Spicy Sausage Quiche: A Flavorful Brunch Delight

Quiche, a savory custard baked in a flaky crust, is a versatile dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even dinner. While the classic quiche Lorraine with bacon and Gruyère is a beloved standard, there’s a whole world of exciting variations to explore. If you’re looking to add a little kick to your next brunch gathering or simply want to spice up your weeknight meal, look no further than this spicy sausage quiche. This recipe combines the creamy richness of a traditional quiche with the bold flavors of spicy Italian sausage, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. The combination of creamy custard, savory sausage, and a hint of heat makes this quiche a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This recipe provides detailed instructions and helpful tips to ensure your spicy sausage quiche turns out perfectly every time.

## Why You’ll Love This Spicy Sausage Quiche

Before diving into the recipe, let’s explore why this spicy sausage quiche is a must-try:

* **Flavorful and Exciting:** The spicy Italian sausage adds a wonderful depth of flavor and a pleasant kick to the classic quiche. It’s a welcome change from the traditional bacon or ham.
* **Versatile:** Serve it warm, at room temperature, or even cold. It’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual brunch to a more formal dinner party.
* **Easy to Customize:** Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by using mild, medium, or hot sausage. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach to customize the flavor profile.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the quiche ahead of time and bake it just before serving. This makes it a great option for entertaining.
* **Satisfying and Filling:** The creamy custard and savory sausage create a satisfying and filling meal that will keep you going for hours.
* **Impressive Presentation:** Quiche is a visually appealing dish that’s sure to impress your guests. The golden-brown crust and creamy filling make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious spicy sausage quiche:

**For the Crust:**

* **1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour:** Provides the structure for the crust.
* **1/2 teaspoon salt:** Enhances the flavor of the crust.
* **1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes:** Adds richness and flakiness to the crust. Make sure it’s very cold!
* **1/4 cup ice water:** Helps to bind the dough together without overworking the gluten. Keep it as cold as possible.

**For the Filling:**

* **1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed:** The star of the show! Choose your preferred level of spiciness.
* **1 medium onion, chopped:** Adds sweetness and savory flavor.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Provides a pungent and aromatic flavor.
* **6 large eggs:** Form the base of the custard.
* **1 1/2 cups heavy cream:** Adds richness and creaminess to the custard.
* **1/2 cup milk:** Helps to thin the custard slightly.
* **1/2 teaspoon salt:** Seasons the custard.
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper:** Adds a touch of spice.
* **1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional):** Adds a warm and subtle flavor.
* **1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese:** Adds a nutty and slightly salty flavor. You can substitute with other cheeses like Swiss or mozzarella.
* **2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional):** For garnish and a pop of fresh flavor.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **9-inch pie plate:** For baking the quiche.
* **Food processor (optional):** Makes the crust-making process easier, but you can also make it by hand.
* **Large skillet:** For cooking the sausage and vegetables.
* **Mixing bowls:** For preparing the custard and other ingredients.
* **Whisk:** For combining the custard ingredients.
* **Rolling pin:** For rolling out the pie dough.
* **Plastic wrap:** For chilling the dough.
* **Parchment paper:** For blind baking the crust.
* **Pie weights or dried beans:** To weigh down the parchment paper during blind baking.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the spicy sausage quiche! Follow these detailed steps for a perfect result.

**Part 1: Making the Crust**

1. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a food processor, combine the flour and salt. Pulse a few times to mix.
2. **Add butter:** Add the cold, cubed butter to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see small pieces of butter.
3. **Add ice water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing after each addition. Stop adding water when the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. **Form the dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently form it into a disc.
5. **Chill the dough:** Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and flatten slightly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This allows the gluten to relax, making the crust more tender.
6. **Roll out the dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Make sure it’s thin enough to fit into your pie plate with some overhang.
7. **Transfer to pie plate:** Carefully transfer the dough to the pie plate. Gently press the dough into the bottom and sides of the plate.
8. **Trim and crimp the edges:** Trim any excess dough from the edges of the pie plate. Crimp the edges using a fork or your fingers to create a decorative border.
9. **Pre-bake (Blind Bake) the crust:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. This prevents the crust from puffing up during baking.
10. **Bake:** Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment paper and pie weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. Let the crust cool slightly before adding the filling.

**Part 2: Preparing the Filling**

1. **Cook the sausage:** In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
2. **Sauté the vegetables:** Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. **Cool slightly:** Remove the skillet from the heat and let the sausage and vegetable mixture cool slightly.

**Part 3: Making the Custard**

1. **Whisk the eggs:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) until well combined.
2. **Add the cheese:** Stir in the shredded Gruyère cheese.

**Part 4: Assembling the Quiche**

1. **Layer the sausage mixture:** Spread the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked crust.
2. **Pour the custard:** Pour the custard mixture over the sausage and vegetables, making sure everything is evenly distributed.

**Part 5: Baking the Quiche**

1. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the custard is set and the crust is golden brown. The center of the quiche should be slightly wobbly but not liquid.
2. **Cool slightly:** Let the quiche cool in the pie plate for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the custard to set completely.
3. **Garnish (optional):** Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

## Tips for Success

* **Keep your ingredients cold:** Cold butter is crucial for a flaky crust. Use ice water and work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
* **Don’t overmix the dough:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, 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:** Blind baking ensures that the crust is fully cooked and prevents it from becoming soggy from the filling.
* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the quiche. Use fresh, high-quality sausage, cheese, and cream.
* **Don’t overbake the quiche:** Overbaking can result in a dry and rubbery custard. The quiche is done when the center is slightly wobbly but not liquid.
* **Let the quiche cool slightly before slicing:** This allows the custard to set completely, making it easier to slice and serve.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Cheese:** Substitute Gruyère cheese with Swiss, mozzarella, cheddar, or any other cheese you like.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the filling.
* **Meat:** Substitute spicy Italian sausage with mild Italian sausage, chorizo, bacon, or ham.
* **Crustless Quiche:** For a gluten-free option, you can skip the crust altogether and make a crustless quiche. Simply grease your pie plate and pour the filling directly into it.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the spice level by using mild, medium, or hot Italian sausage. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for extra heat.
* **Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to add a unique flavor to the quiche.
* **Dairy-Free Option:** Use a plant-based milk alternative like almond milk or soy milk in place of heavy cream and milk. You can also use a vegan cheese alternative.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Brunch:** Serve the spicy sausage quiche as part of a brunch spread with fresh fruit, pastries, and coffee.
* **Lunch:** Enjoy a slice of quiche with a side salad for a light and satisfying lunch.
* **Dinner:** Serve the quiche with roasted vegetables or a hearty soup for a complete dinner.
* **Appetizer:** Cut the quiche into small squares and serve as an appetizer at your next party.
* **Potluck:** Quiche is a great dish to bring to a potluck or picnic.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** You can also freeze quiche for longer storage. Wrap the quiche tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Reheating Instructions

* **Oven:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the quiche on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat individual slices of quiche in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Based on a 1/8 slice of the quiche. Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

* Calories: 400-500
* Fat: 30-40g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 200-250mg
* Sodium: 400-500mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Protein: 15-20g

## Conclusion

This spicy sausage quiche is a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy custard, savory sausage, and hint of heat, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy this flavorful brunch delight! This recipe is a great starting point, feel free to experiment with different variations and substitutions to create your own unique quiche masterpiece. Enjoy!