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If you have been searching for a comforting yet impressive brunch or dinner idea, this Italian Sausage Quiche Recipe is just the treasure you need. It combines hearty Italian sausage, melty cheese, and a flavorful custard filling all nestled in a flaky golden pastry crust. Every bite bursts with the rich, savory notes of Italian herbs and tender cherry tomatoes that add a pop of freshness. This quiche is not only incredibly satisfying but also versatile enough to enjoy any time of day with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Italian Sausage Quiche Recipe thrives on a handful of simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s the crisp pastry base, the juicy sausage filling, or the perfectly balanced seasoning.
- Oil spray: For greasing the quiche dish to ensure the crust releases easily after baking.
- Frozen shortcut pastry or ready-made pie crust: Provides a buttery, flaky base that holds all the delicious fillings together.
- Olive oil: Adds depth and a subtle fruitiness when cooking the garlic and onions.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Delivers a fragrant punch that wakes up the savory filling.
- Small onion (diced): Offers sweetness and texture, perfectly complementing the sausage.
- Italian sausages (casings removed): The star of the show – juicy, flavorful, and packed with herbs and spices.
- Eggs: Bind everything together with a creamy custard consistency.
- Milk: Lightens the egg mixture for a tender, smooth filling.
- Dried Mixed Italian Herbs: Infuse the whole dish with classic Mediterranean flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Grated cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey, flavorful finishing touch, though provolone or Monterey Jack work wonderfully too.
- Cherry tomatoes (halved and seeds scooped out): Bring a fresh, tangy burst that cuts through the richness of this Italian Sausage Quiche Recipe.
How to Make Italian Sausage Quiche Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly spray your 9-inch quiche or pie dish with oil spray to help the pastry release easily once baked. This step sets the stage for a flawless crust every time.
Step 2: Line and Blind Bake the Pastry
Take your thawed shortcut pastry or ready-made pie crust and line the dish, trimming any excess. Since one sheet can be a bit small, use the extra half sheet to patch any gaps by pressing it firmly into the edges and base. Next, cover the pastry with parchment paper and fill with raw rice or dried beans to weigh it down. Bake for 20 minutes to create a crisp, golden foundation, then remove the weights and bake another 10 minutes until perfectly golden brown.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage and Aromatics
While the pastry bakes, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, cooking until softened and fragrant. Then, crumble in the Italian sausage, cooking thoroughly and breaking it apart so it results in a nice, crumbly texture. This savory mix forms the heart of the quiche’s filling.
Step 4: Mix the Custard Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. This custard base will soak up all the delicious flavors and set into a silky filling once baked.
Step 5: Assemble the Quiche
Sprinkle half of the grated cheese into the par-baked crust, then layer on the sausage mixture evenly. Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes over the top and pour the egg custard mixture gently over everything. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese across the surface to create a delicious golden topping.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the assembled quiche into the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until the custard is set and the top is beautifully golden. You want the filling firm but slightly wobbly in the center for that perfect creamy texture.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow your Italian Sausage Quiche Recipe to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This rest time helps it set properly, making clean slices easier and intensifying the flavors.
How to Serve Italian Sausage Quiche Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley make stunning garnishes, adding a vibrant green pop and a hint of herbaceous freshness. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also elevate the presentation and flavor subtly but brilliantly.
Side Dishes
This quiche pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables. For a heartier meal, consider serving with garlic bread or roasted potatoes to round out the Italian-inspired flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the quiche into bite-sized squares for brunch buffets or parties. You can also bake this recipe in mini tart tins for elegant individual servings that look as good as they taste, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Italian Sausage Quiche Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, stored in an airtight container. It’s a fantastic grab-and-go meal or snack without losing any of its original flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze this quiche either whole or in slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftover slices in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Microwaving works for convenience but may soften the crust slightly.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage in this Italian Sausage Quiche Recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is ideal for its signature seasoning, you can experiment with other sausages like spicy chorizo or mild breakfast sausage to tailor it to your taste preferences.
Is it necessary to blind bake the pastry crust?
Yes, blind baking helps prevent a soggy bottom by partially cooking the crust before adding the moist filling. This step ensures a crisp, golden pastry that holds the fillings perfectly.
Can I substitute milk with cream or a non-dairy option?
You can use cream for a richer custard, but it will make the filling denser. For non-dairy options, unsweetened almond or oat milk works well without compromising texture too much.
How do I know when the quiche filling is cooked perfectly?
The quiche is done when the edges are set and browned and the center gently jiggles but isn’t liquid. Carryover heat will finish cooking it as it cools.
What cheese types work best in this Italian Sausage Quiche Recipe?
Cheddar provides sharpness and meltiness, but provolone, Monterey Jack, or even gruyère are excellent alternatives that add their own unique flavors and gooey textures.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Sausage Quiche Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both cozy and celebratory simultaneously. With its rich flavors and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen. I encourage you to give it a try—not just for the delicious results but for the joy this comforting dish can bring to your table and loved ones.
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Italian Sausage Quiche Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Italian Sausage Quiche is a savory and hearty dish, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. A flaky shortcut pastry crust envelops a flavorful filling of seasoned Italian sausage, eggs, milk, mixed herbs, and melted cheese, topped with fresh cherry tomatoes for a vibrant touch. Simple to prepare and baked to golden perfection, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and delicious.
Ingredients
Crust
- Oil spray
- 1 1/2 sheets frozen shortcut pastry, thawed OR one 9″/23cm ready made pie crust
Filling
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, diced (brown, white, or yellow)
- 12 oz / 350g Italian sausages, casings removed
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp dried Mixed Italian Herbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (or tasty, provolone, monterey jack, or any other flavored melting cheese)
- 2/3 cup cherry tomatoes, halved and seeds scooped out
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the quiche.
- Prepare Dish: Lightly spray a 9″ (23cm) quiche flan or pie dish with oil to prevent sticking.
- Line with Pastry: Line the dish with the pastry sheet, trimming any excess. Use the extra half sheet to patch any gaps as one sheet might be slightly too small. Press all edges to seal well.
- Blind Bake: Cover the pastry with parchment baking paper, then fill it with raw rice or dried beans to weigh it down and prevent bubbling.
- Bake Crust: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the parchment paper and weights. Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until the crust is golden and fully cooked. Remove from oven.
- Cook Filling Base: While the crust bakes, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Egg Mixture and Assemble: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, mixed Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the cooked sausage mixture and grated cheese. Pour this filling evenly into the baked pastry crust. Scatter the cherry tomato halves on top, pressing them slightly into the filling.
- Bake Quiche: Place the quiche back in the oven and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the quiche from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the filling to set and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- Note 1: Shortcut pastry is a type of pre-rolled pie dough that saves preparation time. Use thawed sheets for best results.
- Note 2: Mixed Italian herbs typically include a combination of basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. Use your preferred blend or dried Italian seasoning.
- To prevent soggy crust, blind bake the pastry before adding filling.
- You can substitute the Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the filling for extra nutrition and flavor.
