Asparagus Quiche

With its pretty braided crust edge, rich and custardy filling, and loads of spring vegetables, this asparagus quiche makes a breakfast to remember.

While it may look fancy, it is made with store-bought pie crusts, which saves you precious time in the kitchen. Blind-baking the crust (prebaking without the filling) with pie weights helps ensure a crisp bottom. If you do not have pie weights, line the dough with parchment paper as directed and use dried beans or rice.

Learn how to make asparagus quiche, and serve it at breakfast with a fruit salad. If this is for brunch, consider pairing with a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette and roasted fingerling potatoes or carrots.

Ingredients for Asparagus Quiche

Fresh asparagus shines in this quiche, especially when complemented by creamy Gouda, fresh tarragon, chives, spring onions, a rich custard, and buttery, flaky piecrust. To make asparagus quiche, you'll need:

• Large egg white: Mixed with water to brush over the piecrust to help the layers adhere and for even browning.
• Refrigerated piecrusts: A shortcut option for creating the crust for this quiche. You can of course make your own homemade piecrusts.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps cook the onions and asparagus.
• Spring onions: Adds an aromatic oniony flavor to the quiche. You can use scallions, too.
• Asparagus: A veggie with a fresh and vibrant flavor and color that makes this quiche perfectly suited for spring celebrations.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
• Gouda cheese: Adds a rich, velvety texture and flavor to the quiche. Fontina or mozzarella will make a good substitute if you can't find Gouda.
• Large eggs: Binds the filling for a custard-like consistency when baked.
• Half-and-half: The creamy base of the quiche for a silky texture. Substitute with heavy cream and a little milk if you don't have half-and-half.
• Fresh tarragon: Adds a unique, licorice-like flavor that pairs well with the asparagus. Substitute with parsley or thyme, if needed.
• Black pepper: For a hint of peppery spice.
• Fresh chives: A mild oniony flavor and additional pop of green.

How To Make Asparagus Quiche

Store-bought piecrusts are a big help for this recipe, particularly for a workable dough that's ready to braid. Once the piecrust is assembled and blind-baked, filling and baking the quiche is easy as pie. (Pun intended.) Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Prepare crust: Whisk together an egg white and water to make a quick and easy egg wash. Fit one of the piecrusts into a pie plate. Clean up the edges, and then brush them with the egg white mixture. This will act as a glue to help secure the braided dough strands you're about to make.
• Step 2. Braid dough: Cut remaining unrolled piecrust into strips. Pinch the three longest strips together at one end to seal; braid. Repeat process twice. You want three braids total.
• Step 3. Blind bake: Press braids gently onto dough edge, and brush with egg white mixture. Freeze 20 minutes to secure the braids to the crust (otherwise they might slip during the pre-bake). Fill crust with parchment paper and pie weights. Bake until lightly golden, about 10 minutes, then remove weights and parchment and bake until fully dry. Cool on wire rack.
• Step 4. Prepare filling: Sauté the onions, asparagus, and some salt in melted butter. Cook, stirring, until very soft. Cool slightly.
• Step 5. Bake quiche: Spoon veggie mixture into piecrust; sprinkle with cheese. Whisk together remaining ingredients, and pour over the veggies. Bake until middle is nearly set, about 40 minutes. Cool and sprinkle with a bit more tarragon before serving.

Asparagus Quiche Variations

For a personal twist on this quiche recipe, consider some of these possible variations:

• Crust: Swap the braided crust for a simple crimped crust (even crimping with a fork will do), or opt for a hash brown crust for a unique twist.
• Onions: Swap the spring onions with shallots, leeks or red onions for a contrasting pop of color.
• Citrus: Add a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest for extra brightness and acidity.
• Cheeses: Substitute the Gouda with Swiss, Cheddar, Gruyère, feta, goat, or any preferred cheese.
• Herbs: Amp up the herbs with chopped parsley or thyme.
• Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for an additional burst of flavor.
• Protein: Add protein with cooked bacon or diced ham.

Our Tips for the Best Asparagus Quiche

For the best asparagus quiche, keep these simple tips in mind:

• Quality ingredients: Make sure to use the freshest asparagus, onions, and herbs for the best flavor and texture.
• Blind-bake: To avoid a soggy bottom, blind-baking the piecrust is a must.
• Freshly-grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that keep it from melting properly. Grate your own for the most gooey, cheesy texture.
• Garnish with fresh herbs: Garish with fresh tarragon as directed, or swap with chives, parsley, or other herbs as desired.
• Bake until nearly set: Bake just until the middle of the quiche is nearly set. It will continue to set as it rests for the ideal custardy filling.

Can I Make Asparagus Quiche Ahead?

Prepare this quiche up to one day ahead. Cool, wrap and refrigerate overnight so you're ready to serve when guests arrive without any prep the morning of. You can also freeze the quiche for up to two months. Thaw overnight if frozen, then reheat, covered, in a 350°F oven until hot throughout before serving.

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Asparagus Quiche

Store leftover slices of quiche well-wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also freeze leftover slices for up to two months. Thaw overnight if frozen, then reheat until hot throughout before serving. You can also serve leftovers chilled or at room temperature.

What To Serve With Asparagus Quiche

Asparagus quiche is the perfect centerpiece for your brunch table. Pair with other classic brunch dishes, including a light side salad, fruit salad, roasted fingerling potatoes, crispy bacon, these spiced orange rolls, and more.

More Hearty Quiche Recipes You'll Love

Quiche adds an elegant, savory touch to any brunch gathering, whether formal or casual. If you're looking for some new quiche recipes to add to your repertoire, look no further:

• Quiche Lorraine
• Cheese-and-Sausage Quiche
• Roasted Tomato Quiche
• Broccoli-Cheddar Quiche
• Asparagus-and-Goat Cheese Quiche
• Caramelized Onion-and-Mushroom Quiche
• Spring-Vegetable Sheet Pan Quiche
• Crustless Ham and Collard Greens Quiche

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.