Like many traditional French dishes, people hear the word quiche and immediately picture a complex, sophisticated dish infused with layers of delicate flavor. This is true; however, quiche is one of a handful of French recipes that is fairly uncomplicated and pretty easy to master once you’ve got the ratios down. The process is even simpler when you allow the slow cooker, one of America’s favorite appliances, to do most of the work.
Making a traditional quiche isn’t terribly difficult — it basically involves whisking eggs and cream together with cheese and flavorings, making a pie crust, and baking everything until the crust is golden and the eggs are set. However, there are a lot of hidden tasks in this recipe, from blind baking the pie crust to checking the quiche every few minutes to ensure it doesn’t suddenly go from perfectly set to disastrously overbaked.
The slow cooker version doesn’t require a blind baked crust or a lot of attention, as your quiche is less likely to overbake inside a slightly cooler, moist environment. Once your egg mixture is whisked together, you can simply add the crust to your parchment-lined slow cooker, pour in the eggs, and let everything slowly bake to perfection. Know that this recipe also isn’t a great choice if you’re strapped for time — it’ll need between two to four hours on the high setting to set properly. However, once the quiche is in the slow cooker, you can let it do its thing while you prepare your favorite side dishes or entertain guests.
Fixing potential problems of slow cooker quiche
Now, of course, a quiche cooked in the slow cooker is going to have a slightly different texture than one baked in an oven. Since slow cookers are built to retain moisture, your favorite mushroom and leek quiche may be a little softer in the slow cooker compared to using the oven. A crustless quiche may be the easier choice for the slow cooker, as it can be difficult to get the crust to crisp properly when baking it in a humid environment.
If you’re determined to include a crust, be sure to line your slow cooker with parchment paper to prevent it from adhering to the inside of the ceramic sleeve. Food-safe parchment paper also isn’t very absorbent, so having it pressed against your crust as it bakes helps it crisp up to become flaky and golden.
While the extra moisture in a slow cooker might cause your quiche to be watery, you can prevent this by sauteing your meat and veggies and letting them cool slightly before whisking them into the eggs. Not only does this evaporate potentially troublesome moisture, but it also gives your quiche a delicious roasted flavor. Layering paper towels over the top of the slow cooker before you place the lid will help absorb excess moisture.
Customizing your quiche to showcase seasonal flavors
While slow cooker quiche may not be the most practical choice for a quick weekday breakfast, it’s a fantastic hands-off centerpiece for weekend brunches, easy and nutritious dinners, or for make-ahead meal prep during the week. For instance, you can whip together a tasty quiche infused with cottage cheese to pump up the protein over the weekend and slice it into portions to enjoy throughout the week. These leftovers reheat fairly well in either the air fryer or microwave.
Plus, since making quiche in your slow cooker is so simple, it offers the opportunity to spend more time showcasing your favorite flavors or using up ingredients so your palate won’t get bored. Sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and grated fontina cheese would make a delicious main dish for an al fresco summer brunch, while more traditional broccoli and cheddar with bacon or ham might hit the spot on a chilly autumn afternoon. Lemon thyme, chopped roasted chicken, and salty feta create a beautiful springtime flavor profile, while winter begs for heavier ingredients like sausage, onions, and smoked gouda.
If you choose to make your slow cooker quiche without the crust, you can compensate with carb-heavy sides that complement the flavors in your main dish. Artisanal toast topped with Nova lox and avocado is a delicious savory option, while pancakes draped in lemon curd and strawberry syrup offer a more indulgent choice for those with a sweet tooth.
