Sheet Pan Quiche is a versatile and convenient dish that allows you to enjoy the rich flavors of a traditional quiche in a larger, more shareable format. By utilizing store-bought puff pastry and a medley of savory ingredients, this recipe simplifies preparation without compromising on taste. It’s an excellent choice for brunches, gatherings, or a satisfying family meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 2 sheets store-bought puff pastry, each rolled to 15 inches by 10 inches
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the filling:

• 8 slices (3 ounces) prosciutto, finely chopped
• 1 Vidalia onion, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces morel mushrooms, cleaned and trimmed
• 18 large eggs
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup watercress, loosely packed
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chives, thinly sliced, for garnish
• Aleppo pepper, for garnish
• Flaked salt, for garnish
• ½ cup crème fraîche, for serving

Directions

1. Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Place one sheet of puff pastry on one side of a sheet pan and the other on the opposite side, overlapping them slightly in the center. Press along the seam to seal, forming a continuous crust that extends up the sides of the pan. Prick the surface with a fork to prevent puffing. Cover with parchment paper and place another sheet pan on top to weigh it down. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the top pan and parchment. Continue baking until golden brown, about 5 more minutes. Allow to cool completely.
2. Prepare the filling: In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped prosciutto and cook until crispy, approximately 7 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool. In the same pan, sauté onions until softened and slightly caramelized, about 10 minutes. Add morel mushrooms and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Combine the cooled prosciutto, onions, and mushrooms in a bowl.
3. Assemble the quiche: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper until well combined. Stir in the watercress. Pour this mixture over the cooled prosciutto-vegetable blend. Mix gently to combine. Pour the filling into the cooled pastry crust, spreading evenly.
4. Bake: Place the quiche in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the filling is set and no longer glossy. Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
5. Serve: Cut the quiche into 3 columns and 4 rows directly in the pan. Garnish with sliced chives, a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper, and flaked salt. Serve warm with crème fraîche on the side.

Nutrients

• Calories: Approximately 472 per serving

• Fat: 20g

  • Saturated Fat: 12g

• Carbohydrates: 65g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 39g

• Protein: 6g

• Cholesterol: 60mg

• Sodium: 150mg

• Calcium: 15% of the daily value

• Iron: 8% of the daily value

• Potassium: 120mg

The History of Quiche

Quiche has its roots in French cuisine, particularly in the region of Lorraine, where the famous “quiche Lorraine” was first created. The name “quiche” is derived from the German word “kuchen,” which means “cake,” highlighting its origins as a type of savory custard pie. The traditional quiche Lorraine consists of a flaky pastry crust filled with a custard made of eggs, cream, and bacon. Over the years, the concept of quiche expanded beyond the boundaries of Lorraine, and various regional adaptations of the dish emerged, incorporating ingredients like cheese, vegetables, seafood, and herbs.

Although quiche originated in France, it became popular worldwide, especially in the United States, during the mid-20th century. In the 1950s and 1960s, quiche gained a reputation as an elegant yet simple dish that was perfect for hosting and entertaining. The quiche trend continued to grow throughout the 1980s and 1990s, as people sought ways to incorporate more diverse flavors into their cooking. The sheet pan quiche is a modern variation of this beloved dish, offering the same delicious flavor but with a much more accessible format.

Why Puff Pastry Works Perfectly for Sheet Pan Quiche

The crust is a crucial component of any quiche, providing the necessary texture and flavor to complement the rich, savory filling. While many traditional quiches use a homemade pie crust, puff pastry is an excellent option for sheet pan quiche. Puff pastry is made from layers of dough and butter, which puff up when baked, creating a light, flaky texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy egg filling.

Using puff pastry in a sheet pan quiche offers several advantages. First, it significantly reduces preparation time. Making a pie crust from scratch can be time-consuming and requires a certain level of skill. Puff pastry, on the other hand, is readily available at most grocery stores and can be quickly rolled out to fit the dimensions of the sheet pan. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want to create a delicious quiche without spending hours in the kitchen.

Additionally, puff pastry adds a rich, buttery flavor that enhances the overall taste of the quiche. The flaky layers of pastry provide a satisfying crunch, contrasting with the softness of the egg filling. This combination of textures makes each bite of sheet pan quiche a delightful experience.

Customizing Your Sheet Pan Quiche

One of the greatest advantages of making a sheet pan quiche is the ability to customize the filling to suit your preferences. The recipe can be adapted to include a wide variety of vegetables, meats, cheeses, and herbs, allowing you to create a dish that perfectly matches your taste. For example, if you love classic quiche Lorraine, you can use bacon or ham as the main protein, adding a rich and savory flavor to the filling. If you prefer something lighter, you can incorporate vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, or bell peppers for a more vibrant, plant-based option.

Mushrooms are a fantastic addition to sheet pan quiche, as they bring a savory, earthy flavor to the dish. Mushrooms such as shiitake, cremini, or morels work particularly well, offering unique textures and tastes that complement the rich egg custard. The recipe can also be made vegetarian by omitting the meat and focusing on vegetables, such as leeks, asparagus, or zucchini.

For those who enjoy cheese, there are plenty of options to consider. Classic choices include Swiss, cheddar, or Gruyère, but feel free to experiment with other varieties, such as goat cheese, feta, or even blue cheese. The cheese adds a creamy, melty texture to the quiche, helping to bind the ingredients together and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Tips for the Perfect Sheet Pan Quiche

To ensure that your sheet pan quiche turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:

1. Pre-bake the crust: While puff pastry bakes quickly, it’s important to pre-bake the crust for a few minutes to prevent it from becoming soggy once the filling is added. This step is especially important if you’re using a wet filling, such as spinach or tomatoes.

2. Use room-temperature ingredients: When making the custard, use room-temperature eggs and cream. This helps the ingredients combine more smoothly, resulting in a creamy, uniform filling.

3. Avoid overfilling: While it may be tempting to pile on a lot of ingredients, it’s important to leave some space for the eggs to set. Overfilling the quiche can cause it to become watery or unevenly cooked.

4. Let it cool before slicing: After baking, allow the quiche to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the custard set properly and makes it easier to cut neat, clean slices.

5. Experiment with toppings: Don’t be afraid to add a garnish to your sheet pan quiche. Fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or basil, can add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. You can also sprinkle a bit of Aleppo pepper or smoked paprika for an extra kick.

Why Sheet Pan Quiche is Ideal for Gatherings

Sheet pan quiche is an excellent option for gatherings, as it allows you to serve a large group with minimal effort. Whether it’s a brunch with friends, a holiday meal, or a family gathering, sheet pan quiche is a crowd-pleaser that can be easily scaled up or down to accommodate the number of guests. The quiche can also be made in advance, allowing you to prepare it the day before and simply reheat it before serving.

The versatility of sheet pan quiche makes it suitable for various dietary preferences and restrictions. For vegetarians, a veggie-based filling can be made, while those who enjoy meat can opt for a classic quiche Lorraine with bacon or sausage. With its adaptable nature, sheet pan quiche is a dish that can satisfy a wide range of tastes and dietary needs.

Conclusion

Sheet pan quiche is a fantastic dish that offers the rich, satisfying flavors of a traditional quiche but with the added convenience of being able to serve a crowd with ease. The flaky puff pastry crust, creamy egg filling, and savory ingredients come together in a simple yet delicious way, making it a perfect choice for brunches, gatherings, or even a weeknight dinner.