Introduction
If you’re looking for an appetizer or snack that combines elegance with deliciousness, look no further than Mini Filo Cheese Quiches. These bite-sized delights are a perfect addition to any celebration, from festive holiday gatherings to casual weekend brunches. Crisp, golden filo pastry holds a creamy, cheesy filling that is incredibly versatile and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Whether you prefer sharp cheddar, creamy goat cheese, or a mix of both, these quiches offer endless possibilities to suit your tastes.
What makes mini quiches such a great choice is their balance of savory flavor and texture. The delicate, flaky filo pastry contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy cheese filling, creating a delightful bite-sized treat. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, Mini Filo Cheese Quiches are guaranteed to become a crowd favorite wherever you serve them.
In this article, we’ll break down the recipe step by step, offer tips for customization, and suggest serving ideas that will make your mini quiches stand out. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a make-ahead snack, or looking for an easy yet impressive brunch dish, these mini quiches are perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: These quiches are simple to assemble, with minimal prep work. Using filo pastry makes them easier than traditional quiche while still achieving a crispy, flaky texture.
- Customizable: You can tailor the filling to suit your personal preferences. Add herbs, spices, vegetables, or different cheeses to make the quiche uniquely yours.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a holiday, a special occasion, or a casual snack, these mini quiches are perfect for any gathering.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The quiches can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use, making them a great option for busy days.
- Crowd-Pleasing: These bite-sized quiches are easy to eat with one hand, making them perfect for parties, gatherings, or as an appetizer.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 50 minutes (15 minutes prep, 35 minutes cooking)
- Servings: Makes 12 mini quiches
- Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 180
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 10g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, goat cheese, or a blend)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell peppers (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional)
For the Filo Pastry:
- 1 package filo dough (about 12 sheets), thawed if frozen
- 4 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing the filo dough)
- Non-stick spray (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Quiche Filling
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray, or use butter to coat each cup. This will help prevent the filo pastry from sticking and ensure that your quiches come out easily once baked.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and whole milk. This combination gives the filling a smooth, creamy texture. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the egg mixture and whisk until well combined. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding a pinch of cayenne or paprika for a little kick, or even some dried herbs like thyme or oregano for extra flavor.
- Add the Cheese and Veggies: Stir in the shredded cheese of your choice. Cheddar is a classic choice for its sharp flavor, while mozzarella will give a gooey, melty texture. Goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy touch. If you’re using vegetables like finely chopped onions or bell peppers, stir them in now as well. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can be added at this stage for extra freshness.
- Set Aside: Once your filling is mixed, set it aside while you prepare the filo pastry cups.
Step 2: Prepare the Filo Pastry Cups
- Prepare the Filo Dough: Filo dough is thin and delicate, so handle it carefully. Lay out one sheet of filo dough on a clean, dry surface. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the sheet with melted butter. Place another sheet of filo dough on top and brush it with butter as well. Repeat this process, layering and buttering the filo sheets until you have about 4 sheets layered on top of each other.
- Cut the Filo Dough: Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut the filo dough into squares that are slightly larger than the muffin tin cups. Each square should be about 4-5 inches in width, depending on the size of your muffin tin.
- Form the Cups: Gently place one filo square into each muffin cup, pressing down lightly to create a cup shape. The edges will fold over, creating a rustic, fluted effect. If you’d like a crisper, more structured shell, you can use more filo layers per cup, but 4 sheets are usually enough for a light, flaky texture.
- Brush with Butter: Once all the muffin cups are lined with filo dough, lightly brush the tops of the filo with a little more melted butter to encourage browning and crispiness during baking.
Step 3: Fill and Bake the Mini Quiches
- Add the Filling: Spoon the prepared egg and cheese filling into each filo cup, filling them about 3/4 full. Be careful not to overfill, as the eggs will puff up while baking.
- Bake the Quiches: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filo pastry is golden and crispy, and the quiche filling is set and lightly browned on top. The quiches should feel firm to the touch but spring back slightly when pressed.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the mini quiches from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before carefully removing them. You can use a butter knife or spoon to gently lift each quiche from the muffin tin. Allow them to cool on a wire rack or serve immediately.
Step 4: Garnish and Enjoy
For an added touch of color and flavor, garnish the mini quiches with freshly chopped herbs such as parsley, chives, or basil. These mini quiches can be served warm or at room temperature. They are just as delicious at both temperatures, making them perfect for potlucks, picnics, or parties.
How to Serve
- Holiday Appetizers: These Mini Filo Cheese Quiches make a great appetizer for any holiday meal, from Thanksgiving to Christmas or New Year’s Eve. They are festive and easy to eat in just one bite.
- Brunch or Breakfast: Serve these mini quiches as part of a larger brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, pastries, and coffee. They’re also perfect for a light breakfast or an afternoon snack.
- Party Food: If you’re hosting a party, whether for a family get-together or a work function, these mini quiches are a great choice. Serve them on a platter for easy sharing, and watch them disappear in no time.
- Make-Ahead Option: The great thing about these quiches is that they can be made in advance. Prepare the filo pastry cups and filling, then store the unbaked quiches in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve. They also freeze well, so you can make a big batch and save them for later.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Vegetarian Variations: If you want to make these quiches vegetarian, feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes. Roasted vegetables work especially well in these quiches, as they have a rich, caramelized flavor.
- Meat Options: For a non-vegetarian version, you can add cooked bacon, sausage, or ham to the filling. Chopped deli meat or rotisserie chicken also work well.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese based on your preferences. Sharp cheddar, gruyère, feta, or blue cheese all provide different flavor profiles. You can even use a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
- Herb Variations: Fresh herbs can completely transform the flavor of these mini quiches. Try basil, thyme, rosemary, or even tarragon to add an aromatic twist.
- Add a Kick: Spice things up by adding some diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a touch of sriracha to the egg filling. This will give the quiches a bit of heat without overwhelming the flavors.
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Leftover mini quiches can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to
3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them up again.
- Freezing: These quiches freeze beautifully. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven for best results.
Conclusion
Mini Filo Cheese Quiches are a crowd-pleasing treat that combines elegance, flavor, and convenience. Whether you’re looking for a savory appetizer, a light meal, or a festive addition to your holiday spread, these quiches will fit the bill perfectly. With their customizable filling and flaky, buttery pastry, they offer endless possibilities to suit your taste.
So, why not give this recipe a try? With easy prep, make-ahead options, and a combination of flavors that everyone loves, Mini Filo Cheese Quiches are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dish with your friends and family—you might just find they’re the star of the show!
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Mini Filo Cheese Quiches: Perfect for Any Occasion
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Description
Elegant, savory, and absolutely delicious, Mini Filo Cheese Quiches are the perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion. Flaky, buttery filo dough forms the crisp base, while the filling boasts a rich, cheesy blend of flavors—think creamy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and a hint of herbs. These mini quiches are easily customizable with your choice of add-ins like spinach, mushrooms, or bacon, making them versatile and adaptable to all tastes. Whether served as a hors d’oeuvre or as part of a brunch spread, these quiches are sure to be a hit with guests, offering a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, goat cheese, or a blend)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell peppers (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional)
For the Filo Pastry:
- 1 package filo dough (about 12 sheets), thawed if frozen
- 4 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing the filo dough)
- Non-stick spray (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Quiche Filling
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray, or use butter to coat each cup. This will help prevent the filo pastry from sticking and ensure that your quiches come out easily once baked.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and whole milk. This combination gives the filling a smooth, creamy texture. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the egg mixture and whisk until well combined. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding a pinch of cayenne or paprika for a little kick, or even some dried herbs like thyme or oregano for extra flavor.
- Add the Cheese and Veggies: Stir in the shredded cheese of your choice. Cheddar is a classic choice for its sharp flavor, while mozzarella will give a gooey, melty texture. Goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy touch. If you’re using vegetables like finely chopped onions or bell peppers, stir them in now as well. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can be added at this stage for extra freshness.
- Set Aside: Once your filling is mixed, set it aside while you prepare the filo pastry cups.
Step 2: Prepare the Filo Pastry Cups
- Prepare the Filo Dough: Filo dough is thin and delicate, so handle it carefully. Lay out one sheet of filo dough on a clean, dry surface. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the sheet with melted butter. Place another sheet of filo dough on top and brush it with butter as well. Repeat this process, layering and buttering the filo sheets until you have about 4 sheets layered on top of each other.
- Cut the Filo Dough: Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut the filo dough into squares that are slightly larger than the muffin tin cups. Each square should be about 4-5 inches in width, depending on the size of your muffin tin.
- Form the Cups: Gently place one filo square into each muffin cup, pressing down lightly to create a cup shape. The edges will fold over, creating a rustic, fluted effect. If you’d like a crisper, more structured shell, you can use more filo layers per cup, but 4 sheets are usually enough for a light, flaky texture.
- Brush with Butter: Once all the muffin cups are lined with filo dough, lightly brush the tops of the filo with a little more melted butter to encourage browning and crispiness during baking.
Step 3: Fill and Bake the Mini Quiches
- Add the Filling: Spoon the prepared egg and cheese filling into each filo cup, filling them about 3/4 full. Be careful not to overfill, as the eggs will puff up while baking.
- Bake the Quiches: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filo pastry is golden and crispy, and the quiche filling is set and lightly browned on top. The quiches should feel firm to the touch but spring back slightly when pressed.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the mini quiches from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before carefully removing them. You can use a butter knife or spoon to gently lift each quiche from the muffin tin. Allow them to cool on a wire rack or serve immediately.
Step 4: Garnish and Enjoy
For an added touch of color and flavor, garnish the mini quiches with freshly chopped herbs such as parsley, chives, or basil. These mini quiches can be served warm or at room temperature. They are just as delicious at both temperatures, making them perfect for potlucks, picnics, or parties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 6g
