There’s something irresistibly flaky and delicate about filo dough that elevates a classic quiche to a whole new level of texture and flavor. Unlike traditional pie crusts, filo offers a light, crispy, and golden shell that contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy filling inside.
Whether you’re serving brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, this filo dough quiche recipe is a crowd-pleaser that looks stunning on any table. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make!
This recipe combines the best of both worlds: the crispiness of multiple filo layers with a savory custard filling packed with cheese, fresh herbs, and your choice of vegetables or meat. The filo crust is brushed with butter to achieve that perfect golden crunch, while the filling remains luscious and flavorful.
It’s a fantastic way to impress guests or treat yourself to a homemade gourmet meal without too much fuss.
Ready to dive into this delightful recipe? Let’s explore why this filo dough quiche might just become your new favorite dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This filo dough quiche recipe offers a light and crispy alternative to traditional quiche crusts, making it perfect for those who enjoy texture contrasts in their meals. The use of filo dough means less heaviness and more flakiness, creating a perfect balance with the creamy filling.
It’s highly customizable, allowing you to swap in your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or proteins.
Additionally, because filo dough cooks quickly and needs minimal preparation, this quiche recipe is relatively quick and easy to assemble. It’s perfect for weekend brunches, casual dinners, or even as a make-ahead dish for entertaining.
You’ll love how the buttery layers of filo add sophistication without overwhelming the flavors inside.
Ingredients
- 8 sheets of filo dough, thawed
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing filo)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cooked spinach, squeezed dry and chopped (or substitute with sautéed mushrooms, asparagus, or ham)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley (optional)
Equipment
- 9-inch pie dish or tart pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Sauté pan (for vegetables)
- Pastry brush (for brushing filo)
- Knife and cutting board
- Oven preheated to 350°F (175°C)
- Kitchen towel (to cover filo sheets)
Instructions
- Prepare the filo crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unroll the filo dough and cover it with a slightly damp kitchen towel to keep it from drying out.
- Brush and layer filo sheets: Place one sheet of filo dough in your pie dish, letting the edges hang over the sides. Brush the entire sheet lightly with melted butter. Repeat this process with 4 more sheets, layering each one and brushing with butter.
- Trim excess filo: Once you have layered 5 sheets, fold the excess filo edges over the top of the layered sheets to create a sturdy shell. Brush the top with more butter.
- Sauté aromatics and vegetables: In a skillet, heat a small amount of butter or oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the cooked spinach (or your chosen vegetables) and sauté for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix the filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Stir in the Gruyère cheese, Parmesan cheese, sautéed vegetables, and fresh herbs.
- Assemble the quiche: Pour the filling into the prepared filo crust. Fold over the remaining 3 filo sheets, brushing each with melted butter and layering on top of the filling. Fold the edges inward and brush the top layer generously with butter.
- Bake: Place the quiche in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the filo crust is crisp and golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Let the quiche cool for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set further for clean slices.
Tips & Variations
Keep your filo dough covered with a damp towel at all times to prevent it from drying and cracking.
For a richer flavor, try using half-and-half instead of whole milk in the filling. You can easily customize the quiche with different fillings such as smoked salmon, roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, or crumbled feta cheese.
If you prefer a meatier quiche, add cooked bacon, ham, or sausage pieces. For a vegetarian version, swap meat with more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or leeks.
Feel free to experiment with herbs like rosemary, basil, or dill to suit your taste.
To achieve extra flakiness, brush each filo sheet generously but avoid soaking the dough, which can make it soggy. And if you want to make this recipe ahead, you can assemble the quiche and refrigerate it overnight before baking.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/6 of quiche) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
| Cholesterol | 140 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This filo dough quiche pairs wonderfully with a light mixed green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. Fresh seasonal fruit or a simple tomato and cucumber salad also complement the rich flavors of the quiche beautifully.
For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted potatoes or a warm bowl of soup like classic French onion or creamy tomato bisque. A crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon makes a refreshing drink choice.
Leftovers can be reheated gently in the oven or enjoyed cold, making this quiche a versatile option for meal prep or picnics.
Conclusion
This filo dough quiche recipe offers a delightful twist on the traditional quiche, with a wonderfully crisp and buttery filo crust that contrasts perfectly with the rich, savory filling. It’s an elegant yet approachable dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family breakfasts to sophisticated brunch gatherings.
With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can customize the filling to suit your tastes, making it a versatile recipe to keep in your culinary repertoire. The lightness of the filo combined with the creamy custard creates a balance that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Give this recipe a try and discover how filo dough can transform your quiche experience. Don’t forget to explore other easy and delicious recipes like Classic Quiche Lorraine, Spinach and Feta Tart, and Savory Mushroom Galette for more tasty ideas!
📖 Recipe Card: Filo Dough Quiche
Description: A light and flaky quiche made with crispy filo dough and a savory egg filling. Perfect for brunch or a light dinner.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 sheets filo dough
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked spinach, drained
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush a 9-inch pie dish with melted butter.
- Layer 3 sheets of filo dough in the dish, brushing each with butter.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Add cheese, spinach, bacon, and green onions to the egg mixture and stir.
- Pour filling over the filo layers.
- Layer remaining 3 filo sheets on top, brushing each with butter.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and set.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 24 g | Carbs: 10 g
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