Indulge in the classic flavors of eggs Benedict, reimagined in this Quiche a la Benedict. This delightful dish brings together tender asparagus, savory Canadian bacon, and rich Colby-Monterey Jack cheese in a flaky pie crust. Topped with a creamy egg mixture infused with Parmesan and a hint of Dijon, each slice is a delicious balance of flavors and textures, perfect for brunch or any cozy gathering.
Whether served on its own or accompanied by a fresh side salad, this quiche is a delightful addition to any table. It’s simple to prepare yet sophisticated enough to impress, making it ideal for both family meals and special occasions. Serve warm and enjoy a slice of comfort that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Full Recipe:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 pound Canadian bacon, diced
- 1/2 small onion, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup biscuit mix
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Dash of hot sauce
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- 1 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus and cook for about 10 minutes, or until tender. Season with a pinch of salt.
- Add Canadian bacon, grated onion, and garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook until the garlic becomes fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat, cover, and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, biscuit mix, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and hot sauce until smooth.
- Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish. Spread the asparagus mixture evenly into the crust.
- Sprinkle the shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese over the asparagus mixture.
- Carefully pour the egg mixture over the quiche.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until the quiche is puffed, golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Quiche a la Benedict is a creative take on the classic eggs Benedict dish, beloved by brunch enthusiasts worldwide. This twist combines the rich, comforting elements of eggs Benedict—like creamy hollandaise flavors, savory Canadian bacon, and fresh asparagus—within a traditional quiche. It’s a blend of textures and flavors that feels both sophisticated and cozy, making it ideal for brunch gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or even a light dinner option. Here, we’ll dive into the background of this dish, the interplay of its ingredients, preparation insights, pairing ideas, variations to consider, and the reasons why it has grown in popularity among food lovers.
The Origins and Inspiration Behind Quiche a la Benedict
The concept of Quiche a la Benedict is rooted in two culinary traditions: the classic French quiche and the renowned eggs Benedict. Quiche Lorraine, with its savory custard filling of eggs, cheese, and often bacon, became a foundational French dish in the 20th century. Eggs Benedict, on the other hand, is an American creation, attributed to New York chefs and restaurants in the late 1800s. Known for its poached eggs, Canadian bacon, English muffin base, and rich hollandaise sauce, eggs Benedict has become a breakfast staple.
Quiche a la Benedict combines elements from both dishes, retaining the eggs and Canadian bacon but swapping in asparagus for added texture and earthy flavor. It does away with the challenge of hollandaise sauce by infusing Dijon mustard and a hint of Parmesan cheese, which deliver similar savory notes without the complexity of hollandaise preparation. This quiche is a unique fusion that maintains the indulgent essence of eggs Benedict but simplifies preparation and adds a more structured, hearty format with the quiche.
Key Ingredients and Flavor Combinations
Quiche a la Benedict’s ingredients blend to create a balanced, satisfying dish with layers of taste and texture. Each component brings something unique:
- Asparagus adds a fresh, crisp bite that enhances the richness of the custard. It’s often cooked until tender but still slightly firm, so it holds its own within the creamy egg base.
- Canadian bacon provides a smoky, savory flavor with a touch of sweetness. While it’s similar to traditional bacon, Canadian bacon’s leaner texture ensures the quiche remains rich without being overly fatty.
- Eggs and cream form the custard base, which is the heart of any quiche. The cream adds a luscious texture and smoothness that complements the flavors and holds the ingredients together.
- Dijon mustard and Parmesan cheese serve as the substitutes for hollandaise, adding tangy, nutty notes without the additional steps involved in creating hollandaise. Dijon mustard’s sharpness adds a touch of brightness, while Parmesan adds umami richness.
This combination is set within a flaky pie crust, bringing together all the elements in each bite. The flavors here are reminiscent of eggs Benedict but translated into a more rustic and robust form with the quiche.
Tips for Preparing Quiche a la Benedict
While quiches are relatively straightforward, there are a few tips to ensure the best results with this particular recipe:
- Precook the Asparagus and Bacon: Sautéing the asparagus and Canadian bacon before adding them to the quiche allows them to release excess moisture, preventing a soggy crust and keeping the custard’s texture creamy and smooth.
- Use Quality Eggs and Cream: The egg and cream mixture is central to the dish, so opting for fresh, high-quality ingredients will result in a richer flavor and silkier texture.
- Control the Cheese Proportion: Parmesan adds depth but can be overpowering. It’s best to use it sparingly, so its flavor complements rather than overwhelms the other ingredients.
- Bake Until Just Set: Overbaking can result in a rubbery texture, so it’s important to bake the quiche until it is just set in the center. Let it cool slightly before serving for easier slicing.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
Quiche a la Benedict is versatile enough to be served at a variety of gatherings, from brunches to casual dinners. Pairing this quiche with complementary sides and beverages can elevate the dining experience:
- Fresh Greens: A light salad with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens dressed with a tangy vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the quiche’s richness.
- Crisp Toast or Bread Rolls: A crusty baguette or whole-grain toast offers additional texture and can be used to scoop up the creamy quiche.
- Roasted Potatoes: Potatoes, roasted with a sprinkle of herbs, are classic brunch sides that add substance without overwhelming the palate.
- Fruit Salad: Fresh, seasonal fruits like strawberries, grapes, and oranges provide a natural sweetness to balance the savory flavors of the quiche.
- Sparkling Beverages: Sparkling wine, champagne, or even a non-alcoholic sparkling lemonade can refresh the palate and cut through the richness of the quiche.
For a complete brunch menu, consider adding a few other classic items such as smoked salmon, roasted vegetables, or pastries to offer a range of flavors and textures.
Creative Variations on Quiche a la Benedict
One of the best aspects of quiches is how customizable they are. Quiche a la Benedict can be easily adapted to fit various dietary preferences or to add a unique twist:
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the Canadian bacon and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or tomatoes. This maintains the savory profile while adding extra nutrition.
- Additions for Extra Flavor: For those who enjoy a more intense flavor profile, consider adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a hint of truffle oil to the egg mixture.
- Gluten-Free Crust: Substitute the traditional pie crust with a gluten-free crust made from almond flour or a base of thinly sliced potatoes to cater to gluten-sensitive guests.
- Cheese Choices: While Parmesan and Colby-Monterey Jack cheese work well, other cheeses like Gruyère, sharp cheddar, or feta can introduce different flavor dimensions.
- Mini Quiches for Individual Servings: By preparing the quiche in individual muffin cups or ramekins, you can create mini quiches, perfect for serving at gatherings or as appetizers.
Why Quiche a la Benedict is a Great Choice for Any Occasion
Quiche a la Benedict stands out because it merges the flavors of an iconic brunch favorite into a convenient, sliceable dish that can be served at nearly any time of day. It has enough structure and richness to feel like a meal in itself, yet it’s not overly heavy. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this quiche is delicious and satisfying.
Because it’s easy to make in advance, it’s perfect for hosting; you can prepare it the night before and bake or reheat it just before serving. Its classic flavor combination is familiar and comforting, yet the twist with asparagus and mustard adds an element of sophistication that feels special without requiring complicated preparation.
Conclusion: A Brunch Dish Worth Savoring
Quiche a la Benedict is more than just a quiche; it’s a homage to eggs Benedict, capturing the essence of this classic dish in a simplified, rustic form. It’s a testament to how creative combinations can breathe new life into well-loved recipes. This quiche brings the smoky, savory flavors of Canadian bacon, the earthy notes of asparagus, and the creamy texture of the egg and cheese mixture together in a flaky crust.
Perfect for brunch, lunch, or even dinner, Quiche a la Benedict is a delightful addition to any recipe collection. Its balance of flavors and flexibility for customization make it a go-to dish for many occasions. Pair it with a few thoughtfully chosen sides, and you’ve got a meal that’s both elegant and approachable—an ideal choice for anyone looking to impress with minimal effort. Whether shared with family or friends, this quiche is sure to be a memorable highlight, offering both comfort and culinary flair in each slice.