Brighten your day with a slice of pure comfort: our delightful Spring Hash Brown Crust Quiche! This recipe takes a beloved brunch classic and elevates it with an incredibly crispy, golden hash brown crust. Forget fussy pastry – this potato-based crust delivers a satisfying crunch that beautifully contrasts with a light, airy egg filling bursting with fresh spring vegetables and melted cheese.
It's an ideal dish for a weekend brunch, a light and satisfying lunch, or a cozy weeknight dinner. The simplicity of the hash brown crust combined with the versatility of the quiche filling makes this a recipe you'll want to make again and again!
Why You'll Adore This Hash Brown Quiche
Our Spring Hash Brown Crust Quiche is more than just a meal; it's a celebration of fresh flavors and delightful textures. Here’s what makes it truly special:
- Crispy, Golden Crust: A game-changer! No more soggy bottoms, just a perfectly crunchy potato foundation.
- Seasonal Freshness: Packed with vibrant spring vegetables, it's a delicious way to enjoy the season's bounty.
- Endlessly Customizable: Easily swap vegetables or cheeses to suit your taste, making it unique every time.
- Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Versatile enough for any meal, hot or at room temperature.
Ready to bake something truly wonderful? Let's dive into the ingredients and steps!
Gather Your Ingredients
Creating this spectacular quiche involves two easy parts: the crispy hash brown crust and the flavorful egg filling. Here’s everything you’ll need:
For the Hash Brown Crust:
- 4 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Spring Quiche Filling:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole or 2% milk
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup mixed bell peppers, diced (red, yellow, or green for vibrant color)
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup cooked and chopped bacon or ham for added savoriness
For another hearty, comforting breakfast idea, consider our Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole. If you're a fan of traditional quiche, our Classic Ham and Cheese Quiche is another excellent choice!
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Quiche
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to a robust 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key for getting that hash brown crust perfectly crisp.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, melted butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until the hash browns are evenly coated.
- Step 3: Firmly press the seasoned hash brown mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a greased 9-inch pie dish or quiche pan. Ensure the layer is compact and even.
- Step 4: Place the hash brown crust into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- Step 5: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the 6 large eggs and 1 cup milk until smooth. Season generously with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Step 6: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach, diced bell peppers, sliced green onions, and 1 cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese into the egg mixture. If using, add the cooked bacon or ham now. For more tips on selecting the perfect cheese for your quiche, check out this informative guide on Food Network.
- Step 7: Carefully pour the prepared egg and vegetable mixture into the pre-baked hash brown crust, spreading the filling evenly.
- Step 8: Return the assembled quiche to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes. The quiche is ready when the egg filling is set (a knife inserted into the center comes out clean) and the top is a beautiful golden brown.
- Step 9: Allow the quiche to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the quiche to set properly. Garnish with extra green onions if desired, and enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Tips for a Super Crispy Crust and Flavorful Filling
- Squeeze, Squeeze, Squeeze: The most important tip for your hash brown crust! After thawing, press the hash browns between several layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove as much moisture as possible. Less water equals maximum crisp.
- Don't Skip the Pre-bake: Pre-baking the hash brown crust ensures it's already crispy before the wet filling goes in, preventing a soggy bottom.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to use other spring vegetables like chopped asparagus, peas, or even finely diced zucchini. Just be sure to sauté any high-moisture vegetables lightly beforehand to remove excess water.
- Cheese Choices: While Swiss and mozzarella are classic, feel free to experiment with Gruyère, cheddar, or a blend of your favorite melting cheeses.
Storing & Reheating Your Quiche
Leftover quiche can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, individual slices can be microwaved for 1-2 minutes. For a crisper crust, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Conclusion
This Spring Hash Brown Crust Quiche is a true culinary winner – simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfectly satisfying. It's a fantastic way to welcome the freshness of spring and enjoy a comforting meal any time of day. We hope this recipe brings joy to your kitchen and your table!
We love hearing from you! Share your quiche creations and any unique variations you try in the comments below. For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, visit us at eldralys.com.
FAQs
Can I use fresh hash browns for the quiche crust?
Yes, if using fresh potatoes, finely shred them and then press out as much excess moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a truly crispy hash brown crust.
What vegetables work best in this spring quiche?
For a spring quiche, asparagus, leeks, peas, and fresh herbs like dill or chives are fantastic additions. You can also add sautu00e9ed mushrooms or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
Can I make this quiche ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the hash brown crust and pre-bake it, and even mix the egg filling the day before. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the quiche just before serving for the best results, or bake it completely and reheat individual slices.
How do I prevent my hash brown crust from getting soggy?
The key to a crispy crust is removing excess moisture from the thawed hash browns before mixing with butter and pressing them into the pan. Also, pre-baking the crust until golden brown provides a good base that resists sogginess from the egg filling.
Spring Hash Brown Crust Quiche
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian (optional meat inclusion)
Description
A delightful quiche featuring a golden, crispy hash brown crust filled with fluffy eggs, fresh spring vegetables, and savory cheeses.
Ingredients
4 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
6 large eggs
1 cup whole or 2% milk
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 cup mixed bell peppers, diced
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
1 cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1/2 cup cooked and chopped bacon or ham
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, melted butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything thoroughly.
Step 3: Firmly press the seasoned hash brown mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a greased 9-inch pie dish or quiche pan, creating an even, compact layer.
Step 4: Place the hash brown crust in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and cool slightly.
Step 5: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the 6 large eggs and 1 cup milk until well combined and smooth. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Stir the chopped fresh spinach, diced bell peppers, sliced green onions, and 1 cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese into the egg mixture. If using, add the optional cooked bacon or ham.
Step 7: Carefully pour the vibrant egg and vegetable mixture into the pre-baked hash brown crust, spreading the filling evenly.
Step 8: Return the assembled quiche to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes. The quiche is ready when the egg filling is set and the top is lightly golden.
Step 9: Allow the quiche to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with extra green onions if desired, and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For an extra crispy crust, ensure you squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the thawed hash browns. Customize the filling with your favorite spring vegetables or cheeses. This quiche is excellent for meal prep and reheats well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Leave a Reply