Four-Cheese Quiche Recipe
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
A Four-Cheese Quiche is a perfect blend of creamy, rich, and savory flavors that makes for an ideal starter at any meal. With a buttery, crisp crust and a filling loaded with a variety of cheeses, this dish is a favorite among cheese lovers and will surely impress your guests. The combination of Roquefort, Taleggio, Gruyère, and Grana Padano creates a unique depth of flavor, while the added walnuts on top bring a delightful crunch.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (00) | 200g |
| Fine salt | A pinch |
| Cold water | 50g |
| Butter (cold, cubed) | 100g |
| Egg whites | 1 |
| Egg yolks | 3 |
| Whole egg | 1 |
| Heavy cream | 280g |
| Nutmeg | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Roquefort cheese | 120g |
| Taleggio cheese | 150g |
| Gruyère cheese | 120g |
| Grana Padano DOP cheese | 70g |
| Fresh thyme | To taste |
| Walnut halves | 15g |
| Fine salt | To taste |
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Crust
To start, make the shortcrust pastry for the quiche. In a food processor, combine the flour, cold butter cut into small cubes, and cold water. Process until the mixture forms a dough. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and firm up.
Step 2: Preparing the Cheese Filling
While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. Begin by cutting the Gruyère and Taleggio cheeses into small cubes. Set these aside. In a large mixing bowl, pour in the heavy cream and add the egg yolks, the whole egg, a pinch of nutmeg, and black pepper to taste. Whisk everything together until smooth.
Now, crumble the Roquefort cheese and add it to the mixture along with the cubed Gruyère, Taleggio, and Grana Padano. Leave aside a small amount of each cheese for sprinkling on top of the quiche before baking. Add fresh thyme to taste, then stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Assembling the Quiche
Take the chilled dough from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface to fit your quiche pan. The pan does not need to be greased, as the dough will adhere perfectly. Carefully place the rolled dough into the pan, ensuring it lines the sides and bottom well. Trim the excess dough from the edges.
Pour the prepared cheese filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the reserved cheeses on top, giving it a nice cheesy finish.
Step 4: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the quiche in the oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. You can check by inserting a knife into the center—if it comes out clean, the quiche is ready.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for a bit of crunch and extra flavor. Slice the quiche into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese Variation: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as adding a bit of Brie or Fontina for additional creaminess.
- Herbs: If you prefer a more herbal flavor, you can also add a little bit of rosemary or basil.
- Nuts: For a twist, consider substituting the walnuts with pecans or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Add-ins: You can incorporate sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or leeks into the filling for added texture and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Quiche
This Four-Cheese Quiche offers a perfect balance between a rich and creamy filling and a crisp, flaky crust. The blend of cheeses not only adds depth but also complements each other wonderfully, while the hint of nutmeg and black pepper elevates the flavor profile. Whether served at a brunch, dinner party, or as a light meal, this quiche is bound to be a crowd-pleaser!
