If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant dish that bursts with flavor, look no further than this delightful Feta Cheese Quiche with Basil & Tomato Recipe. This quiche combines the tangy creaminess of feta with the freshness of ripe tomatoes and aromatic basil, all wrapped up in a flaky pie crust. It’s a truly irresistible combination that’s perfect for any time of day, whether brunch with friends, a light lunch, or even a satisfying dinner. Once you try it, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals to share and savor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Feta Cheese Quiche with Basil & Tomato Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role: from the salty, creamy feta to the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes and the fragrant fresh basil. These few fresh, straightforward ingredients come together to create an unforgettable taste and texture harmony.
- 1 medium onion (sautéed): Adds a mellow sweetness and a soft texture that balances the tangy cheese.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onion, bringing out its natural flavors with a silky finish.
- 1 ¼ cup feta cheese crumbles: The star ingredient, providing creaminess and that signature salty tang.
- 9″ frozen pie crust: A convenient base that bakes up perfectly flaky and golden.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (seeds removed): Brings juicy sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (chopped): Offers an herbal brightness that lifts the entire dish.
- 4 large whole eggs: Essential for creating the silky, rich custard binding everything together.
- 1 egg yolk: Adds extra richness to the custard mix for a luscious texture.
- ¾ cup whole milk: Creates a creamy custard, ensuring the quiche is tender and smooth.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides a gentle heat to balance the flavors.
How to Make Feta Cheese Quiche with Basil & Tomato Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350° F. This moderate temperature ensures even baking, allowing the crust to become golden and crisp while the filling sets perfectly without drying out.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it turns a beautiful golden-brown color. This step is crucial because the caramelized onion adds sweetness and depth that balances the bright, tangy elements in the quiche.
Step 3: Prepare the Pie Crust Fillings
Place your frozen pie crust in a quiche or pie dish. Distribute the sautéed onions evenly over the crust. Then, scatter the feta cheese crumbles on top, followed by the cherry tomatoes (after removing their seeds) and the chopped fresh basil. This layering ensures every slice is loaded with flavor and texture.
Step 4: Whisk the Custard
In a bowl, combine the whole eggs, egg yolk, and whole milk. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and slightly fluffy. This custard will become the silky binder holding all your delicious fillings together. Season with the ground black pepper before pouring over the ingredients in the crust.
Step 5: Bake the Quiche
Carefully pour the custard over the pie crust fillings. Place the quiche in your preheated oven, baking for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on the crust; if it browns too quickly, loosely cover the top with foil to prevent burning while the custard finishes cooking.
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, allow your Feta Cheese Quiche with Basil & Tomato Recipe to cool for at least 15 minutes. This resting time lets the custard set fully and makes slicing neat and effortless, ensuring each piece holds together beautifully.
How to Serve Feta Cheese Quiche with Basil & Tomato Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few fresh basil leaves over the top just before serving to add a fresh aroma and eye-catching color. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also enhance the richness and tie all the flavors together.
Side Dishes
This quiche pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, or a simple cucumber and lemon salad for a refreshing contrast. Roasted potatoes or grilled asparagus would also complement the dish nicely for a more substantial meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming brunch table, serve the quiche on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of marinated olives and crusty bread. Or, cut into bite-sized squares for a party appetizer with toothpicks, offering a delightful and easy-to-eat treat for your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Feta Cheese Quiche with Basil & Tomato Recipe longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It freezes well for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy it any time without compromising taste.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual slices on a baking sheet and warm them in a 325° F oven for about 10–15 minutes, or until heated through. This method keeps the crust crisp and the filling perfectly creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of frozen?
Absolutely! A homemade pie crust adds a personal touch and extra flakiness, but frozen crusts are convenient and still bake up beautifully for this quiche.
Is it possible to substitute feta cheese with something else?
Feta’s distinctive salty tang is a highlight of this recipe, but goat cheese or ricotta can work as milder alternatives, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
Can I make the quiche vegetarian or vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegetarian, but for a vegan version, you’d need to substitute eggs, cheese, and milk with plant-based alternatives, which may require adjustments to texture and flavor.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh basil?
Dried basil can be used in a pinch, but fresh basil really brightens this quiche. You could also experiment with fresh oregano or thyme for a different herbal note.
How do I know when the quiche is fully cooked?
The quiche is done when the custard is set and slightly puffed, with a golden crust. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a bit of moist custard clinging to it.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and celebratory about a well-made quiche, and this Feta Cheese Quiche with Basil & Tomato Recipe perfectly blends freshness, creaminess, and a little Mediterranean flair. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see how effortlessly delicious it is to make and enjoy. Whether sharing with loved ones or savoring a cozy solo meal, this quiche is sure to brighten your table and your day.
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Feta Cheese Quiche with Basil & Tomato Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A savory feta cheese quiche bursting with fresh basil and juicy cherry tomatoes, all nestled in a flaky frozen pie crust. This easy-to-make dish combines sautéed onions, creamy feta, and fresh herbs for a delicious brunch or light dinner option.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 medium onion, sautéed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, seeds and guts removed
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Dairy & Eggs
- 1 ¼ cups feta cheese crumbles
- 4 large whole eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- ¾ cup whole milk
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (9 inch) frozen pie crust
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the quiche.
- Sauté onion: In a small skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté the medium chopped onion until it turns golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Add crust fillings: Place the frozen pie crust on a baking sheet. Spread the sautéed onions evenly over the crust, then add the crumbled feta cheese, halved or chopped cherry tomatoes, and chopped fresh basil leaves.
- Make custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 4 whole eggs, 1 egg yolk, and ¾ cup whole milk until the mixture is fluffy and well combined. Season with ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper.
- Pour custard: Gently pour the egg custard mixture evenly over the filling ingredients in the pie crust.
- Bake: Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes until the custard is set and the crust is golden brown. If you notice the crust browning too quickly, loosely cover the quiche with a sheet of aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Cool: Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes. This resting time allows the custard to set fully and makes slicing easier.
- Serve: Slice the quiche into 8 portions and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute the frozen pie crust with a homemade pie crust if desired.
- Removing excess seeds and guts from the tomatoes prevents the quiche from becoming watery.
- Covering the crust with foil halfway through baking helps avoid over-browning.
- Allowing the quiche to cool before slicing ensures clean slices and proper custard texture.
- Feel free to add other herbs like thyme or oregano to customize the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean