Cheese Quiche

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This easy-to-make cheese quiche will be the standout at your next brunch. Filled with plenty of shredded cheese and topped with chives, it’s both simple and elegant.

Whenever I need a dish to bring to brunch, my thoughts immediately turn to quiche.

Easy to make and perfect for transporting, quiche is a crowd-pleaser every time. 

Bacon and spinach quiche is a favorite for sure, but when I want to keep it meat-free, I go for this savory cheese quiche.

What’s not to love about a flaky crust filled with creamy, cheesy filling? Honestly, you might want to make two, because you’ll be watching it disappear!

Ingredients for cheese quiche

One of the best things about quiche is that it is actually quite simple to make. It can be as dressed up or down as you like, and today we’re going for the basics with this cheese quiche.

You’ll need:

Pie crust – I’ve included the recipe for my pie crust in the recipe card, but feel free to make your own favorite. Make sure it does not include sugar.

I like to make double batches of pie crust and freeze the remaining round for later.

If you’re pressed for time, store-bought pie crust will do the job just fine. Follow the package instructions for blind baking. 

Eggs – Standard, large eggs are used in this recipe. They do not need to be room temperature.

Heavy cream – Also called heavy whipping cream, this adds extra richness to your quiche.

Milk – I use 2% milk in all of my recipes. You can use all milk instead of milk and cream, or a lower fat milk, but your quiche will have a slightly different texture.

This recipe has not been tested with nondairy alternatives. If you use one, make sure it is unsweetened and unflavored!

Cheese – Gruyere is classic for cheese quiche. It is a hard, Swiss-style cheese that is lightly sweet and salty. Smoked or aged gruyere will give a different flavor.

You can find it in the deli section of the grocery store as a small block.

Grated Swiss cheese or Alpine cheese can be substituted for gruyere. 

You can also use cheddar cheese, but keep in mind it can overpower the other flavors.

Chives – For a burst of flavor, I add chopped fresh chives on top before baking.

Spices – Don’t forget the salt, pepper, and garlic powder!

Remember that not all garlic powders are the same. If you can get one from a local spice shop, you’ll be amazed at the difference between it and commercially packaged garlic powder.

How to make this cheese quiche recipe

First, take your pie crust (homemade or premade) and roll it out to fit a standard 9-inch pie plate. Place the crust in the pie plate and crimp the edges as desired. 

Freeze the pie crust for about 30 minutes to re-firm up the fats. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Line the inside of the crust with parchment paper or foil. Then, fill the crust with pie weights or dried beans. I have a jar of beans set aside just for making pies.

Bake the pie crust for 20 minutes, then carefully remove the foil and return the crust to the oven for another 5 minutes. Set aside to cool while you make the filling.

Grab a large bowl and crack the eggs into it. Whisk until just frothy. Add the cream, milk, salt, garlic powder, and pepper, and whisk again until blended.

Add a small amount of the egg mixture to the prepared crust, then add half the cheese. You can also add the cheese directly on top of the crust if you prefer.

Pour in the rest of the quiche filling. Sprinkle on the remaining cheese evenly. Scatter the chopped chives over the top.

Place the quiche in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. 

To prevent any oven spills, I place my pie plate on a sheet pan for baking. 

I also use a pie shield so the pie crust edges do not overbake. You can create your own pie shield with strips of foil, but be sure to place them on before putting the quiche in the oven. It will be too hot to add them later!

Let the quiche cool at least 15 minutes before cutting to set the insides. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Recipe additions

Once you’ve made cheese quiche, you can easily swap or add your favorite ingredients.

Cheeses: mozzarella cheese, goat cheese, pepper jack, smoked gouda

Meat: cooked bacon crumbles, cubed ham, chopped chicken

Vegetables: spinach, broccoli, green onions, red peppers, tomatoes

Storage tips

Leftover quiche should be stored in the refrigerator. Well wrapped, it will last for 3-5 days.

Let the quiche cool to room temperature before transferring to the fridge. Wrap the quiche tightly in foil or plastic wrap, or store in an airtight container.

Quiche can be eaten cold, or warmed slightly in the microwave.

What to serve with quiche

This cheese quiche is wonderful for any meal of the day, paired with your favorite dishes. Looking for some ideas for what to serve with quiche?

At breakfast or brunch, go sweet with a stack of buttermilk pancakes or caramel apple muffins. Or hit more savory notes with sweet-spicy million dollar bacon or grilled ham steaks.

For lunch, serve with a green salad topped with homemade garlic dressing.

At dinner, have alongside Brussels sprouts with walnuts and cranberries, or kale and quinoa stuffed squash.

Whatever you serve it with, cheese quiche will be the star of the table.