We love giving classic dishes a fun twist, and our quiche with hash brown crust delivers just that. Drawing from French roots, this savory pie swaps the traditional pastry for a crispy potato base that adds an irresistible crunch and hearty flavor.
It’s perfect for busy mornings or elegant brunches, blending creamy eggs, cheese, and veggies into a satisfying meal. We’re confident you’ll enjoy how simple ingredients create something extraordinary.
Ingredients
In our recipe for quiche with hash brown crust, we gather simple, fresh ingredients to craft a crispy, flavorful base and a creamy filling. This twist on traditional French quiche uses everyday items to deliver a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Below, we list the ingredients in the order they’re used, with prep notes for clarity.
Crust Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen hash browns, thawed and squeezed dry to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for greasing the pan and binding the hash browns into a sturdy crust.
Filling Ingredients
- 6 large eggs, whisked until smooth for a silky consistency.
- 1 cup whole milk, to create a rich, creamy mixture that binds the filling.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, freshly grated for maximum melt and flavor.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped for a subtle sweetness and crunch.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped to add vibrant color and nutrients.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, to enhance the overall taste without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground for a hint of spice.
- Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup diced ham or cooked bacon, pre-cooked and crumbled, to customize with protein for a heartier version.
We recommend using organic produce where possible to elevate the dish’s quality and flavor profile. This selection yields about 6-8 servings, making it ideal for family brunches or meal prep.
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our delicious quiche with hash brown crust, we need a selection of essential tools and equipment that ensure smooth preparation and perfect results. These items help us handle the ingredients efficiently and achieve that crispy crust and creamy filling.
- Mixing Bowl (Large): We use this to combine the thawed hash browns with olive oil for the crust base, ensuring even coating and easy mixing.
- Whisk: Essential for whisking eggs and milk together to create a smooth, airy filling that incorporates air for a lighter texture.
- 9-inch Pie Dish or Baking Pan: This is key for shaping and baking the hash brown crust, allowing it to crisp up evenly while holding the quiche’s structure.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for our ingredients like milk, salt, and pepper, so we rely on these to avoid any imbalances in flavor.
- Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife: We need these to chop onions and spinach precisely, ensuring even distribution in the filling for consistent taste in every bite.
- Grater (if cheese isn’t pre-shredded): For shredding cheddar cheese fresh, which enhances its meltability and adds to the quiche’s gooey appeal.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring and transferring mixtures, helping us press the hash browns into the pie dish without damage.
- Oven and Oven Mitts: Our oven bakes the quiche to golden perfection, and mitts keep us safe when handling hot dishes.
By having these tools ready, we seamlessly transition from preparing the ingredients to assembling and baking our quiche, making the process efficient and enjoyable.
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients and tools prepared, we guide you through the simple steps to craft our flavorful Quiche with Hash Brown Crust. Follow these instructions closely for a crispy golden base and a creamy egg filling that delights the senses.
Prepare the Hash Brown Crust
First, preheat your oven to 400°F to ensure even baking. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of thawed frozen hash browns with 2 tablespoons of olive oil then season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper for enhanced flavor. Use your hands or a spatula to mix until the potatoes are evenly coated creating a mixture that promises a crunchy texture.
Next, press the hash brown mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish forming an even layer up the sides to build a sturdy base. This step is crucial as it sets the foundation for our quiche allowing the potatoes to crisp up beautifully in the oven. Bake the crust alone for 20-25 minutes until it turns golden brown and emits an irresistible aroma of toasted potatoes.
Make the Filling
In the same large mixing bowl, whisk 5 large eggs with 1 cup of whole milk until smooth and airy creating a luscious base that will set into a velvety texture. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup of chopped onion, and 1 cup of fresh spinach for a vibrant mix that adds savory depth and a pop of color to our filling.
If you desire a heartier option, fold in optional add-ins like ½ cup of diced ham or cooked bacon at this stage. Season the mixture with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper to balance the flavors ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned and rich in taste.
Assemble the Quiche
Once the hash brown crust has cooled slightly for about 5 minutes, pour the egg filling evenly over the crust filling it to the brim without overflowing. Gently tap the pie dish on the counter to release any air bubbles and distribute the ingredients uniformly for a seamless blend of textures.
Sprinkle an additional ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top if desired to create a gooey melted layer that enhances the visual appeal and adds extra creaminess to our Quiche with Hash Brown Crust.
Bake the Quiche
Place the assembled quiche in the preheated 400°F oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean indicating a perfectly cooked interior. Keep an eye on it during the last 5 minutes to prevent over-browning and achieve that ideal golden finish with a crispy crust and tender filling.
After baking, remove the quiche from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the structure to firm up before slicing.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the best features of our quiche with hash brown crust is its flexibility for make-ahead preparation, allowing us to save time while keeping the dish’s crispy texture and creamy filling intact. Whether we’re planning a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch, these steps help us prepare in advance without compromising flavor.
Preparing the Crust Ahead
We can get a head start by making the hash brown crust up to 24 hours in advance. Here’s how:
- Thaw the frozen hash browns completely, then mix them with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper in a large bowl.
- Press the mixture firmly into a greased 9-inch pie dish to form an even layer.
- Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, cover the crust tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it. This keeps the hash brown crust firm and ready for filling.
Preparing the Filling Ahead
The egg-based filling can be prepped up to 1 day in advance, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully for a more robust taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs and 1 cup of whole milk until smooth and frothy.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup of chopped onion, 1 cup of fresh spinach (wilted and squeezed dry), and optional add-ins like ½ cup of diced ham.
- Season with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper, then transfer the mixture to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate the filling to maintain its creamy consistency, but remember to give it a quick stir before using to redistribute any settled ingredients.
Assembling and Storing the Full Quiche
For ultimate convenience, we can assemble the entire quiche ahead and bake it later, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Pour the prepared filling into the pre-baked hash brown crust in the pie dish.
- Cover the assembled quiche tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to infuse, enhancing the savory notes of the eggs, cheese, and vegetables.
- When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to prevent cracking.
Reheating and Serving Tips
To enjoy our quiche with hash brown crust at its best, follow these reheating guidelines:
| Step | Time/Temperature | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Bake from fridge | 350°F for 30-35 minutes | Preheat the oven and bake until the center is set and the top is golden, checking at 25 minutes to avoid overcooking. |
| Reheat baked quiche | 325°F for 15-20 minutes | If we’ve baked it ahead, cover with foil to retain moisture, then uncover for the last 5 minutes for a crisp hash brown crust. |
| Resting time | 10 minutes | Let it rest after baking or reheating to ensure the filling sets fully, delivering that perfect, velvety texture we love. |
By following these make-ahead strategies, we ensure our quiche remains fresh, flavorful, and ready to impress with its crispy potato base and rich, creamy interior. Always use fresh ingredients for the best results, and adjust based on our kitchen setup for seamless preparation.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored this hash brown crust quiche with us
It’s a fresh spin that brings crispy texture and hearty flavors to your table
We encourage you to tweak it for your tastes and enjoy the results
This recipe proves how a few simple swaps can make meals memorable and fun
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hash brown crust quiche?
A hash brown crust quiche is a creative twist on the classic French dish, replacing the traditional pastry with a crispy potato base made from hash browns. It’s filled with creamy eggs, cheese, and veggies, making it a savory option for breakfast, brunch, or any meal. This version enhances texture and flavor while keeping preparation simple.
What ingredients are needed for hash brown crust quiche?
You’ll need thawed frozen hash browns, olive oil, eggs, whole milk, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, fresh spinach, salt, and pepper. Optional add-ins like diced ham or bacon can make it heartier. Using fresh, everyday ingredients ensures a flavorful result, yielding 6-8 servings.
What tools are required to make this quiche?
Essential tools include a large mixing bowl for combining ingredients, a whisk for the egg mixture, a 9-inch pie dish for the crust, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a cutting board and knife for chopping, a grater for cheese, a spatula for mixing, and an oven for baking. These keep preparation efficient.
How do I make hash brown crust quiche step by step?
Start by mixing thawed hash browns with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then press into a pie dish and bake until golden. Whisk eggs and milk, add cheese, onion, spinach, and optional meats. Pour the filling into the crust and bake until set. Let it rest before slicing for the best texture.
Can I prepare this quiche ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the hash brown crust and egg filling up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in the fridge to maintain freshness, then assemble and bake when ready. For reheating, use a low oven to keep the crispy base and creamy interior intact.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This hash brown crust quiche recipe yields about 6-8 servings, making it ideal for family brunches, meal prep, or sharing. It’s versatile for both small gatherings and larger meals, with options to adjust portions as needed.
What variations can I try with this quiche?
You can customize by adding meats like ham or bacon, or swapping veggies such as spinach for bell peppers or mushrooms. Use different cheeses for variety, but keep the hash brown crust as the base. This keeps the dish fresh and tailored to your tastes while maintaining its simple appeal.