There's something incredibly comforting about a warm, savory quiche. And when you infuse it with the earthy, smoky flavor of green chiles, you elevate it to a whole new level! Our Green Chile Quiche recipe is a true Southwestern delight, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light and satisfying dinner.
Imagine a flaky, buttery crust embracing a rich, creamy egg custard studded with vibrant green chiles and gooey melted cheese. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors – a subtle kick from the chiles, the richness of the dairy, and a comforting warmth that feels like a hug on a plate. It's surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress your family and friends.
Why You'll Love This Green Chile Quiche
This isn't just any quiche; it's a culinary experience waiting to happen. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation:
- Incredible Flavor: The star of the show, green chiles, brings a unique smoky, slightly spicy, and earthy flavor that perfectly complements the rich egg and cheese base.
- Versatile Meal: While often associated with brunch, this quiche is hearty enough for a light dinner and elegant enough for a special occasion.
- Easy to Customize: Easily adapt it with your favorite cheeses, add cooked meats like sausage or bacon, or throw in extra veggies.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the day before, and simply reheat for a stress-free meal or gathering.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Quiche
The beauty of quiche lies in its simplicity, but quality ingredients truly shine through. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:
Choosing Your Green Chiles
The heart of this quiche is, of course, the green chiles! For the most authentic and robust flavor, we highly recommend using roasted Hatch green chiles. Their distinctive smoky heat is unparalleled. You can often find them jarred, frozen, or even fresh during harvest season.
If Hatch chiles aren't available, Anaheim chiles are a great substitute, offering a milder heat. Canned diced green chiles (well-drained) also work in a pinch for convenience, though they may lack the depth of flavor of roasted varieties.
The Importance of a Good Crust
A flaky, golden crust is essential for any great quiche. You can opt for a store-bought pie crust for ease and speed – a good quality one will still deliver delicious results. For those who love to bake, a homemade pie crust truly elevates the dish with its superior texture and flavor. Whichever you choose, ensure it's pre-baked or "blind baked" before adding the filling to prevent a soggy bottom.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Green Chile Quiche
Crafting this Green Chile Quiche is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. From preparing your pie crust to baking that golden, bubbly perfection, we'll guide you through each step to ensure success. Follow along with the detailed instructions in the recipe card below to bring this savory delight to your table.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This quiche is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm or at room temperature. For a complete meal, pair it with a crisp green salad, a bowl of fresh fruit, or some roasted potatoes. Don't be afraid to experiment with variations:
- Add Protein: Cooked and crumbled sausage, bacon, or shredded chicken would be delicious additions.
- Different Cheeses: While cheddar and Monterey Jack are classics, try pepper jack for extra kick, or a blend of Gruyere and Swiss for sophistication.
- Extra Veggies: Sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach can add more flavor and nutrients.
Whether you're a seasoned quiche baker or a first-timer, this recipe is forgiving and fun to make. Get ready to enjoy a dish that's bursting with flavor and comforting warmth!
FAQs
What kind of green chiles should I use for quiche?
For a classic Southwestern flavor, roasted Hatch green chiles are highly recommended. If Hatch chiles are not available, Anaheim chiles or even canned diced green chiles (drained well) can be used as alternatives. Adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level.
Can I make green chile quiche ahead of time?
Yes, you can! The quiche can be baked completely, cooled, and then stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or a warm oven until heated through. You can also prepare the filling and refrigerate it separately from the crust for up to 24 hours before assembling and baking.
Is green chile quiche freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Bake the quiche as directed, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in a 350u00b0F (175u00b0C) oven until hot, about 20-30 minutes.
What are good serving suggestions for green chile quiche?
Green chile quiche pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, fresh fruit, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal. For brunch, consider serving it alongside bacon or sausage. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can also add a nice touch.
Green Chile Quiche
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A savory, flavorful quiche featuring roasted green chiles, cheese, and a creamy egg custard, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner.
Ingredients
1 (9-inch) unbaked or pre-baked pie crust
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 (4 ounce) can (or 1/2 cup fresh roasted) diced green chiles, drained
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using an unbaked pie crust, prick the bottom with a fork several times. If using a pre-baked crust, you can skip this step.
Step 2: In a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Sprinkle half of the Monterey Jack cheese and half of the cheddar cheese into the bottom of the pie crust. Top with the sautéed onions and diced green chiles. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses over the chiles and onions.
Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream (or half-and-half), salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper until well combined.
Step 5: Carefully pour the egg mixture over the ingredients in the pie crust. Place the quiche on a baking sheet to catch any potential spills.
Step 6: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the quiche rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the quiche to set properly.
Notes
For a spicier kick, use extra hot green chiles or add a pinch more cayenne. If you prefer a richer flavor, add a few slices of cooked and crumbled bacon before pouring in the egg mixture. Ensure chiles are well-drained to prevent a watery quiche.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast & Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
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