Corned Beef Hash Quiche: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
Corned beef hash is a beloved comfort food, often enjoyed for breakfast or brunch. But have you ever considered transforming it into a savory quiche? This corned beef hash quiche recipe takes the familiar flavors you love and elevates them into an elegant and satisfying dish perfect for any meal. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover corned beef, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends.
This recipe provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating a corned beef hash quiche that’s both flavorful and visually appealing. We’ll cover everything from preparing the crust to perfecting the filling, ensuring your quiche turns out perfectly every time.
## Why You’ll Love This Corned Beef Hash Quiche
* **Comforting Flavors:** The savory combination of corned beef, potatoes, and onions creates a warm and satisfying flavor profile.
* **Versatile:** Perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It can be served warm or cold.
* **Great for Leftovers:** An excellent way to use up leftover corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day or any other occasion.
* **Impressive Presentation:** A beautiful and elegant dish that’s perfect for entertaining.
* **Customizable:** Easily adaptable to your preferences. You can add different cheeses, vegetables, or spices to personalize the flavor.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
**For the Crust:**
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
* 1/4 cup ice water
**Alternatively, you can use a store-bought pre-made pie crust to save time.**
**For the Corned Beef Hash Filling:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cups cooked corned beef, diced
* 2 cups cooked potatoes, diced
* 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Salt to taste
**For the Quiche Custard:**
* 4 large eggs
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (or your favorite cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss)
* Salt and pepper to taste
## Equipment
* 9-inch pie dish
* Mixing bowls
* Rolling pin (if making your own crust)
* Large skillet
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get started! Follow these detailed instructions to create your corned beef hash quiche:
### Step 1: Prepare the Crust (or use a store-bought one)
**If Making Your Own Crust:**
1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. **Add Butter:** Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s important to keep the butter cold to achieve a flaky crust.
3. **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.
4. **Form a Disc:** Gently form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.
5. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle.
6. **Transfer to Pie Dish:** Carefully transfer the dough to the 9-inch pie dish. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the dish. Trim any excess dough.
7. **Pre-bake the Crust (Blind Bake):** To prevent a soggy bottom 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 pie weights, and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.
**If Using a Store-Bought Crust:**
1. Simply unroll the crust and place it into your pie dish. Crimp the edges as desired.
2. Pre-bake the crust according to the package directions to ensure it is partially cooked before adding the filling.
### Step 2: Prepare the Corned Beef Hash Filling
1. **Sauté Onions:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2. **Add Corned Beef and Potatoes:** Add the diced corned beef, diced potatoes, and diced green bell pepper (if using) to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated through and slightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.
3. **Season:** Season the corned beef hash mixture with black pepper and salt to taste. Remember that corned beef can be quite salty, so taste before adding more salt.
4. **Set Aside:** Remove the skillet from the heat and set the corned beef hash filling aside.
### Step 3: Prepare the Quiche Custard
1. **Whisk Eggs:** In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and milk until well combined.
2. **Add Seasoning:** Stir in the ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
3. **Incorporate Cheese:** Gently fold in the shredded Gruyere cheese (or your cheese of choice).
### Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Quiche
1. **Layer Filling into Crust:** Spread the corned beef hash filling evenly into the pre-baked pie crust.
2. **Pour Custard Over Filling:** Carefully pour the quiche custard over the corned beef hash filling. Ensure that the custard is evenly distributed.
3. **Bake:** Bake the quiche in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the custard is set and the crust is golden brown. The center of the quiche should be just slightly jiggly.
4. **Rest:** Remove the quiche from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the custard to set completely and makes it easier to cut.
## Tips for the Perfect Corned Beef Hash Quiche
* **Use Cold Butter:** When making the crust, ensure that the butter is very cold. This will create a flaky and tender crust.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough can result in a tough crust. Mix only until the dough just comes together.
* **Pre-bake the Crust:** Pre-baking the crust (blind baking) helps prevent a soggy bottom.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** Using high-quality ingredients, especially for the corned beef and cheese, will significantly enhance the flavor of the quiche.
* **Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the corned beef hash filling and the custard before assembling the quiche to adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember that corned beef can be quite salty.
* **Bake Until Set:** Bake the quiche until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. It will continue to set as it cools.
* **Let it Rest:** Allowing the quiche to rest for at least 15-20 minutes after baking is crucial for the custard to set properly and for easier slicing.
## Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about this corned beef hash quiche recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version.
* **Cheese Variations:** Try using different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, provolone, or even a blend of cheeses. Smoked Gouda can add a lovely smoky flavor.
* **Vegetable Additions:** Add other vegetables to the corned beef hash filling, such as mushrooms, spinach, kale, or roasted red peppers. Sauté them along with the onions.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the custard for a little bit of heat.
* **Herbs and Seasonings:** Experiment with different herbs and seasonings, such as thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, or onion powder.
* **Meat Alternatives:** While this recipe focuses on corned beef, you could also use other types of meat, such as ham, bacon, or sausage.
* **Crustless Option:** For a lower-carb option, you can make this quiche without the crust. Simply grease your pie dish and pour the filling directly into it.
## Serving Suggestions
Corned beef hash quiche is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Breakfast or Brunch:** Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit, a green salad, or toast.
* **Lunch:** Enjoy a slice of quiche with a cup of soup or a side salad.
* **Dinner:** Serve with roasted vegetables or a hearty salad for a complete meal.
* **Appetizer:** Cut the quiche into small squares and serve as an appetizer at a party or gathering.
* **Make-Ahead Option:** This quiche can be made ahead of time and reheated. Bake it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
## Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover corned beef hash quiche, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven, microwave, or enjoy it cold.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 400-500 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Fat: 30-40g
* Protein: 20-25g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.*
## Corned Beef Hash Quiche Recipe
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 60-70 minutes
**Ingredients:**
**For the Crust:**
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
* 1/4 cup ice water
**For the Corned Beef Hash Filling:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cups cooked corned beef, diced
* 2 cups cooked potatoes, diced
* 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Salt to taste
**For the Quiche Custard:**
* 4 large eggs
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (or your favorite cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss)
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Equipment:**
* 9-inch pie dish
* Mixing bowls
* Rolling pin (if making your own crust)
* Large skillet
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Crust:**
* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
* Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
* Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together.
* Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
* Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish.
* Trim the edges and crimp as desired. Pre-bake the crust (blind bake) at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes with pie weights, then remove the weights and bake for another 5-7 minutes until lightly golden. Alternatively use a store-bought crust.
2. **Prepare the Corned Beef Hash Filling:**
* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
* Add the diced corned beef, diced potatoes, and green bell pepper (if using). Cook until heated through and slightly browned.
* Season with black pepper and salt to taste.
3. **Prepare the Quiche Custard:**
* In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and milk until well combined.
* Stir in the ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
* Gently fold in the shredded Gruyere cheese.
4. **Assemble and Bake the Quiche:**
* Spread the corned beef hash filling evenly into the pre-baked pie crust.
* Carefully pour the quiche custard over the filling.
* Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the custard is set and the crust is golden brown.
5. **Rest:**
* Remove the quiche from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your delicious corned beef hash quiche!
## Conclusion
This corned beef hash quiche is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its savory flavors, elegant presentation, and versatility, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re using up leftover corned beef or simply looking for a new and exciting recipe, this quiche is a must-try. So gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and enjoy a truly unforgettable culinary experience!