Quelle surprise! Tasty quiche recipe ideas -

Most of us are familiar with quiche Lorraine—it's one of the most popular foods on the planet. But there's more to this classic French dish than meets the eye. In fact, there are dozens of recipes based on the quiche concept, cooking techniques that use a bewildering range of delicious ingredients that go into making one of the tastiest meals ever conceived.

So, already in the kitchen? Click through and work up an appetite with these delicious quiche recipe ideas.

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Quiche Lorraine -

Quiche Lorraine traces its roots back to the 16th century and the picturesque region of Lorraine in northeastern France. The word quiche, however, actually comes from the Alsace region in France, which originally belonged to Germany, and the name may derive from the German kuchen, a term used for similar dishes. The classic quiche Lorraine recipe consists of a flaky pastry crust that's filled with delicious savory egg custard, bacon, and cheese. But there are dozens of inventive quiche dishes out there, all mouth-watering and suitable for every occasion.

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Quiche with spinach -

The traditional French spinach quiche recipe uses heavy cream and Gruyère cheese. Steam the spinach until it's just wilted. Add green onions, salt, and several grinds of pepper.

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Quiche with tomato -

This simple recipe idea is inspired by Italian flavors and uses as base ingredients sliced bell tomatoes, salami, and black olives. Garnish with fresh basil.

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Quiche with leek -

Slice the leeks into thin rings, then steam. Use ricotta and Gruyère for a light cheese-cakey texture. Also garnish with fresh basil.

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Quiche with smoky chorizo -

This inventive dish uses spicy pork sausage from the Iberian Peninsula. Spanish Manchego cheese further adds to the Mediterranean flavor. And if you really like it hot, slice up a couple of chili peppers!

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Quiche with asparagus and bacon -

Asparagus, heavy cream, and red pepper flakes are used together with Gruyère cheese to produce this delightful dish. The bacon should be cubed and lightly fried in olive oil beforehand.

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Quiche with mushroom and spinach -

Mushroom and spinach work so well together in quiche. Use button mushrooms and roughly chopped spinach for the best results. And if it's available, mature English cheddar cheese is the way to go.

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Quiche with cheese and onion -

Quiche Lorraine without the bacon, this option allows for the use of all kinds of cheeses, depending on taste. It's ideally served warm with a crisp salad, or eaten as a cold and wholesome snack.

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Quiche with butternut squash -

A delicious winter warmer, quiche with butternut squash goes down a treat with a glass or two of red wine. Top with feta cheese and garnish with rosemary.

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Quiche with zucchini -

Zucchini, known also as courgette, is a hugely versatile vegetable and works wonders with quiche. Use ricotta and bake using pine nuts for extra texture. Garnish with mixed herbs.

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Quiche with spinach and feta cheese -

Here's another quiche and spinach idea, one that also uses feta cheese. And here's a tip: cube the feta and add only towards the end of the baking period. This avoids the cheese burning.

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Quiche with smoked salmon -

A great fish dish, quiche with smoked salmon is deliciously flavorsome and wonderfully light on the stomach. Prepare using a layer of cream cheese and mozzarella cheese, and introduce broccoli and spinach for inspired company. Meanwhile, chill the white wine.

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Quiche with trout and watercress -

Quiche lends itself well to other fish. Try it with fresh trout and add crispy green watercress for a lovely peppery aftertaste.

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Quiche with eggplant -

Eggplant adds an exciting dimension to any brunchtime quiche. Also called aubergine, this yummy veggie works best mixed with cherry tomatoes, chopped onion, a dash of garlic, and a sprinkling of fresh herbs.

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Quiche with artichoke -

Okay, so your quiche might look like a eerie alien face, but you should slice the artichoke hearts thickly for this dish to truly stand out. Use mozzarella cheese for a beautifully smooth portrait finish.

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Quiche with green peas and rocket -

Green peas don't immediately jump out as a principal ingredient when preparing quiche, but combine them with leeks and rocket and you have a super-green and lean mealtime treat.

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Quiche with green peas and bacon -

And here's another healthy and nutritious quiche with a green pea idea, this time with bacon added. 

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Quiche with vegetables -

You can see why quiche is so good with veggies, and vegetables alone are sometimes all you need as ingredients. How about broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and tomatoes for starters? Enjoy with a spicy chutney condiment.

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Quiche with prosciutto -

Use spring vegetables teamed with fresh eggs to prepare the foundation to this quiche dish idea. Go for Gruyère and the finest prosciutto your wallet can buy. It may look like a pizza, but this is quiche Italian style!

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Quiche with cheese and potato -

This hearty recipe idea quickly fills empty bellies. Use English cheddar cheese wherever possible, and baking potatoes to keep it all together. A tad heavy perhaps, but, hey, diet start tomorrow!

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Quiche with chicken -

This is a great idea if you have leftover chicken to use up. It's already cooked, so all you have to do is add chanterelle mushrooms, chopped onion, and a cheese of your choice.

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Quiche with crab surimi -

Of course, you can use real crabmeat, but for the sake of convenience, crab surimi is the better bet when attempting this dish. Slice it up and add to heavy cream, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire, and cayenne pepper. Heat, eat, and enjoy.

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Quiche with shrimp -

You can't beat genuine seafood ingredients though, and quiche with shrimp is hard to beat. Prepare using chopped green peppers, sliced squash, and zucchini. Again, Gruyère is the preferred cheese.

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Quiche with haddock -

Haddock's distinct flavor makes a quiche using this fish an exciting mealtime experience. Go one further and mix in either pulverized peas or broccoli, top with skinless tomato, and crown with anchovies.

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Quiche with tuna -

Tuna quiche is best prepared using shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Add broccoli florets, blanched in boiling water, or toasted sliced tomato. A sprig of rosemary rounds off the presentation.

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Mini quiche -

By the way, don't forget that you can always downsize your recipe ideas. Mini quiche ideas are easier and quicker than the full-size version. But never economize on the quality of the ingredients. Pictured is an example made with tomatoes, olives, anchovies, and peas.

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Quiche with beef -

An alternative to chicken, beef quiche can be prepared using either sliced, cubed, or ground lean meat. Add a Swiss cheese for an extra creamy texture, and keep it all company with leeks and peas.

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Quiche with caramelized onion -

The art to realizing this quiche dish is caramelizing the onions to perfection. Steam the spinach and use Gruyère, but add non-fat Greek yogurt for balance.

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Quiche with sweet potato -

The sweet potato forms the crust to this appetizing quiche. Spinach and feta cheese serve as toppings, sprinkled with paprika.

Sources: (FoodReference.com) 

See also: Discover 40 fascinating facts about cheese!

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