Cheese & onion quiche
Category: Main Dish / Brunch / Savory Pie
Yield: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Medium
Introduction
Cheese & Onion Quiche is a classic savory tart perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner. The flaky, buttery pastry crust holds a creamy, cheesy custard packed with caramelized onions and your favorite cheese. This recipe balances the sweetness of slow-cooked onions with the rich texture of eggs and cream, making it irresistible.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this quiche offers comfort and flavor in every bite. It’s also versatile—try swapping cheeses or adding herbs for your twist.
Preparation & Cooking Time
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparing crust | 10 minutes |
| Resting dough | 30 minutes |
| Cooking onions | 10 minutes |
| Assembling quiche | 10 minutes |
| Baking | 35-40 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 35 minutes |
Ingredients
For the Pastry Crust:
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1 ¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon salt
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8 tablespoons (115g) cold unsalted butter, diced
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3-4 tablespoons cold water
For the Filling:
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2 large onions, thinly sliced
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2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
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4 large eggs
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1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
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1 ½ cups (170g) grated cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or a mix)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
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Fresh herbs like thyme or chives (optional)
Recipe Intensity
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Skill | Medium – making pastry and custard filling |
| Time | Moderate – about 1.5 hours total |
| Equipment | Oven, mixing bowls, skillet, tart pan |
| Cleanup | Moderate – several utensils and pans |
| Reward | High – rich, flavorful, satisfying dish |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pastry Dough
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
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Add cold butter cubes and rub into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
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Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together. Avoid overworking.
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Shape dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
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While the dough rests, heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
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Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Tart Shell
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch (23cm) tart pan with a removable bottom.
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Press dough into the pan, trim excess edges, and prick the base with a fork.
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Line the shell with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
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Blind bake for 15 minutes. Remove weights and paper, bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 4: Make the Custard Filling
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
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Stir in the cooled caramelized onions and grated cheese. Add fresh herbs if desired.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Quiche
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Pour the custard filling into the pre-baked tart shell.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the custard is set and the top is golden.
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Let the quiche cool slightly before removing from the pan.
Storage & Reheating Tips
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Warm slices in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
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Freeze: Quiche slices freeze well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
Note: Nutrition varies depending on exact ingredients and serving size.
Tips for Perfect Cheese & Onion Quiche
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Use cold butter and water to keep the pastry flaky.
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Don’t skip blind baking the crust to avoid sogginess.
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Cook onions low and slow for the best caramelized sweetness.
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Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add cooked bacon, spinach, or mushrooms for variety.
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Let the quiche rest a few minutes after baking; it will slice more cleanly.
Final Thoughts
This Cheese & Onion Quiche is a timeless, versatile dish that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. Perfect for brunches, picnics, or light dinners, it’s both elegant and comforting. With a crisp, buttery crust and a creamy, cheesy filling accented by sweet caramelized onions, this quiche will quickly become a favorite.
Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, paired with a fresh salad or soup. Give it a try, and let this classic recipe inspire your next delicious homemade meal