Zucchini Quiche: A Delicious and Versatile Recipe for Any Occasion

Recipes Italian Chef

Zucchini Quiche: A Delicious and Versatile Recipe for Any Occasion

Quiche is a classic dish, beloved for its creamy custard filling and flaky crust. It’s incredibly versatile, lending itself to a wide variety of fillings, from savory meats and cheeses to fresh vegetables. Today, we’re focusing on a star of the summer garden: the zucchini! This zucchini quiche recipe is a celebration of this abundant vegetable, showcasing its delicate flavor and tender texture in a comforting and satisfying dish.

This recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner. It’s easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any extra zucchini you might have on hand. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to create this delicious zucchini quiche!

Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Quiche

Before we get to the recipe itself, let’s highlight why this zucchini quiche is a must-try:

* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of tender zucchini, creamy custard, and savory cheese creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and satisfying.
* **Versatile:** This quiche is easily adaptable to your preferences. Add different cheeses, herbs, or spices to customize the flavor profile.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for beginner cooks.
* **Great for Leftovers:** Quiche is delicious served warm or cold, making it a great option for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether you’re hosting a brunch, packing a picnic, or simply looking for a delicious and easy meal, this zucchini quiche is a perfect choice.
* **Uses Abundant Zucchini:** During zucchini season, this recipe is a fantastic way to use up the surplus from your garden or local farmer’s market.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious zucchini quiche. Don’t worry; most of them are pantry staples!

**For the Crust:**

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

**Alternatively, you can use a store-bought pre-made pie crust for convenience.**

**For the Filling:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 medium zucchini, grated
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 4 large eggs
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese (or your favorite cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan)
* 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, for topping

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Zucchini Quiche

Now, let’s get to the fun part: making the quiche! Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect zucchini quiche every time.

**Step 1: Prepare the Crust (or use a store-bought one)**

* **If making your own crust:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
* 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 into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
* On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle.
* Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges.
* **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. 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 cool slightly.

* **If using a store-bought crust:** Simply unroll the crust and place it in a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp the edges and proceed to the next step.

**Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini Filling**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
* Add the grated zucchini, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until the zucchini is tender and has released some of its moisture, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
* Remove the skillet from the heat and let the zucchini mixture cool slightly.

**Step 3: Make the Custard**

* In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and milk until smooth.
* Stir in the grated Gruyere cheese and the cooled zucchini mixture.

**Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Quiche**

* Pour the zucchini custard into the pre-baked pie crust.
* Sprinkle the top with the grated Parmesan cheese.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
* Let the quiche cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

## Tips for the Perfect Zucchini Quiche

Here are a few tips to ensure your zucchini quiche turns out perfectly every time:

* **Don’t skip the blind baking:** Blind baking the crust helps prevent it from becoming soggy during baking. If you don’t have pie weights, you can use dried beans or rice.
* **Remove excess moisture from the zucchini:** Zucchini contains a lot of water, so it’s important to cook it down and remove excess moisture before adding it to the custard. This will prevent the quiche from becoming watery.
* **Use high-quality cheese:** The cheese is a key component of the quiche, so use a good quality cheese that you enjoy. Gruyere, cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan are all great options.
* **Don’t overbake the quiche:** Overbaking can cause the custard to become dry and rubbery. Bake until the custard is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
* **Let the quiche cool before slicing:** Allowing the quiche to cool slightly before slicing will help it set and prevent it from falling apart.
* **Add a pinch of nutmeg:** A pinch of nutmeg adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the custard.
* **Get creative with additions:** Feel free to add other vegetables, meats, or cheeses to your quiche. Some popular additions include mushrooms, spinach, bacon, ham, or feta cheese.

## Variations and Additions

The beauty of quiche lies in its adaptability. Here are some variations and additions to inspire your culinary creativity:

* **Mushroom and Zucchini Quiche:** Add sautéed mushrooms to the zucchini filling for an earthy and savory flavor.
* **Spinach and Zucchini Quiche:** Incorporate fresh or frozen spinach into the filling for added nutrients and a vibrant green color. Make sure to squeeze out any excess water from the spinach before adding it.
* **Bacon and Zucchini Quiche:** Crumble cooked bacon into the filling for a smoky and savory twist. Consider using pancetta for an even richer flavor.
* **Ham and Zucchini Quiche:** Dice cooked ham and add it to the filling for a heartier quiche.
* **Feta and Zucchini Quiche:** Crumble feta cheese into the filling for a tangy and salty flavor. This pairs particularly well with fresh herbs like dill or mint.
* **Herb and Zucchini Quiche:** Add chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to the filling for a fragrant and flavorful quiche.
* **Spicy Zucchini Quiche:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a touch of heat.
* **Vegan Zucchini Quiche:** Substitute the eggs with a tofu-based custard and use a vegan pie crust for a completely plant-based version.

## Serving Suggestions

Zucchini quiche is delicious served warm, cold, or at room temperature. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **For Breakfast or Brunch:** Serve with a side of fresh fruit, yogurt, or a green salad.
* **For Lunch:** Pair with a cup of soup or a sandwich.
* **For Dinner:** Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad.
* **For a Picnic:** Pack slices of quiche in a container for a portable and delicious meal.
* **As an Appetizer:** Cut the quiche into small squares and serve as an appetizer at a party or gathering.

## Storing and Reheating

* **Storing:** Leftover quiche can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, you can warm the quiche in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave.

## Recipe Card

**Zucchini Quiche Recipe**

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep Time:** 30 minutes
**Cook Time:** 45-50 minutes

**Ingredients:**

**For the Crust:**

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

**(Or use a store-bought pre-made pie crust)**

**For the Filling:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 medium zucchini, grated
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 4 large eggs
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese (or your favorite cheese)
* 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, for topping

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Crust:** (If making your own) In a bowl, whisk flour and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add ice water until dough forms. Chill for 30 mins. Roll out, place in pie plate, trim edges. Blind bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 mins with pie weights, then 5-10 mins without.
2. **Prepare the Filling:** Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic. Add zucchini, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until tender, about 8-10 mins. Let cool.
3. **Make the Custard:** Whisk eggs, cream, and milk. Stir in Gruyere and zucchini mixture.
4. **Assemble and Bake:** Pour custard into crust. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 mins, or until set. Cool before slicing.

## Conclusion

This zucchini quiche recipe is a delightful and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re using up garden-fresh zucchini or simply looking for a delicious and easy meal, this quiche is sure to please. With its creamy custard, tender zucchini, and flaky crust, it’s a truly satisfying and comforting dish. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple instructions, and enjoy a slice of homemade zucchini quiche! Bon appétit!

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