Cooking a store-bought quiche is a quick and easy way to make a tasty meal. Quiches are savory egg-based pies that are filled with cheese, vegetables, meat and more. While you can certainly make quiche from scratch, using a pre-made crust and filling can save time while still delivering on flavor. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking the perfect quiche using a store-bought option.
Ingredients
The main ingredients you will need are:
- Store-bought quiche (frozen or refrigerated)
- Cooking spray or butter
Be sure to read the packaging instructions carefully to see if your particular quiche has any additional ingredients or requirements. Some quiches may need milk or cream added, while others are pre-made and ready to cook.
Equipment
You will need:
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Knife
- Oven mitts
- Cooling rack
If your quiche needs to be baked in a pie plate, you will need a glass or metal pie plate as well. The equipment ensures you can safely transfer the quiche in and out of the oven.
Prep the Quiche
Start by removing the quiche from the refrigerator or freezer. Discard any outer plastic packaging. If the quiche comes in a foil tin, keep it in there. If it is just wrapped in plastic, transfer it to a pie plate or baking sheet.
For a frozen quiche, you will need to thaw it completely before baking. This can take 1-2 days in the refrigerator depending on the size. A refrigerated quiche can be baked straight from the fridge.
If your quiche requires any extra ingredients like milk or cream, add them now according to the package directions. Use a knife to gently cut some slits in the top of the quiche crust to allow steam to escape while cooking.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to the temperature listed on the quiche instructions. Most quiches cook at temperatures between 325°F-350°F. If using a glass or metal pie plate, place it on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips while cooking.
Prepare the Pan
If baking your quiche in a foil tin, place the tin directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. The metal will help conduct heat evenly to the crust. If using a glass or metal pie plate, spray it lightly with cooking spray or grease it with a small amount of butter. This will help prevent the quiche from sticking.
Bake the Quiche
Place the prepared quiche gently into the preheated oven. Bake it for the time listed on the packaging, usually 30-60 minutes. You want the quiche to be lightly golden brown on top when done.
If you notice the edges browning too quickly, tent some aluminum foil over them. This will slow down browning but allow the inside to continue cooking.
Quiches made with a deep dish pie crust may need 5-10 minutes longer than those in a shallow foil pan. Insert a knife into the center to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the quiche is fully baked.
Remove from Oven and Let Cool
Once the quiche is cooked, use oven mitts to carefully remove it from the oven. Allow it to cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the custard finish setting up.
For easy cooling, you can slide the quiche onto a wire rack. Simply run a knife around the edges first if baking in a pie plate. Letting it cool also prevents burning your mouth on the hot filling!
Slice and Serve
Use a sharp knife to cut the quiche into wedges or squares. Be very careful when cutting, as the filling will be extremely hot initially. Let cool for 5-10 more minutes if still too hot.
Serve the quiche wedges warm or at room temperature. They pair nicely with a green salad, fresh fruit, or roasted vegetables. Leftover quiche can be tightly wrapped and refrigerated for 3-4 days.
Here is a quick table summarizing the process:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Prep | Thaw frozen quiche, add any extra ingredients |
| Preheat Oven | Heat oven to package directions, usually 325°F-350°F |
| Prepare Pan | Place in foil tin or grease pie plate, place on baking sheet |
| Bake | Bake 30-60 minutes until lightly browned on top |
| Cool | Let cool 15-20 minutes before slicing |
| Serve | Slice into wedges and enjoy! |
Tips for Success
Here are some additional tips for cooking the perfect store-bought quiche:
- Be sure to read the package instructions carefully and adjust cook times or temperatures if needed.
- Let the quiche rest before slicing to allow it to firm up.
- Use a serrated knife for easier slicing through the crust.
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge and enjoy within 3-4 days.
- Customize your quiche by adding extra cheese, vegetables, bacon or other mix-ins to the filling.
- Experiment with different crust options like whole wheat, puff pastry or gluten-free.
Troubleshooting
If you end up with any issues when cooking your store-bought quiche, here are some quick troubleshooting tips:
Quiche is undercooked
– Bake for 5-10 additional minutes until filling is set
– Check that oven temperature is accurate
Quiche has soggy bottom crust
– Use a baking sheet under pie plate next time
– Allow quiche to cool completely before slicing
Quiche filling is runny
– Bake quiche 5 minutes longer
– Be sure to let rest at least 15 minutes after baking
– Add a few extra eggs next time for firmer filling
Edges of crust get too brown
– Cover edges with foil mid-way through baking
– Reduce oven temperature by 25°F
Quiche sticks to pie plate
– Be sure to grease or spray pie plate before baking
– Allow quiche to cool for 10 minutes before removing
– Run a knife carefully around the edge of the crust to loosen
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking store-bought quiche:
Can I freeze a baked quiche?
Yes, baked quiche freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely first, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Should I cover the quiche while baking?
It’s best not to cover it, as this can make the crust soggy. If the edges brown too quickly, tent them loosely with foil.
What is the best way to reheat leftover quiche?
Reheat quiche slices in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until hot. You can also reheat in the microwave, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
Can I make substitutions for ingredients like cheese or vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your quiche with different fillings. Just be sure to keep the egg-to-dairy ratio about the same.
Is quiche safe to eat during pregnancy?
Quiche made with pasteurized eggs is generally safe to eat when pregnant as long as it is heated to 165°F. Quiches from stores use pasteurized eggs. Avoid raw or undercooked quiche.
Conclusion
Cooking a store-bought quiche is an easy shortcut to a tasty homemade meal. With just a few extra ingredients and some simple prep, you can have delicious quiche on the table in under an hour. Pay close attention to the package instructions and baking times for best results. Feel free to get creative and make the quiche your own by tweaking fillings and crust options. Leftover quiche will keep for several days refrigerated, making it a great make-ahead breakfast, lunch, or dinner option.