiche to set properly.
2. Serve warm or at room temperature. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, if desired.

## Tips for the Perfect Corn Tortilla Quiche

* **Use Quality Tortillas:** The quality of your corn tortillas will affect the overall taste and texture of the quiche. Look for tortillas that are made with 100% corn and have a good flavor.
* **Don’t Overfill the Quiche:** Overfilling the quiche can result in a soggy crust and uneven cooking. Be sure to use the right size baking dish and don’t add too many fillings.
* **Pre-Cook Vegetables:** Sautéing vegetables before adding them to the quiche will soften them and enhance their flavor. It also helps to remove excess moisture, preventing the quiche from becoming soggy.
* **Adjust Baking Time as Needed:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the quiche. Keep an eye on the quiche and adjust the baking time as needed.
* **Let it Rest:** Letting the quiche rest for a few minutes after baking allows it to set properly and makes it easier to slice.

## Variation Ideas

The possibilities for customizing your corn tortilla quiche are endless! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* **Mexican-Inspired:** Use chorizo, black beans, corn, and salsa for a south-of-the-border flavor. Top with avocado and sour cream after baking.
* **Spinach and Feta:** Combine spinach, feta cheese, and diced tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired quiche.
* **Mushroom and Swiss:** Sauté mushrooms and onions and combine them with Swiss cheese for a savory and earthy quiche.
* **Ham and Cheese:** A classic combination that’s always a hit. Use diced ham and your favorite cheese, such as cheddar or Gruyere.
* **Vegetarian Delight:** Load up the quiche with a variety of colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and onions. Add some goat cheese for extra flavor.

## Make-Ahead Tips

Corn tortilla quiche is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the quiche ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Here’s how:

1. Assemble the quiche according to the instructions, but don’t bake it.
2. Cover the quiche tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
3. When you’re ready to bake the quiche, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the quiche as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.

## Storage Instructions

Leftover corn tortilla quiche can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Here’s how:

1. Let the quiche cool completely before storing it.
2. Wrap the quiche tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
3. Store the quiche in the refrigerator.
4. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual slices.

## Serving Suggestions

Corn tortilla quiche can be served on its own or as part of a larger meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* Serve with a side salad for a light and refreshing lunch.
* Serve with a bowl of soup for a hearty and satisfying dinner.
* Serve with fresh fruit and yogurt for a balanced breakfast or brunch.
* Cut into small squares and serve as an appetizer at a party.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the ingredients used.*

* Calories: 250-350 per serving
* Protein: 15-25 grams per serving
* Fat: 15-25 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 10-20 grams per serving

## Conclusion

Corn tortilla quiche is a simple, versatile, and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crispy corn tortilla crust and customizable filling, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delightful and satisfying meal!

Enjoy!