How to Cook Classic French Seafood Quiche

Quiche is a timeless French dish that offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. This classic French seafood quiche recipe combines fresh seafood with a creamy filling, enveloped in a delicate pastry crust. Here’s how to make it at home to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

To prepare a delicious classic French seafood quiche, you'll need the following ingredients:

1 pre-made pie crust or homemade shortcrust pastry
200g (7 oz) mixed seafood (e.g., shrimp, crab, and scallops)
3 large eggs
250ml (1 cup) heavy cream
100g (3.5 oz) grated cheese (Gruyère or Emmental work best)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh herbs (parsley or dill), for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

If using a pre-made pie crust, follow the package instructions for blind baking. If you prefer homemade, roll out your shortcrust pastry and fit it into a 9-inch tart pan. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the crust for about 10-15 minutes or until it turns golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Sauté the Seafood and Onion

In a frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add your mixed seafood and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the grated cheese until well combined.

Once the seafood mixture has cooled, fold it gently into the egg and cream mixture. Make sure not to break the seafood pieces too much; you want them to retain their shape.

Step 4: Fill the Pie Crust

Pour the seafood filling into the pre-baked pie crust, spreading it evenly. It’s essential to not overfill to avoid spilling while baking.

Step 5: Bake the Quiche

Place the quiche in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and the filling is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and makes slicing easier. Before serving, garnish with fresh herbs for an aromatic touch.

Tips for the Perfect Quiche

Feel free to experiment with different seafood combinations, such as salmon or lobster, to find your perfect flavor blend.
Use fresh herbs for added flavor; dill and parsley are particularly complimentary.
If you prefer a lighter quiche, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk.

This classic French seafood quiche is perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad for a complete meal that everyone will love. Bon appétit!