Quiche is a classic French dish that has made its way into the hearts of food lovers worldwide. With its buttery crust and creamy filling, quiche is a versatile and delicious meal that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. One popular variation of this dish is the B&B quiche, which stands for bacon and broccoli. If you want to impress your family and friends with a homemade B&B quiche that rivals those served in fancy bistros, follow these simple steps to make an authentic and mouthwatering version right in your own kitchen.
**Choosing the Right Ingredients**
The key to making a delicious B&B quiche lies in selecting the freshest and highest quality ingredients. For the crust, you can either use a store-bought pie crust or make your own from scratch using flour, butter, salt, and water. If you opt for a store-bought crust, make sure to blind bake it before adding the filling to ensure a crisp and flaky base.
For the filling, you will need bacon, broccoli, eggs, heavy cream, milk, cheese, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, and nutmeg. When it comes to the bacon, opt for thick-cut bacon for a more flavorful quiche. As for the cheese, Gruyere or Swiss cheese works best for a B&B quiche, but you can also use cheddar or any other type of cheese you prefer.
**Preparing the Ingredients**
Before you start assembling the quiche, you will need to prepare the ingredients. Cook the bacon until crisp, then chop it into small pieces. Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for a few minutes until it is tender but still has a slight bite. Drain the broccoli and chop it into small florets.
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg until well combined. Grate the cheese and set it aside.
**Assembling the Quiche**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the blind-baked pie crust on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Spread the chopped bacon and broccoli evenly over the bottom of the crust. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top of the bacon and broccoli.
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the bacon, broccoli, and cheese, making sure it is evenly distributed. Gently tap the quiche pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
**Baking the Quiche**
Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. To check if the quiche is done, insert a knife into the center – if it comes out clean, the quiche is ready.
**Serving the B&B Quiche**
Once the quiche is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. B&B quiche is delicious served warm or at room temperature, making it a perfect dish for any time of day.
**Tips and Tricks for Success**
– For a vegetarian version of the B&B quiche, you can omit the bacon and add more vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
– Make sure to blind bake the crust before adding the filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.
– Feel free to customize the quiche by adding herbs such as thyme, parsley, or chives to the egg mixture for extra flavor.
– Leftover quiche can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
**In Summary**
Making an authentic B&B quiche is easier than you think with the right ingredients and techniques. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a delicious and impressive quiche that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for a quick and satisfying meal, B&B quiche is a versatile dish that is sure to please even the most discerning palates. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a slice of homemade quiche perfection.