Cooking a delicious quiche requires paying attention to some key details, especially cook time. When it comes to Whole Foods pre-made quiches, following the packaging instructions carefully is important to get the best results. In this article, we’ll take a close look at how long you need to cook Whole Foods quiches to heat them through while keeping the filling set and the crust crisp.
What is a quiche?
A quiche is an egg-based tart or pie popular in French cuisine. The classic quiche Lorraine is filled with bacon, cheese, and egg custard in a pastry crust. Other popular quiche fillings include spinach, mushrooms, ham, seafood, and a variety of vegetables.
The custard filling of a quiche is made by whisking eggs together with cream or milk, salt, and pepper. Herbs and spices are also commonly added for flavor. This rich, creamy egg mixture is then poured into a partially or fully blind-baked pastry crust and baked in the oven until set.
Quiche delivers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. The custard is smooth and delicate while the crust provides crunch and structure. Quiches make a hearty brunch, lunch, or light dinner. They can be served warm or at room temperature.
About Whole Foods quiches
Whole Foods Market offers a wide selection of freshly prepared quiches in the bakery section. Flavors include:
– Lorraine – Bacon, onion, and Gruyere cheese
– Florentine – Spinach, mushrooms, and Swiss cheese
– Provencal – Tomato, zucchini, and feta
– Bacon and cheddar
– Broccoli and cheddar
– Three cheese – Cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan
– Ham and Swiss
– Sausage, bell pepper, and Monterey Jack
These quiches are sold fully baked in aluminum tins with clear plastic lids. The standard size is 7 inches across, containing 4 hearty slices. Larger 10-inch quiches are also available, containing 6-8 slices depending on the variety.
Whole Foods quiches are made with all-butter pastry crusts and quality ingredients like real bacon, premium cheeses, and fresh produce when in season. They contain no artificial additives or preservatives.
Shelf life and storage
Fully cooked Whole Foods quiches sold from the refrigerated case have a 1 week shelf life from the sell-by date printed on the label.
For best quality, the quiche should be kept refrigerated below 40°F until ready to serve. Do not freeze, as freezing and thawing will compromise the texture of the custard and crust.
Reheating instructions
While you can eat Whole Foods quiche straight from the refrigerator, it is best served warm so the custard is set yet creamy and the crust is crisp on the bottom and edges.
Follow these instructions to reheat refrigerated Whole Foods quiches:
Oven method
– Preheat oven to 350°F.
– Remove plastic lid from quiche but keep in aluminum pan. Cover loosely with foil.
– Bake 7-inch quiche for 18-22 minutes. Bake 10-inch quiche for 25-30 minutes.
– Quiche is done when hot throughout and center has just a slight jiggle. The internal temperature should reach 165°F on a food thermometer.
– Let rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Microwave method
– Remove plastic lid and cover quiche with a paper towel or microwave-safe vented cover.
– Microwave 7-inch quiche for 2-3 minutes; 10-inch quiche for 3-4 minutes. Check frequently and heat in 30 second increments to prevent overcooking.
– Quiche is done when hot and center is softly set. Let rest 2 minutes before slicing.
How to tell when quiche is cooked through
It can be tricky to determine doneness when reheating a fully cooked quiche. Here are some signs to look for:
– The quiche should be heated through without any cold spots when you test the center with a knife tip. 165°F is the recommended safe internal temperature.
– The custard will have a soft, gentle jiggle and appear opaque throughout when cooked through. It should not be liquid or watery.
– A toothpick or knife inserted 1 inch from the edge should come out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it.
– The top should be lightly puffed and browned in spots. The edges should be set and not runny.
– The bottom crust should feel crispy, not soft or soggy. Check by lifting the quiche slightly with a spatula.
– Allow the quiche to rest at least 5 minutes before slicing so the custard can continue to set up.
Serving suggestions
Here are some tasty ways to serve reheated Whole Foods quiche:
– Slice the quiche into wedges and serve plain or with sriracha, hot sauce, or your favorite condiment for dipping.
– Pair with a fresh garden salad or roasted veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus.
– Top with extra cheese, cooked bacon bits, chopped tomato, sliced avocado, or fresh herbs.
– Serve alongside toasted English muffins, croissants, or biscuits for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
– For lunch or dinner, include a cup of tomato basil soup or a simple green salad.
– Garnish slices with fresh fruit like berries or orange segments.
Leftover storage
To store leftovers, allow the quiche to cool slightly, then cover tightly and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Use leftover quiche within 3-4 days.
Reheat leftover slices wrapped in foil in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until hot. Microwave individual slices for 30-60 seconds on High.
Tips for perfect quiche
Follow these tips for the best results when cooking Whole Foods quiches:
– Always start with a fully chilled quiche straight from the refrigerator. Letting it sit at room temperature can cause the custard to overcook and weep.
– Use the oven method when reheating a whole quiche. The microwave can produce uneven hot spots.
– Check for doneness early and err on the side of underdone. It’s easier to cook a quiche a bit longer than rescue one that’s overcooked.
– Allow at least 5 minutes of resting time before slicing so the filling can set up.
– Cut with a gentle sawing motion using a serrated knife to avoid compressing the tender custard.
– Be careful not to overbake quiche or the custard can become rubbery. Ideal serving temperature is 160-165°F.
Common mistakes
It’s easy to over or undercook quiche. Here are some common reheating mistakes:
– Baking at too high of a temperature, causing the custard to curdle and overbrown. Stick to 350°F or lower.
– Not allowing enough time for the center to heat through, resulting in a cold center with dried out edges.
– Microwaving too long so the filling is tough and rubbery. Use short intervals and check often.
– Letting the quiche sit out before baking, leading to cracks in the custard as it overbakes.
– Forgetting to vent the microwave cover, creating soggy patches from condensation.
– Cutting into the quiche too soon, before the custard has firmed up, causing it to ooze out.
– Skipping the resting time, so slices fall apart when you cut them.
Troubleshooting
Problem:
The custard is watery and loose when cut into.
Solution:
This happens if the quiche is undercooked. Return it to the oven for a few more minutes until the center is set. Let it rest at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Problem:
The quiche has puffed up in the center but the custard around the edges is still soft and wet.
Solution:
This occurs if baked at too high of a temperature. Next time use a lower temp like 325°F to make sure the custard cooks evenly without overbrowning the edges.
Problem:
The crust is soggy and limp on the bottom of the quiche.
Solution:
A soggy bottom crust usually results from condensation dripping onto the crust when microwaved. Always use a vented cover. Or stick to oven reheating for the best crust texture.
Problem:
The filling is tough and rubbery.
Solution:
This happens if the quiche is overcooked. Be careful not to microwave too long or bake at too high of a temp. Check for doneness early and err on the side of underdone.
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about reheating Whole Foods quiches:
How long does it take to reheat a Whole Foods quiche?
– 7-inch quiche: Bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes or microwave for 2-3 minutes.
– 10-inch quiche: Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or microwave for 3-4 minutes.
Always allow at least 5 minutes of resting time before serving.
Can you freeze and reheat a Whole Foods quiche?
Whole Foods does not recommend freezing their fresh quiches, as this will negatively impact the texture once thawed and reheated. It’s best to keep them refrigerated and use within 1 week.
What is the best way to reheat quiche – microwave or oven?
The oven method is recommended for reheating whole quiches to ensure even heating. The microwave can be used to quickly reheat single slices. Make sure to vent and not overcook.
How do you know when a quiche is done reheating?
Check for an internal temperature of 165°F. The center should have a gentle jiggle, the custard should be set but still moist, and a knife should come out clean when inserted near the edge.
Why does my quiche crust get soggy when I reheat it?
Condensation from a covered microwave can make the crust soggy. Use a vented cover. Oven reheating avoids this issue altogether.
Conclusion
Perfectly reheated quiche is delicately set on the inside with a crispy crust. Follow the recommended cook times and temperatures when reheating Whole Foods quiches for the best results. Allow plenty of resting time before slicing into the quiche so the filling has time to firm up. With the right techniques, you can enjoy bakery-fresh texture and flavor. Experiment with different quiche varieties and serve them up in creative ways for meals any time of day.