Savory Tarragon and Thyme Cream Cheese Quiche
This delectable Savory Tarragon and Thyme Cream Cheese Quiche perfectly blends the unique flavors of tarragon and thyme with the richness of smoked cheeses and a hint of sweetness from the graham cracker or Oreo crust. It's not just breakfast; it makes for an elegant brunch or a delightful dish for any gathering. Packed with eggs, vegetables, and your choice of chicken or ham, this quiche is rich, creamy, and satisfying, with layers of smoky and savory goodness. Serve it warm or at room temperature for the best experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Graham cracker or Oreo pie crust
1 (9-inch or 10-inch, preferred 10-inch)
Smoked Gouda or Cheddar cheese
6 ounces (8 ounces if using a 10-inch pie shell, sliced)
Eggs
4 (5 if using a 10-inch pie shell)
Milk or coconut milk
2/3 cup (3/4 cup if using a 10-inch pie shell)
Chopped onion
1/3 cup (1/2 cup if using a 10-inch pie shell)
Chopped celery
1/3 cup (1/2 cup if using a 10-inch pie shell)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Liquid smoke (Hickory or Mesquite)
1/2 teaspoon
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon
White pepper
1/8 teaspoon
Ground cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon
Chili pepper (New Mexico or Ancho)
1 tablespoon (dried and ground)
Dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon (chopped finely)
Dried tarragon
1 teaspoon (chopped finely)
Cooked chicken or ham
1/4 cup (diced into 3/8-inch cubes or smaller)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Sprinkle the finely chopped tarragon and thyme evenly over the bottom of the pie shell.
3
Layer the bottom of the pie shell with the sliced smoked gouda or cheddar cheese, allowing it to cover the herbs completely.
4
In a skillet, lightly sauté the onions and celery over medium heat until softened, about 3-5 minutes. If you prefer your vegetables crunchy, you may skip this step and use them raw.
5
In a mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk vigorously until well mixed and slightly foamy.
6
Brush the sides and bottom of the pie shell with a thin layer of the egg mixture.
7
Place the pie shell in the oven and broil for about 10 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown slightly.
8
In a separate bowl, combine the cayenne and New Mexico chili pepper, sprinkling it evenly over the smoked cheese in the pie shell.
9
Once the pie shell has cooled slightly, distribute the sautéed vegetables evenly over the cheese layer.
10
In another mixing bowl, combine the milk and remaining ingredients (except the meat) and blend with an electric mixer until smooth. Pour this mixture carefully over the layers in the pie shell.
11
Sprinkle the diced cooked chicken or ham on top, spreading it evenly.
12
Cover the quiche with aluminum foil or use an inverted pie shell to prevent over-browning.
13
Bake in the oven for 50 to 60 minutes for a 9-inch quiche or 60 to 75 minutes for a 10-inch quiche. The center should be set and no longer jiggly.
14
Optional: Remove the foil and broil on high for 2 to 5 minutes until the top is golden brown.
15
Once baked, let the quiche rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing. Cut into 6-8 wedges and enjoy either warm or reheated in the microwave.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Tarragon and Thyme Cream Cheese Quiche?
It is a rich, savory pie featuring tarragon, thyme, smoked cheeses, and a choice of chicken or ham, uniquely paired with a graham cracker or Oreo crust.
What herbs are used in this quiche recipe?
The recipe uses finely chopped dried tarragon and dried thyme.
What kind of crust is recommended for this quiche?
A graham cracker or Oreo pie crust is used to add a hint of sweetness that balances the smoky and savory flavors.
What type of cheese works best for this quiche?
Smoked Gouda or Smoked Cheddar cheese is recommended to provide a deep, smoky flavor.
How long should I sauté the onions and celery?
Sauté them for 3-5 minutes over medium heat until they are softened.
Can I use raw vegetables instead of sautéed?
Yes, if you prefer your vegetables to have a crunchy texture, you can skip the sautéing step and use them raw.
What is the correct oven temperature for preheating?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
Why do I need to brush the pie shell with egg?
Brushing the sides and bottom with egg and then broiling helps seal the crust before adding the liquid filling.
How long should I broil the empty pie shell?
Broil the shell for about 10 minutes or until the edges begin to brown slightly.
What is the purpose of adding vanilla extract to a savory quiche?
Vanilla extract enhances the complexity of the dish and complements the sweetness of the graham cracker or Oreo crust.
Can I use a dairy-free milk alternative?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of coconut milk instead of regular dairy milk.
Which spices provide heat in this recipe?
Ground cayenne pepper and New Mexico or Ancho chili pepper provide a spicy kick.
What meat options are suitable for this quiche?
You can use 1/4 cup of diced cooked chicken or diced ham.
How should the meat be prepared?
The meat should be cooked and diced into cubes roughly 3/8-inch or smaller.
Why is the quiche covered with aluminum foil during baking?
It is covered to prevent the crust and top from over-browning before the center is fully cooked.
How long does a 9-inch quiche take to bake?
A 9-inch quiche typically takes between 50 to 60 minutes to bake.
How long does a 10-inch quiche take to bake?
A 10-inch quiche requires a longer baking time of 60 to 75 minutes.
How do I know when the quiche is finished baking?
The quiche is done when the center is set and no longer jiggly.
Can I brown the top of the quiche after baking?
Yes, you can remove the foil and broil on high for 2 to 5 minutes until the top is golden brown.
How long should the quiche rest before slicing?
Let the quiche rest for at least 20 minutes to allow the filling to firm up for easier slicing.
How many servings does one quiche yield?
The quiche can be sliced into 6 to 8 wedges.
What size pie shell is preferred?
While both 9-inch and 10-inch shells work, a 10-inch shell is preferred for this recipe.
How much cheese should I use for a 10-inch shell?
For a 10-inch shell, use 8 ounces of cheese instead of 6 ounces.
How many eggs are needed for the 10-inch version?
If using a 10-inch pie shell, increase the egg count to 5 eggs.
What provides the smoky flavor in the recipe?
The smoky flavor comes from the smoked Gouda or Cheddar cheese and 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke.
Is there a specific liquid smoke flavor recommended?
The recipe suggests using either Hickory or Mesquite liquid smoke.
Can I reheat the quiche?
Yes, the quiche can be enjoyed warm or easily reheated in the microwave.
What is the first layer placed in the pie shell?
The first layer consists of the finely chopped tarragon and thyme sprinkled over the bottom.
Is this quiche suitable for room temperature serving?
Yes, it can be served warm or at room temperature for an elegant brunch experience.
What makes the texture of this quiche creamy?
The combination of whisked eggs, milk, and the blending process with an electric mixer creates a smooth, creamy filling.