Mini Quiches are the perfect savory snack or brunch item. With a flaky puff pastry base, each little quiche is filled with creamy egg custard and your choice of mouthwatering ingredients. Whether you opt for crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or vibrant spinach, these quiches are as customizable as they are delicious.
These mini quiches are a versatile dish that can be served warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for a variety of occasions. From brunches to parties, they’re a great finger food and a crowd-pleaser. You can even make them ahead of time and store them in the fridge for easy meal prep during the week. Add fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 sheet puff pastry
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4 eggs
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup milk
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1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
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1/4 cup cooked bacon (optional)
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1/4 cup cooked spinach (optional)
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1/4 cup diced ham (optional)
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1/4 cup sautéed mushrooms (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh herbs (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
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Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into squares, large enough to fit into the muffin tin.
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Press the puff pastry squares into the muffin tin, making sure they form a base.
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In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, milk, cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Divide the fillings (bacon, spinach, ham, mushrooms) among the pastry-lined muffin cups.
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Pour the egg mixture over the fillings, filling each cup nearly to the top.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the quiches are golden and set in the middle.
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Let cool for a few minutes before removing from the tin. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 6
The Allure of Mini Quiches
One of the reasons mini quiches stand out is their versatility. Whether you’re catering to vegetarian guests, meat lovers, or those with dietary restrictions, there’s a combination of ingredients that will satisfy everyone. From classic combinations like Quiche Lorraine to more adventurous options like Mediterranean-inspired quiches, the sky’s the limit when it comes to filling options. You can even mix and match these fillings, ensuring that your mini quiches are as unique as they are tasty.
Mini quiches have become a staple for many home cooks due to their easy preparation. Unlike larger quiches, which require longer baking times and more meticulous attention, mini quiches bake quickly and evenly, making them an excellent choice for busy hosts.
Moreover, mini quiches are ideal for those who like to plan ahead. You can bake them in advance and store them in the fridge for a few days or even freeze them to be reheated later. This makes them a fantastic choice for meal prep or making ahead for a large gathering.
How to Make the Perfect Mini Quiche
Making mini quiches is a simple yet rewarding process. The recipe generally consists of three main components: the pastry, the filling, and the egg mixture. The puff pastry, while easy to use, can be substituted with a homemade quiche crust if you prefer. The fillings are the star of the show—whether it’s bacon, spinach, mushrooms, or a Mediterranean mix of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, each option adds its unique flavor to the dish.
One important step that differentiates this mini quiche recipe from others is the “blind bake” technique. By pre-baking the pastry shells for five minutes, you ensure that the crust becomes crisp and golden rather than soggy. This small but significant step can make all the difference in the texture of the finished quiche, as it prevents the filling from soaking into the pastry.
Filling Options Galore
The beauty of mini quiches lies in their customizability. The fillings can be tailored to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Some popular filling combinations include:
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Quiche Lorraine: A classic choice featuring crispy bacon and shallots. This version is a great hit for bacon lovers and adds a savory touch to the mini quiche base.
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Spinach & Cheese: For a more vegetarian option, sautéed spinach in garlic butter combined with creamy cheese makes for a rich, flavorful filling.
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Mushroom: Mushrooms sautéed in garlic butter add a deep umami flavor to the quiche, making it the perfect option for mushroom lovers.
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Mediterranean: Combining sun-dried tomatoes, olives, feta, and roasted peppers, this option is ideal for those who love Mediterranean flavors.
These four options can be adjusted to personal preferences by adding or substituting ingredients. Want to make it vegan? Try omitting the cheese and substituting with plant-based alternatives. Want more protein? Add a handful of cooked chicken or turkey to the mix. The beauty of mini quiches lies in their ability to be as flexible as needed.
The Ideal Pastry for Mini Quiches
For the pastry, you can choose between store-bought puff pastry or a homemade quiche crust. Many recipes recommend using shortcrust pastry, which holds up beautifully when baked. The pastry should be light, flaky, and sturdy enough to hold the rich, creamy filling without collapsing.
The key to achieving the perfect pastry is to use the blind baking method. Pre-baking the pastry for a few minutes before adding the egg mixture helps it become crisp and golden. This step prevents the pastry from becoming soggy, which can happen if the pastry is baked with the filling all at once. By creating a “skin” on the pastry, you allow it to retain its integrity while the egg mixture sets.
The Egg Mixture
The egg mixture is the glue that holds everything together in a mini quiche. A simple combination of eggs, cream, and seasonings is all you need to create a rich and custardy base for the quiche. You can adjust the consistency of the mixture based on your preferences—adding more cream for a richer texture or milk for a lighter option.
The key to success is to avoid overcooking the quiche. The eggs should set but remain tender and creamy, not rubbery. Bake the quiches until the tops are lightly golden, and the inside is just firm enough to hold the filling together.
Freezing and Storage Tips
One of the most appealing aspects of mini quiches is that they can be made ahead of time, stored in the fridge, or frozen for later. After baking, let the quiches cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
If you plan to freeze them, be sure to allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven for about 5 minutes at 180°C (350°F). From frozen, they take around 12 minutes to reheat.
Why Mini Quiches are Perfect for Parties
Mini quiches are the quintessential party food. They are small, bite-sized, and easy to eat with one hand—leaving your other hand free to hold a drink or mingle with guests. They also don’t require any utensils, making them ideal for finger food at buffets, cocktail parties, or casual get-togethers. Plus, they look elegant and impressive on a platter, making them a crowd-pleaser that is sure to disappear quickly.
Another great thing about mini quiches is that they can be made ahead of time, which is a lifesaver when hosting a large gathering. You don’t need to spend the entire day in the kitchen, and your guests will appreciate the homemade touch.
Conclusion: The Versatile, Make-Ahead Delight
Mini quiches are an excellent addition to any party, brunch, or casual get-together. They are delicious, customizable, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply meal prepping for the week, mini quiches are a versatile dish that everyone will enjoy. The ability to make them ahead of time, store them in the fridge or freezer, and reheat them when needed makes them an incredibly practical option for busy hosts.
So, the next time you’re planning a gathering or looking for a fun and impressive dish to bring to a party, mini quiches should be at the top of your list. Not only will they look great on the table, but they’ll taste even better than they look!
Mini quiches bring together the best of both worlds—flavor and convenience. Whether you’re serving up Quiche Lorraine, Mushroom, Spinach & Cheese, or Mediterranean versions, the possibilities are endless. They are small in size but big on flavor, making them the perfect addition to any meal or gathering.