Green Chile Quiche
A savory, creamy egg custard baked in a flaky pie crust, loaded with smoky roasted green chiles and melted Monterey Jack cheese. This Southwestern classic is perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.
For 6 servings
5 steps. 65 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Pie Crust (2 minutes + 30 minutes chilling)
- b.In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and 1/2 tsp salt.
- c.Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
- d.Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of ice water over the mixture. Gently toss with a fork until the dough starts to come together. Add the remaining tablespoon of water if needed, but do not overmix.
- e.Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Blind Bake the Crust (25 minutes)
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- c.On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle.
- d.Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Gently press it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges decoratively.
- e.Prick the bottom of the crust all over with a fork. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
- f.Bake for 15 minutes. Carefully remove the parchment paper and weights.
- g.Return the crust to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the bottom is dry and the edges are lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Filling (10 minutes)
- b.Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- c.Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- e.Spread the cooked onion mixture evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked crust. Top with the drained green chiles and the shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Bake the Quiche (45 minutes)
- b.In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, 3/4 tsp salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- c.Carefully and slowly pour the egg custard mixture over the cheese and chiles in the pie crust.
- d.Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has only a slight jiggle. The top should be golden brown.
- e.A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest and Serve (15 minutes)
- b.Remove the quiche from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for at least 15 minutes.
- c.This resting period is crucial as it allows the custard to fully set, making it easier to slice cleanly.
- d.Serve warm or at room temperature.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the flakiest crust, ensure your butter and water are ice cold. This creates steam pockets during baking, resulting in a light, flaky texture.
- 2Do not overwork the pie dough. Mix just until it comes together to avoid developing gluten, which can make the crust tough.
- 3Blind baking is essential to prevent a soggy bottom. Don't skip this step for a crisp crust.
- 4To check for doneness, gently shake the quiche. The center should jiggle slightly, like gelatin. It will finish setting as it cools.
- 5Store leftover quiche covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven or a toaster oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Adapt it for your goals.
Crustless Quiche
For a gluten-free or lower-carb option, omit the crust. Grease the pie plate well and pour the filling directly in. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
Add ProteinAdd Protein
Incorporate 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon, chorizo, or shredded chicken into the filling along with the cheese and chiles.
Cheese VariationsCheese Variations
Substitute Monterey Jack with sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
Vegetable Add insVegetable Add-ins
Add 1/2 cup of sautéed bell peppers, corn kernels, or wilted spinach (squeezed dry) to the filling for extra flavor and nutrients.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
The eggs and cheese provide a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Good Source of Calcium
Dairy ingredients like heavy cream and Monterey Jack cheese are excellent sources of calcium, a mineral vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Contains Key Vitamins
Eggs are a natural source of important nutrients like Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and choline, which supports brain health and development.
Frequently asked questions
A single slice of this Green Chile Quiche contains approximately 480-550 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used, particularly the fat content of the cheese and cream.
