Recipe Mushroom Quiche: Flaky Crust With Earthy Richness

Recipe Mushroom Quiche: Flaky Crust With Earthy Richness

There’s something deeply satisfying about a well-made quiche, and this version with its flaky crust and earthy mushrooms is no exception. The buttery pastry provides the perfect foundation for the rich, savory filling.

I’ve refined this recipe to ensure the crust stays crisp while the custard sets just right. The mushrooms are sautéed to concentrate their flavor, and a touch of nutmeg in the filling adds subtle depth.

This dish works beautifully for brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner. The combination of textures—creamy filling, tender mushrooms, and that all-important flaky crust—makes every bite memorable.

Serve warm or at room temperature. Here’s how to make it.

👨‍🍳
Difficulty
Easy
🌿
Diet
Vegetarian
⏱️
Total Time
30 min
🔥
Calories
Med Cal

Ingredients for Recipe Mushroom Quiche

A flaky pastry shell cradles sautéed mushrooms and creamy custard with nutmeg depth.

Ingredient Amount Notes
All-Purpose Flour 🌾 1 ½ cups Plus extra for dusting
Unsalted Butter 🧈 ½ cup Cold, cubed for pastry
Ice Water 💧 ¼ cup For pie crust dough
Salt 🧂 ½ tsp Fine sea salt preferred
Cremini Mushrooms 🍄 1 lb Sliced, stems removed
Shallot 🧅 1 whole Finely diced
Garlic Cloves 🧄 2 cloves Minced for filling
Large Eggs 🥚 4 whole For custard base
Heavy Cream 🥛 1 cup Full-fat for richness
Whole Milk 🥛 ½ cup For custard mixture
Gruyère Cheese 🧀 1 cup Shredded from block
Parmesan Cheese 🧀 ½ cup Freshly grated
Ground Nutmeg 🌰 ¼ tsp Freshly ground preferred
Black Pepper 🌶️ ½ tsp Freshly cracked preferred
Olive Oil 🫒 2 tbsp For sautéing mushrooms

The crust demands precision. King Arthur Flour delivers consistent protein content for reliability, while European-style butter (like Plugrá) offers higher fat content for superior flakiness. Keep butter cold—freeze it 15 minutes before cubing. Ice water prevents gluten development, ensuring tenderness. For the mushrooms, cremini or baby bella varieties provide the earthiest flavor profile without overwhelming moisture.

No Gruyère? Comté or Emmental substitute beautifully. Out of heavy cream? Whole milk plus 2 tbsp melted butter works in a pinch (though less rich). Fresh nutmeg is worth the effort—pre-ground loses potency quickly. The shallot can be replaced with yellow onion at a 1:1 ratio. For dairy sensitivity, whole-fat coconut milk creates a creamy custard alternative.

The assembled quiche keeps 3-4 days refrigerated. Freeze unbaked crusts for 1 month—thaw before filling. Sautéed mushrooms can be prepped 1 day ahead and chilled. Always blind-bake the crust to prevent sogginess. Serve at room temperature for optimal texture harmony.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One-Bowl Crust: I mix the flour, butter, and ice water right in the bowl—no pastry cutter, no mess, just my hands and five minutes.
  • Earthy Depth: The cremini mushrooms brown up in butter until they taste like a forest floor in the best way.
  • Brunch to Dinner: I’ve served this for lazy Sunday brunches and rushed weeknight dinners—it fits both bills.
  • Second-Day Win: Honestly, it tastes even better cold the next morning straight from the fridge.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Mushroom Quiche

Master the technique for a golden crust and rich, savory filling that never disappoints.

Step 1: Prepare the Flaky Pie Crust

In a food processor, pulse the 1.5 cups all-purpose flour with the 0.5 tsp salt to combine. Add the 0.5 cup unsalted butter, cubed and chilled, and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces visible.

With the processor running, drizzle in the 0.25 cup ice water through the feed tube, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough just begins to clump together. The dough should hold when pressed but not be sticky. This careful hydration ensures a tender, flaky texture.

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a disk. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes—this resting period allows the gluten to relax, preventing shrinkage during baking.

Step 2: Blind Bake the Crust

On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into an 11-inch circle. Transfer to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing gently into the bottom and up the sides. Trim excess dough, leaving a slight overhang, then crimp the edges decoratively.

Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment, then bake for another 5-7 minutes until the crust is lightly golden and set.

This blind baking step prevents a soggy bottom, ensuring your quiche has that coveted crisp base to support the rich filling.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushroom Filling

Heat the 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced, and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes to develop a deep, golden sear.

Stir in the 1 whole shallot, finely diced, and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Season with 0.5 tsp black pepper and remove from heat. The mushrooms should be tender with a rich, earthy aroma.

Transfer the mushroom mixture to a bowl and let cool slightly. This prevents the eggs from scrambling when combined.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Quiche

In a large bowl, whisk together the 4 whole large eggs, 1 cup heavy cream, and 0.5 cup whole milk until smooth. Stir in the 1 cup Gruyère cheese, 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, and 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg.

Spread the sautéed mushroom mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust. Pour the egg mixture over the mushrooms, ensuring it fills all gaps. The custard should come to the rim but not overflow.

Bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until the center is set with a slight jiggle and the top is golden brown. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the custard to set fully.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips For Making Recipe Mushroom Quiche

  • Chill the Dough: Let the butter-flour mixture rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—this prevents shrinking and guarantees a flaky crust. I learned this the hard way after my first three quiches looked like sad little bowls.
  • Dry the Mushrooms: After cleaning the cremini mushrooms, pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Sounds tedious, but it keeps the filling from turning watery and ruining the texture.
  • Blind Bake First: Pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes with pie weights or dried beans to avoid a soggy bottom. Skip this and you’ll end up with a gummy base, no matter how perfect the rest is.
  • Salt the Mushrooms Early: Toss the mushrooms with a pinch of salt while they cook—about ⅛ teaspoon per cup—and let them sit for 5 minutes to release moisture before sautéing. More flavor, less soupy filling.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Refrigerator Storage

Let your quiche cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days. I love that the flavors deepen overnight. ❄️

Freezer Storage

For longer storage, freeze the quiche unbaked or baked. Wrap the whole pie or individual slices in aluminum foil and plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Label with the date to keep track.

Reheating from Fridge

Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm slices on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes. This restores the crust’s crispness. Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly. 🔥

Reheating from Freezer

Thaw the quiche overnight in the fridge, then reheat as above. For individual slices, microwave on 50% power for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently. A splash of milk can revive the custard’s creaminess.

Serving Temperature

This dish shines warm or at room temperature. If serving cold, let it sit out for 30 minutes after refrigeration. The flaky crust and creamy filling are best enjoyed when not stone-cold.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 520kcal
% Daily Value
Total Fat 38g49%
Saturated Fat 22g110%
Cholesterol 225mg75%
Sodium 680mg30%
Total Carbohydrate 22g8%
Dietary Fiber 2g7%
Sugars 2g
Protein 24g48%
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Can I use a store-bought crust instead?

Yes! A pre-made pie crust works well for convenience. Just ensure it’s fully thawed if frozen and blind-baked for 10-12 minutes at 375°F to prevent sogginess.

2

How do I know when the quiche is done baking?

The center should be set with a slight jiggle, and the top will be golden brown. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean after 35-40 minutes.

3

Can I make this ahead of time?

Assemble the quiche, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked quiche for up to 2 months.

4

What can I substitute for Gruyère cheese?

Comté, Emmental, or sharp cheddar all work well. For a milder flavor, try Swiss cheese. Each adds a unique twist while keeping the dish creamy.

★★★★★4.9(4 reviews)
Allison Carter