Deep Dish Pizza Quiche: A Delicious Fusion Recipe

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Deep Dish Pizza Quiche: A Delicious Fusion Recipe

Are you torn between your love for deep-dish pizza and the creamy comfort of a quiche? Well, fret no more! This Deep Dish Pizza Quiche recipe beautifully marries the best of both worlds, delivering a dish that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make. Imagine a flaky, buttery crust brimming with savory pizza toppings nestled in a rich, custardy egg base. Sounds amazing, right? This recipe is perfect for brunch, lunch, dinner, or even a potluck gathering. It’s customizable, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Let’s dive into creating this delightful culinary creation!

## Why You’ll Love This Deep Dish Pizza Quiche

* **Unique Flavor Combination:** The savory pizza flavors blend perfectly with the creamy quiche filling, offering a delightful and unexpected taste experience.
* **Versatile and Customizable:** You can adapt this recipe to your liking by using your favorite pizza toppings. Add different meats, vegetables, and cheeses to create your own signature quiche.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe is relatively simple to prepare, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** This quiche is ideal for brunch, lunch, dinner, or a casual get-together. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will impress your guests.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can prepare the quiche ahead of time and bake it just before serving, saving you time and effort on busy days.
* **Uses Simple Ingredients:** Most of the ingredients required for this recipe are pantry staples, making it convenient to whip up anytime.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.

### For the Crust:

* **1 ½ cups all-purpose flour:** Provides the structure for the crust.
* **½ teaspoon salt:** Enhances the flavor of the crust.
* **½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes:** Adds richness and flakiness to the crust. Make sure it’s very cold!
* **¼ cup cold shortening:** Contributes to the tenderness of the crust.
* **5-7 tablespoons ice water:** Binds the dough together. Add it gradually to avoid over-hydrating the dough.

### For the Filling:

* **1 tablespoon olive oil:** Used for sautéing the vegetables.
* **½ cup chopped onion:** Adds flavor and depth to the filling.
* **½ cup chopped bell pepper (any color):** Contributes to the savory flavor and adds a pop of color.
* **1 cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage (or any preferred meat):** Provides a meaty and flavorful element. You can substitute with ground beef, pepperoni, or cooked ham.
* **1 cup sliced mushrooms:** Adds an earthy and savory flavor.
* **1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese:** Creates a cheesy and gooey texture. You can use other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a blend.
* **½ cup grated Parmesan cheese:** Adds a sharp and salty flavor.
* **4 large eggs:** Binds the filling together and creates a custardy texture.
* **1 cup heavy cream:** Adds richness and creaminess to the filling.
* **½ teaspoon salt:** Seasons the filling.
* **¼ teaspoon black pepper:** Adds a touch of spice.
* **½ teaspoon Italian seasoning:** Enhances the pizza flavors.
* **½ cup pizza sauce:** Provides the classic pizza flavor.
* **Optional toppings:** Pepperoni slices, olives, fresh basil, red pepper flakes

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **9-inch deep-dish pie pan or springform pan:** To bake the quiche in.
* **Food processor (optional):** To make the crust quickly.
* **Large bowl:** To mix the filling ingredients.
* **Skillet:** To sauté the vegetables and meat.
* **Rolling pin:** To roll out the crust.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** To accurately measure the ingredients.
* **Baking sheet:** To place the pie pan on while baking.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the Deep Dish Pizza Quiche! Follow these detailed steps for a perfect result.

### Part 1: Making the Crust

1. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. **Cut in the butter and shortening:** Add the cold butter and shortening to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter and shortening should be in small pieces, about the size of peas.
3. **Add ice water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Continue adding water until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough crust.
4. **Form the dough:** 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.

**Alternative Method (using a food processor):**

1. **Combine dry ingredients:** In the food processor, combine the flour and salt. Pulse a few times to mix.
2. **Add butter and shortening:** Add the cold butter and shortening to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. **Add ice water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing after each addition, until the dough just comes together.
4. **Form the dough:** Remove the dough from the food processor, gently form it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

### Part 2: Preparing the Filling

1. **Sauté vegetables:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until they are tender.
2. **Add meat:** Add the cooked and crumbled Italian sausage (or your preferred meat) to the skillet and cook for a minute or two, until heated through. If using raw meat, cook it thoroughly before adding it to the vegetables.
3. **Cool the mixture:** Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
4. **Prepare the egg mixture:** In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
5. **Add cheese and vegetables:** Add the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the sautéed vegetable and meat mixture to the egg mixture. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.

### Part 3: Assembling and Baking the Quiche

1. **Preheat oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Roll out the crust:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle that is slightly larger than your pie pan. The dough should be about 1/8 inch thick.
3. **Transfer to pie pan:** Carefully transfer the dough to the pie pan. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges for a decorative finish. You can also use a fork to dock the bottom of the crust to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
4. **Add pizza sauce:** Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the bottom of the crust.
5. **Pour in the filling:** Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pizza sauce.
6. **Add optional toppings:** If desired, add additional toppings such as pepperoni slices, olives, or fresh basil.
7. **Bake:** Place the pie pan on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. A knife inserted into the center of the quiche should come out clean.
8. **Cool slightly:** Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set completely.

## Tips for the Perfect Deep Dish Pizza Quiche

* **Use cold ingredients:** For a flaky crust, make sure the butter, shortening, and water are very cold.
* **Don’t overmix the 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, making it easier to roll out and preventing it from shrinking during baking.
* **Blind bake the crust (optional):** For an extra crispy crust, you can blind bake it before adding the filling. To do this, line the crust with parchment paper, fill it with pie weights or dried beans, and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the parchment paper and weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes, until the crust is lightly golden brown.
* **Use your favorite pizza toppings:** Feel free to experiment with different toppings to create your own unique quiche. Some great options include sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives, ham, bacon, and spinach.
* **Don’t overbake the quiche:** Overbaking the quiche will result in a dry and rubbery filling. Bake until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
* **Let it cool slightly:** Letting the quiche cool slightly before slicing and serving allows the filling to set completely, making it easier to cut and preventing it from falling apart.

## Variations and Substitutions

This Deep Dish Pizza Quiche recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:

* **Vegetarian:** Omit the meat and add more vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the crust.
* **Dairy-Free:** Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
* **Lower Fat:** Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream. Reduce the amount of cheese.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or use spicy sausage.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses such as provolone, cheddar, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
* **Different Crust:** Use a store-bought pie crust or puff pastry for a quicker and easier option.

## Serving Suggestions

This Deep Dish Pizza Quiche is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Salad:** Serve with a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
* **Soup:** Pair it with a warm bowl of tomato soup or minestrone soup.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve with roasted vegetables such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots.
* **Fruit Salad:** Offer a refreshing fruit salad as a side dish.
* **Bread:** Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping into the quiche filling.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This Deep Dish Pizza Quiche can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining. Here are some make-ahead options:

* **Crust:** The crust can be made up to 2 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. You can also freeze the crust for up to 2 months.
* **Filling:** The filling can be prepared up to 1 day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Assembled Quiche:** The assembled quiche can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

## Storage Instructions

Leftover Deep Dish Pizza Quiche can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.

## Recipe Card

**Deep Dish Pizza Quiche**

A delicious fusion of deep-dish pizza and quiche, perfect for any occasion.

**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 50 minutes
**Total time:** 1 hour 20 minutes

**Serves:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* **Crust:**
* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* ¼ cup cold shortening
* 5-7 tablespoons ice water
* **Filling:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* ½ cup chopped onion
* ½ cup chopped bell pepper
* 1 cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage
* 1 cup sliced mushrooms
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 4 large eggs
* 1 cup heavy cream
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon black pepper
* ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
* ½ cup pizza sauce
* Optional toppings: Pepperoni slices, olives, fresh basil, red pepper flakes

**Instructions:**

1. **Make the crust:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the butter and shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. **Prepare the filling:** Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and bell pepper until softened. Add the mushrooms and cook until tender. Add the sausage and cook until heated through. Let cool slightly.
3. **Prepare the egg mixture:** In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the sautéed vegetable and meat mixture. Stir until combined.
4. **Assemble and bake:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough and transfer it to a pie pan. Spread the pizza sauce over the bottom of the crust. Pour in the egg mixture and add optional toppings. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

## Conclusion

This Deep Dish Pizza Quiche is a delightful and unique recipe that combines the best of pizza and quiche. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a delicious brunch, lunch, or dinner option, this quiche is sure to please. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this amazing culinary creation! Don’t forget to share your creations and variations in the comments below. Happy baking!

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