If you love the comforting embrace of a savory pie filled with vibrant, fresh flavors, then this Carrot Quiche with Cheddar and Roasted Onions Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with sweet caramelized onions and sharp cheddar cheese, this quiche delivers a wonderful blend of textures and colors that make every bite a delight. Whether it’s a leisurely weekend brunch or a cozy breakfast, this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate, showcasing how simple ingredients can come together to make something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Carrot Quiche with Cheddar and Roasted Onions Recipe just right means focusing on a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, bringing depth, creaminess, or just the right punch of flavor to the table.
- 9-inch pie crust: Choose store-bought for convenience or homemade for extra flakiness and flavor that shines through the filling.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A key for perfectly sautéing the onions, adding richness without overpowering the dish.
- 1 medium yellow onion (thinly sliced): When roasted, it transforms into a sweet, caramelized layer that complements the sharp cheddar beautifully.
- 2 cups grated carrots: Adds brightness, natural sweetness, and a lovely texture that keeps the quiche fresh and inviting.
- 4 large eggs: The binding agent that holds everything together with a silky, custardy texture.
- 1 cup whole milk: Brings moisture and creaminess, balancing out the richness of the cheese and cream.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: For that luxurious, velvety custard that makes this dish irresistible.
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Sharp and tangy, cheddar gives this quiche its signature savory punch.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle hint of warmth that rounds out the flavors without stealing the spotlight.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors in the quiche.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough spice and depth to awaken the palate.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional): A fresh, herbal note that brightens and adds complexity.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor right before serving.
How to Make Carrot Quiche with Cheddar and Roasted Onions Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Fit your pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into place and crimping the edges for a neat finish. This base will hold all those flavorful ingredients together, so make sure it’s evenly spread and ready to cradle the filling.
Step 2: Roast the Onions
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook them slowly for 10 to 12 minutes until they turn soft and beautifully caramelized. This step is crucial because those sweet, deeply flavored onions are the heart of the quiche’s savory profile. Remove them from the heat and let them cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper until fully combined. Stir in the grated carrots, caramelized onions, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. This mixture is where the magic happens, bringing together a mix of textures and flavors that promise every bite is a mouthwatering experience.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the filling evenly into your prepared pie crust. If you’re using fresh thyme leaves, sprinkle them over the top now to add a fragrant, herbal note. Place the quiche in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top has turned a lovely golden brown. Once done, let the quiche rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to allow the custard to settle perfectly.
How to Serve Carrot Quiche with Cheddar and Roasted Onions Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds a fresh, slightly peppery finish that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the quiche. For an extra touch of elegance, a few thyme sprigs can be placed on top, echoing the flavors baked inside.
Side Dishes
This quiche pairs wonderfully with fresh, crisp green salads—think arugula with a lemon vinaigrette or a simple mixed greens salad. Roasted or steamed asparagus makes another fantastic side, highlighting the savory and earthy notes of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this rustic quiche into an eye-catching centerpiece by serving it as mini tartlets in individual ramekins. You can also slice it into wedges and arrange them on a platter alongside vibrant roasted vegetables or pickled sides to add bursts of color and flavor contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftover slices tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this tasty quiche again without any fuss.
Freezing
You can freeze the entire quiche or individual slices by wrapping them well with plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. For best taste and texture, consume within 1 to 2 months.
Reheating
To bring your quiche back to its freshly baked glory, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. This method helps maintain the crisp crust and creamy interior better than the microwave, which can sometimes leave the filling soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives this quiche its characteristic tang, you can experiment with Gruyère, mozzarella, or even feta to mix up the flavors. Just keep in mind that the texture and saltiness might change slightly.
Is this quiche suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Carrot Quiche with Cheddar and Roasted Onions Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or fish products. For a vegan version, you would need to substitute the eggs, dairy, and cheese with appropriate plant-based alternatives.
Can I add other vegetables to this quiche?
Definitely! Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers can be great additions that enhance the quiche’s texture and nutrition. Just be sure to cook any watery vegetables beforehand to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
What is the best way to achieve a flaky pie crust?
Using cold butter and working quickly during the dough-making process helps create those delightful flaky layers. If using store-bought crust, allow it to rest at room temperature briefly before rolling out for an easier and flakier finish.
How do I know when the quiche is fully baked?
The quiche is done when the top is golden brown and the center is set, meaning it should no longer jiggle when you gently shake the pan. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s comforting yet filled with bright, fresh flavors, this Carrot Quiche with Cheddar and Roasted Onions Recipe is a delicious choice that will quickly become a favorite. Its blend of creamy custard, sweet roasted onions, and sharp cheddar feels both luxurious and homey at once. Give it a try for your next brunch or breakfast, and enjoy how simple ingredients turn into something truly memorable.
Print
Carrot Quiche with Cheddar and Roasted Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and savory Carrot Quiche with sharp cheddar cheese and sweet roasted onions, baked in a flaky pie crust. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this French-inspired quiche offers a comforting blend of flavors and textures with a creamy custard filling accented by fresh thyme and parsley.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups carrots, grated or finely shredded
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and crust: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Fit the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, crimp the edges neatly, and set aside.
- Caramelize the onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the thinly sliced onions, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until they become soft and develop a deep caramelized color. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Mix the custard base: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Combine filling ingredients: Stir the grated carrots, caramelized onions, and shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture until evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the quiche: Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust and spread it out evenly. If using, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top before baking.
- Bake the quiche: Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the quiche from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes for easier slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- This quiche can be prepared a day in advance and reheated in the oven for convenience.
- Add chopped spinach or cooked bacon to the filling for added flavor and variety.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for best taste.
