Sausage Crusted Quiche with Hash Browns Recipe

Ground sausage: This forms the flavorful crust of the quiche, adding a savory and meaty base.

Shredded hash browns: These provide a crispy layer above the sausage crust, adding texture and heartiness.

Eggs: The main component of the filling, giving the quiche its structure and richness.

Milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture, making the quiche light and fluffy.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Sprinkled on top, it melts to create a gooey, cheesy finish.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the quiche.

To ensure a crisp and well-formed sausage crust, partially cook the ground sausage in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes before pressing it into the pie dish. This will render some of the fat, making it easier to shape and preventing the crust from becoming too greasy. Additionally, make sure the shredded hash browns are well-drained and patted dry to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the texture of the quiche.

• ground sausage - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be seasoned to mimic the flavors of sausage.

• ground sausage - Substitute with vegetarian sausage crumbles: For a vegetarian option, these crumbles provide a similar texture and flavor.

• shredded hash browns - Substitute with shredded sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a different flavor profile and added nutrients.

• shredded hash browns - Substitute with cauliflower rice: Cauliflower rice is a low-carb alternative that can be used to reduce the overall carbohydrate content.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: For a vegan option, flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water per egg) can be used as a binder.

• eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Silken tofu can be blended to create a similar texture to eggs in quiches.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in quiches.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a slight sweetness and creaminess, suitable for a different flavor profile.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella: Mozzarella provides a milder flavor and melts well.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor and is a great vegan alternative.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct substitute with a slightly different mineral content.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds more heat and a different spice profile.

• Allow the quiche to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the hash browns soggy.

• Once cooled, cover the quiche tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can transfer it to an airtight container.

• Store the quiche in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This ensures it remains fresh and safe to eat.

• For freezing, first, cut the quiche into individual slices. This makes it easier to reheat only the portions you need.

• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. Label the bag or container with the date to keep track of its freshness.

• Freeze the quiche slices for up to 2 months. Beyond this period, the texture and flavor may begin to degrade.

• To reheat from the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the quiche slices on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

• For reheating from frozen, you can either thaw the quiche slices overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen. If reheating from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the slices on a baking sheet, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.

• Avoid reheating the quiche in the microwave if possible, as this can make the hash browns and sausage crust rubbery. If you must use the microwave, do so in short intervals and check frequently to avoid overcooking.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover quiche on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This method ensures the hash browns remain crispy and the eggs stay fluffy.

• Microwave Method: Place a slice of the quiche on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it heats evenly. This is a quick method but may result in a slightly softer crust.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil. Place the quiche slice in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method helps maintain a crispy crust and evenly heats the quiche.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the quiche slice in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through. This method is great for keeping the hash browns crispy and the eggs fluffy.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the quiche slice on a toaster oven tray and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method is convenient and effective for small portions.

• Oven: Used to bake the quiche at a consistent temperature of 375°F (190°C).

• Pie dish: Serves as the vessel to form the sausage crust and hold all the ingredients.

• Mixing bowl: Used to whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.

• Whisk: Helps in thoroughly combining the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.

• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of milk and shredded cheddar cheese.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt and black pepper precisely.

• Cheese grater: Used to shred the cheddar cheese if it is not pre-shredded.

• Spatula: Helps in spreading the shredded hash browns evenly over the sausage crust.

• Knife: Used for slicing the quiche once it has cooled slightly.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface to slice the quiche without damaging countertops.

• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when placing the pie dish in and out of the hot oven.

Pre-cook the sausage: Brown the ground sausage in a skillet before pressing it into the pie dish. This reduces baking time.

Use pre-shredded hash browns: Save time by using pre-shredded hash browns instead of shredding potatoes yourself.

Mix eggs in advance: Whisk the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper the night before and store in the fridge.

Shred cheese ahead: Shred the cheddar cheese ahead of time or use pre-shredded cheese to save prep time.

Line the pie dish: Line the pie dish with parchment paper for easy removal and less cleanup.