Pizza Quiche
Imagine biting into a flaky, buttery crust filled with layers of savory sausage, zesty pepperoni, gooey mozzarella, and a creamy egg custard that tastes just like your favorite pizza. That’s right, we’re diving into the world of Pizza Quiche, a delightful dish that marries the comforting essence of pizza with the sophisticated charm of quiche. This recipe is not only a showstopper for brunch but also a fantastic dinner option that can be prepped ahead of time, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for a hearty meal, this Pizza Quiche is versatile enough to please everyone at the table. Let’s get started on crafting this delicious dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Why Cooks Rave About It
Cooks everywhere rave about Pizza Quiche because it strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and gourmet flair. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, making it a fantastic way to use up leftovers. The crispy crust, combined with a creamy filling and bold flavors, creates a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to make. Plus, who can resist the allure of pizza flavors in a quiche?
What’s in the Bowl
To whip up this Pizza Quiche, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 (9-inch) deep-dish frozen pie crust – A convenient start to our quiche.
- 1 lb sausage – Flavorful and hearty, this will be the base of our filling.
- 1 cup chopped pepperoni – Adds that signature pizza taste.
- 1 Tbs tomato paste – A touch of tomato goodness for extra flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – The melty cheese we all love.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Provides richness to the custard.
- 3 large eggs – The essential binding agent for the quiche.
- 3 Tbs sour cream – Adds a tangy flavor and creaminess.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs for that classic Italian flavor.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – For an extra punch of flavor.
Cook’s Kit
Before you dive into the kitchen, gather these essential tools:
- Large mixing bowl – For combining all your ingredients.
- Whisk – To beat the eggs and mix the custard smoothly.
- Skillet – For browning the sausage.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
- Pie dish – A deep-dish pie plate works best for this recipe.
- Oven mitts – Safety first when handling hot items!
Make Pizza Quiche: A Simple Method
Creating the perfect Pizza Quiche is a breeze with this step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your quiche bakes evenly and develops a lovely golden crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Use a spatula to break it into crumbles as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, sour cream, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined for a creamy custard base.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Add the cooked sausage, chopped pepperoni, and shredded mozzarella cheese to the egg mixture. Gently fold everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Assemble the Quiche
Place your frozen deep-dish pie crust on a baking sheet for easy handling. Pour the sausage and cheese mixture into the crust, spreading it out evenly.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the Pizza Quiche in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is puffed up and golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. This will help it set and make slicing easier. Serve warm, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Smart Substitutions
If you want to customize your Pizza Quiche, consider these substitutions:
- Vegetarian option: Swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Cheese alternatives: Use cheddar, provolone, or a dairy-free cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Crust options: Try a homemade crust, or use a cauliflower crust for a gluten-free version.
- Different meats: Ham or cooked chicken can be great alternatives to sausage.
Frequent Missteps to Avoid
When making Pizza Quiche, keep these common pitfalls in mind to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:
- Overcooking the sausage: Make sure to cook the sausage just until browned to avoid a dry filling.
- Not letting it cool: Allow the quiche to rest before slicing; this helps it firm up and slice cleanly.
- Skipping the pre-baking: If using a homemade crust, pre-bake it for 10 minutes which will keep it crispy.
- Overfilling the crust: Ensure you don’t overfill the pie crust; leave some space for the quiche to rise.
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
This Pizza Quiche is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:
Once cooled, cover the quiche tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the cooled quiche in plastic wrap and then in a layer of aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To reheat, simply thaw the quiche in the refrigerator overnight, then bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual slices for a quick meal!
Questions People Ask
Can I make Pizza Quiche ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the quiche the night before and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it cold from the fridge.
What can I serve with Pizza Quiche?
This quiche pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a wholesome meal. You could also serve it with fruit for a refreshing contrast.
Is Pizza Quiche suitable for breakfast?
Yes! Pizza Quiche makes a fantastic breakfast option. Its hearty ingredients will keep you satisfied throughout the morning, and it’s easy to slice and serve for a brunch gathering.
Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different crusts. A homemade crust, a gluten-free crust, or even a crustless quiche are all great options that can cater to various dietary preferences.
Final Bite
Pizza Quiche is not just a meal; it’s an experience. With its rich flavors and comforting ingredients, it’s a dish that invites you to gather around the table and enjoy good food with loved ones. This recipe allows for endless creativity, making it a dish that can evolve with your tastes.
So, whether you’re serving it for brunch, breakfast, or dinner, you can’t go wrong with this delicious Pizza Quiche. Each bite is a delightful reminder that sometimes, the best meals are those that blend the familiar with the unexpected.
Indulge in this Pizza Quiche, and watch as it quickly becomes a staple in your cooking repertoire. Happy cooking!
Pizza Quiche
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, sour cream, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Step 4: Add the cooked sausage, chopped pepperoni, and shredded mozzarella cheese to the egg mixture. Gently fold everything together.
- Step 5: Place your frozen deep-dish pie crust on a baking sheet and pour the mixture into the crust.
- Step 6: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife comes out clean.
- Step 7: Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Experiment with different toppings for a unique flavor.
- Allow the quiche to rest before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
