With its savory browned onions baked into a rich, velvety custard, caramelized onion quiche is a brunch treat that’s sure to impress. This simple yet flavorful recipe comes together easily for a meal that looks and tastes gourmet. Read on to learn the secrets behind making the perfect caramelized onion quiche every time.
Why Caramelize the Onions?
Onions are already delicious, but caramelizing them takes their flavor to the next level. Slow cooking the onions over low heat causes their natural sugars to brown and concentrate. This brings out onion’s inherent sweetness and creates a rich, jammy texture.
Caramelized onions are deeply savory, with notes of balsamic and maple syrup. Their complex sweet and umami flavors pair perfectly with the custardy filling of a quiche. So while raw onions would be too harsh, caramelized onions give the quiche a sophisticated, gourmet taste.
Step-By-Step Method for Caramelized Onion Quiche
Armed with a simple list of ingredients and a skillet, you can whip up a gorgeous caramelized onion quiche in just over an hour.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, sliced
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 refrigerated pie crust
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup half and half or milk
- 1⁄2 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until very soft and browned. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Prepare the quiche crust: Preheat oven to 375°F. Press pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan and crimp edges decoratively. Prick bottom and sides with a fork. Bake for 12 minutes then remove and allow to cool.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half, cheese, and thyme. Stir in caramelized onions until just combined.
- Assemble and bake: Pour filling into the pre-baked pie crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until quiche is set and lightly golden on top. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
And that’s it! With a buttery, flaky crust and silky custard studded with sweet, melted onions, this impressive dish can be made any day of the week.
Serving Suggestions
Caramelized onion quiche makes for a sophisticated brunch, lunch, or light dinner. For brunch, pair it with fresh fruit, mimosas, and roasted potatoes on the side. For lunch or dinner, serve it with a crisp green salad or vegetable medley.
Some other tasty add-ins include:
- Diced ham
- Cooked bacon crumbles
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Roasted bell peppers
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Sun-dried tomatoes
Feel free to customize your quiche with your favorite flavors!
Quiche Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips for quiche success:
- Chill pie crust before baking for best results. This prevents shrinking.
- Brushing pie crust edges with egg wash gives a shiny, golden finish.
- For a flaky crust, keep the fat cold—don’t overmix.
- Let quiche rest before slicing to allow custard to set.
- Store leftovers covered in fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat slices.
- Substitute goat cheese or cheddar for the Gruyère if desired.
Now that you know the easy method for caramelized onion quiche, you can whip it up anytime the quiche craving strikes!
Frequently Asked Questions About Caramelized Onion Quiche
1. What kind of onions work best?
Yellow, sweet onions like Vidalia are ideal. Red or white onions can also be used. Avoid strong-flavored green onions.
2. Can I prepare the crust and filling ahead of time?
Yes! Make the crust 1 day ahead and store it in the fridge. Prepare caramelized onions up to 3 days ahead. Whisk filling up to 2 days ahead.
3. What kind of milk should I use?
Whole milk or half and half gives the richest flavor, but 2% or non-dairy milks can also be used.
4. Can I freeze quiche slices?
Baked quiche freezes very well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before wrapping slices tightly. Reheat directly from freezer.
5. What if my quiche cracks on top while baking?
Some cracking is normal in the center. To prevent it, bake at a lower temp (350°F), avoid over-mixing the filling, and let the quiche rest after baking.
6. Can I make individual quiche in a muffin tin?
Absolutely! Just divide the filling between greased muffin cups and adjust baking time down to 18-22 minutes.
