Carrot Quiche with Cheddar and Roasted Onions Recipe
If you’re searching for a comforting yet elegant dish that brings vibrant color and bold flavors to your table, this Carrot Quiche with Cheddar and Roasted Onions Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines the natural sweetness of roasted onions and tender carrots with sharp cheddar’s creamy tang, all embraced in a flaky pie crust. Whether for brunch, lunch, or a cozy dinner, this quiche has the perfect balance of textures and seasoning to make every bite memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the heart of this Carrot Quiche with Cheddar and Roasted Onions Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from the smooth custard base that brings moisture and richness, to the roasted onions that add deep, caramelized sweetness, and the shredded cheddar which gives an irresistible sharp bite.
- 9-inch pie crust: Whether store-bought or homemade, it provides a buttery, flaky foundation for the quiche.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for gently caramelizing onions without overpowering their sweetness.
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced: Slowly roasting it transforms the flavor into a melt-in-your-mouth delight.
- 1½ cups shredded carrots: Fresh and finely grated to add a lovely subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings a savory sharpness that perfectly complements the veggies.
- 4 large eggs: The binding agent that creates the quiche’s custardy texture.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and softens the egg mixture.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Enhances richness and yields that luscious mouthfeel quiches are known for.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing all flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick without overpowering the other ingredients.
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme: Provides herbal warmth and earthiness.
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A classic quiche spice that lends subtle depth.
How to Make Carrot Quiche with Cheddar and Roasted Onions Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pie Crust
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into place. This little step forms the essential crispy shell that holds all your delicious filling, so take your time to ensure it’s even and snug.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the thinly sliced onions. Patience is key as you slowly cook them for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally until they turn golden and sweetly caramelized – this process unlocks their natural sugars, adding irresistible flavor to your quiche.
Step 3: Mix the Custard Base
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and ground nutmeg until fully combined and smooth. This creamy mixture is what transforms the quiche filling into a rich and tender custard once baked.
Step 4: Layer the Filling
Begin by spreading the shredded carrots evenly over the pie crust—this layer adds a burst of color and subtle sweetness. Next, scatter the golden caramelized onions over the carrots, followed by a generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese. All these layers harmonize beautifully once baked.
Step 5: Bake the Quiche
Pour the egg and cream mixture evenly over the filling, filling every nook and cranny. Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the center is just set and the top is gloriously golden brown. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing so the custard can settle perfectly.
How to Serve Carrot Quiche with Cheddar and Roasted Onions Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives adds a bright, fresh contrast to the warm and cheesy quiche. A light dusting of cracked black pepper on top right before serving also enhances its visual appeal and flavor.
Side Dishes
This Carrot Quiche with Cheddar and Roasted Onions Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple tomato salad to balance out the richness. For a heartier meal, roasted root vegetables or a light soup make wonderful companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this quiche in charming individual ramekins for an elegant touch, or cut into rustic wedges for a casual brunch or picnic. You can also top each slice with a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of tangy chutney to elevate the flavors further.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store leftover quiche slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making for an easy grab-and-go meal or a quick snack.
Freezing
This quiche freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place quiche slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp on the edges. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the flaky crust and creamy interior.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar provides a wonderful tang, you can also experiment with smoked cheddar, Gruyère, or even a blend to add unique flavor twists to the quiche.
Is this quiche suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Carrot Quiche with Cheddar and Roasted Onions Recipe is fully vegetarian, containing no meat or animal byproducts other than eggs and dairy, making it a perfect option for meat-free meals.
Can I make the pie crust from scratch?
Definitely! A homemade pie crust adds an extra layer of flavor and flakiness, but store-bought crusts are a wonderful time-saving alternative without sacrificing taste.
What can I do if my quiche is watery?
Make sure to drain any excess moisture from the shredded carrots if they are particularly juicy. Also, don’t overfill the pie crust to prevent the quiche from becoming soggy during baking.
Can this quiche be served cold?
Yes! It tastes fantastic warm, at room temperature, or even chilled. Serving it cold is especially refreshing on warm days or at picnics.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’ll give this Carrot Quiche with Cheddar and Roasted Onions Recipe a try soon. Its delightful combination of sweet roasted onions, sharp cheddar, and tender carrots tucked inside a crispy crust makes it a standout dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes that you’ll want to share again and again.
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Carrot Quiche with Cheddar and Roasted Onions Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Carrot Quiche with Cheddar and Roasted Onions is a savory and comforting dish perfect for any meal. Featuring a flaky pie crust filled with shredded carrots, caramelized onions, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich custard of eggs, milk, and cream, it bakes to a golden perfection. Its delicate seasoning of thyme and nutmeg adds a subtle warmth to complement the natural sweetness of the carrots and onions. Ideal for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this vegetarian quiche is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Vegetable Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1½ cups carrots, shredded or finely grated
Cheese
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Custard
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pie Crust: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and set it aside to be filled later.
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become golden and caramelized. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and ground nutmeg until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble the Quiche: Layer the shredded carrots evenly over the prepared pie crust, then spread the caramelized onions over the carrots. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top of the vegetables. Pour the egg mixture evenly over all the fillings.
- Bake the Quiche: Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the center is just set and the top turns golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- This quiche can be served warm or at room temperature.
- For added depth of flavor, use a mix of sharp and smoked cheddar cheese.
- The quiche freezes well—after cooling completely, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
