Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Savory Apple and Sausage Quiche?
It is a flavorful dish featuring a blend of savory pork sausage, tart Granny Smith apples, cheddar cheese, and a creamy egg custard in a flaky pastry shell.
What kind of apples are best for this recipe?
Granny Smith apples are recommended because their tartness and firm texture perfectly complement the savory sausage and cheese.
What type of sausage should I use?
You can use either mild or hot pork sausage, depending on your personal preference for spice.
How do I prevent the quiche crust from puffing up?
Before pre-baking, you should prick the bottom and sides of the unbaked pastry shell with a fork.
At what temperature should I pre-bake the pastry shell?
The pastry shell should be pre-baked at 450°F (232°C) for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden.
Why do I need to sauté the apples and onions?
Sautéing them in butter with sugar and lemon juice softens the texture and develops a rich, sweet, and savory base for the filling.
How long should I cool the apple and onion mixture?
The mixture should cool for approximately 20 minutes before being combined with the egg mixture.
How many eggs are required for the custard?
This recipe requires 4 large eggs, which should be beaten before mixing with the other ingredients.
What size quiche dish is needed?
A 9-inch quiche or pie dish is the appropriate size for this recipe.
Is there a specific way to prepare the sausage?
Yes, brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring until it crumbles and is fully cooked, then drain the excess fat.
What makes the custard creamy?
The combination of 4 beaten eggs and one 8-ounce container of sour cream creates a rich and creamy texture.
What spices are used to season the quiche?
The recipe uses ground nutmeg, ground red pepper, salt, pepper, and a bit of sugar to enhance the flavors.
How much cheese is added to the quiche?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
What temperature is used for the final baking step?
The quiche should be baked at 350°F (175°C).
How long does the quiche take to bake?
It takes approximately 35 minutes in the oven, or until the cheese is melted and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the quiche sit after baking?
Allow the quiche to stand for 10 minutes before slicing to ensure it sets properly.
What is the calorie count for this quiche?
The quiche contains approximately 400 calories per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 15 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 29 grams per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 17.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Why is lemon juice used with the apples?
Lemon juice helps prevent the apples from browning and adds a bright acidity that balances the richness of the sausage.
Can I use butter for sautéing?
Yes, the recipe uses 3 tablespoons of melted butter to sauté the apple and onion mixture.
Is this quiche suitable for brunch?
Absolutely, its combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it an ideal choice for brunch or breakfast.
What type of cuisine is this associated with?
It is often associated with Southern cooking due to its hearty ingredients like pork sausage and cheddar cheese.
Can I make the crust from scratch?
While the recipe mentions a pastry shell, you can use either a store-bought unbaked shell or your own homemade pastry dough.
Is the quiche baked covered or uncovered?
The quiche should be baked uncovered for the full 35 minutes.
How do you incorporate the cheese?
The shredded cheddar cheese is gently folded into the egg and sausage mixture once it has been poured into the shell.
What is the role of nutmeg in this recipe?
Nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic spice that enhances the flavor of both the apples and the custard.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 13 ingredients used to make this quiche.
What texture should the final crust have?
Thanks to the pre-baking step, the crust should be crisp and flaky, providing a great contrast to the creamy filling.