Broccoli & Cheddar
Quiche
Quiche has come in and out of style over the years, but we think it’s the
ultimate brunch dish. A buttery, flaky pastry crust is irresistible, and the
possibilities for fillings are endless. Broccoli and cheddar are a universally
appealing combination.
Broccoli-Cheddar Quiche
For the Buttery Pastry Dough:
1 1/4 cups (6 1/2 oz./200 g.) all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. fine sea salt
7 Tbs. (3 1/2 oz./105 g.) unsalted butter, chilled
1/4 cup (2 fl. oz./60 ml.) ice water, or as needed
Flour for rolling out the dough
2 cups (4 oz./125 g.) broccoli florets
1 cup (8 fl. oz./250 ml.) half-and-half
2 large eggs
1 Tbs. minced fresh dill
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 cup (4 oz./125 g.) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
To make the crust, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut
the butter into cubes and scatter over the flour mixture. Using a pastry
blender or 2 knives, cut the butter into the flour mixture just until the
mixture forms coarse crumbs about the size of peas.
Drizzle the ice water over the flour mixture and toss with a fork until the
mixture forms moist clumps. If the dough seems too crumbly, add a little more
ice water.
Place the dough on a lightly floured work surface and dust the top with
flour. (If the dough is chilled hard, let it stand at room temperature for a
few minutes until it begins to soften before rolling it out.) Roll out into a
round about 12 inches (30 cm.) in
diameter and about 1/8 inch (3 mm.) thick. Transfer to a 9-inch (23-cm.)
tart pan with a removable bottom, gently fitting the dough into the bottom and
sides of the pan. Using scissors or a small knife, trim the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch
(12-mm.) overhang.
Fold the overhanging dough over and over into the pan, pressing it firmly
against the sides of the pan; the dough should be doubly thick at the sides and
rise about 1/8 inch (3 mm.) above the sides of the pan rim. Pierce the dough
all over with a fork. Line the dough with aluminum foil and freeze for 15-30
minutes.
Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 375°F (190°C).
Place the dough-lined pan on a baking sheet and fill the foil with pie weights
or dried beans. Bake until the dough is set and beginning to brown, about 20
minutes.
Meanwhile, make the filling. Bring a medium saucepan three-fourths full of
lightly salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the broccoli and cook until
the florets are barely tender, about 5 minutes. Drain well, and pat dry with
kitchen towels. In a bowl, whisk together the half-and-half, eggs, dill, 1/2
teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until combined.
Remove the baking sheet with the tart pan from the oven. Remove the foil
and weights. Scatter the broccoli and cheese evenly in the pastry shell.
Carefully pour the eggs mixture into the shell. Return the sheet to the oven
and reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (180°C). Bake until the filling is
puffed and golden brown, about 35 minutes. Let cool slightly, then serve.
