Mary Berry Cheese and Onion Quiche Pie

Step 1: Make the Pastry

• In a large bowl, add 250g of plain flour and 125g of diced unsalted butter. Use a palette or butter knife to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. You can also use a food processor to do this step.
• Stir in 25g of grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of salt. Add 4–5 tablespoons of iced water and 1 teaspoon of cider or white wine vinegar. Mix with a knife until the dough comes together. You may need to add more or less water depending on the consistency of the dough.
• Shape the dough into a disc and wrap it in cling film. Chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Filling

• Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6. Cut 4 onions into 8 wedges each through the root. Peel 2 garlic cloves and leave them whole. Put the onion wedges and garlic cloves in a roasting tin and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and toss to coat.
• Roast the onion and garlic for 25–30 minutes, turning once, until they are soft and golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them with a fork. Set aside the onion and garlic mixture.
• In a large jug, whisk together 4 eggs, 3 egg yolks, 300ml of double cream, 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, some chopped rosemary and parsley, and some salt and pepper. This is the custard mixture for the quiche.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Quiche

• Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to a 3mm thickness. Use it to line a 23cm loose-bottomed flan tin. Trim the excess pastry and prick the base with a fork. Chill the pastry case in the fridge for 15 minutes.
• Line the pastry case with baking paper and fill it with baking beans or rice. Bake the pastry case for 15 minutes, then remove the paper and beans and bake for another 5 minutes, until the pastry is golden and crisp.
• Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4. Sprinkle half of the grated cheddar and brie cheese over the pastry case. Spoon over the onion and garlic mixture and spread it evenly. Pour over the custard mixture and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
• Bake the quiche for 25–30 minutes, until the filling is set and golden. Let the quiche rest for 10 minutes before removing it from the tin and cutting it into slices. Serve hot or cold, with a green salad if you like.

What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Cheese and Onion Quiche Pie?

While Mary Berry’s Cheese and Onion Quiche Pie is a fulfilling dish in itself, pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate the overall dining experience. Here are some improved suggestions:

• Refreshing Green Salad: Assemble a vibrant salad with a mix of lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and avocado. Add a burst of flavor and texture with toasted nuts, seeds, or homemade croutons. Drizzle with a homemade dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper for a zesty touch.
• Artisan Bread Selection: Offer a variety of bread such as a crusty baguette, soft ciabatta, or tangy sourdough. Serve them toasted with a selection of spreads like herb-infused butter, fruit jams, or gourmet cheeses. A dipping option of extra-virgin olive oil mixed with aged balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of herbs can also be a delightful addition.
• Homemade Soup Pairings: Complement the quiche with a comforting bowl of soup. Options like rich tomato basil, creamy vegetables, or earthy mushroom soup can be great. Enhance these soups with a swirl of cream, a sprinkle of grated cheese, or a dash of fresh herbs for added richness and depth of flavor.
• Fresh Fruit Medley: Balance the meal with a fruit selection or a fruit salad comprising sliced apples, bananas, mixed berries, and seasonal fruits. Enhance the fruit salad with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of homemade granola for a refreshing end to the meal.

Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Cheese and Onion Quiche Pie

To ensure your quiche is as delightful as Mary Berry’s, follow these expert tips:

• Chilled Pastry: Use chilled butter and water for the pastry to achieve a flaky and crisp crust. Resting the dough in the fridge before rolling it out helps to prevent shrinkage during baking.
• Blind Baking: To avoid a soggy bottom, blind bake the pastry case with baking paper and weights like baking beans or uncooked rice. This step ensures a crisp base ready for the moist filling.
• Optimal Baking: Preheat your oven to the correct temperature and bake the quiche on the middle rack for even heat distribution. This placement helps in achieving an evenly cooked quiche without burning or undercooking.
• Filling Consistency: Be careful not to overfill the quiche. Leave a small margin at the top to prevent overflow during baking, and use a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips.
• Baking Duration: Avoid overbaking to prevent a dry and rubbery filling. The quiche is ready when the filling is set and golden, and a knife or skewer inserted comes out clean.
• Resting Time: Allow the quiche to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This resting period helps the filling to set and makes slicing easier.

Variations of Mary Berry Cheese and Onion Quiche Pie

Customize this quiche to suit your taste preferences with these variations:

• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as goat cheese, feta, blue cheese, mozzarella, or Emmental. A blend of cheeses can add a unique depth of flavor.
• Onion Alternatives: Explore using various onions like red, white, yellow, or green onions. Shallots, leeks, or spring onions can also be great alternatives. Enhance the onion mixture with garlic, thyme, or sage for an aromatic lift.
• Pastry Options: Feel free to use store-bought pastry like shortcrust, puff, or filo. For dietary needs, opt for gluten-free or whole-wheat pastries. Incorporate seeds, nuts, or herbs into the pastry for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

How do I store Mary Berry Cheese and Onion Quiche Pie Leftovers?

If you have any leftovers of this quiche, you can store them in the fridge or the freezer, and reheat them when you want to eat them again. Here is how to do it:

In the fridge

• Let the quiche cool completely before storing it in the fridge.
• Cut the quiche into slices and wrap each slice in cling film or foil, or place them in an airtight container.
• Store the quiche in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To reheat the quiche, unwrap the slices and place them on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4 for 10–15 minutes, until the quiche is hot and crisp.

In the freezer

• Let the quiche cool completely before storing it in the freezer.
• Cut the quiche into slices and wrap each slice in cling film or foil, or place them in a freezer bag or a container.
• Label the quiche with the date and the name of the dish, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• To reheat the quiche, thaw the slices in the fridge overnight, or in the microwave for a few minutes.
• Unwrap the slices and place them on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4 for 15–20 minutes, until the quiche is hot and crisp.

How do I reheat Mary Berry Cheese and Onion Quiche Pie?

To ensure your Mary Berry Cheese and Onion Quiche Pie retains its delicious taste and texture when reheated, follow these steps:

Oven Method (Recommended):

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This temperature is ideal for warming the quiche without overcooking it.
• Place the quiche on a baking tray. If it’s a whole quiche, you can leave it in its pie dish. For individual slices, place them on the tray spaced apart.
• Cover the quiche loosely with aluminum foil. This helps to prevent the top from browning too much and retains moisture.
• Heat the quiche for about 15-20 minutes. The time may vary slightly depending on the size of the quiche or the slice. The goal is to heat it through without drying it out.
• Check the quiche to ensure it’s heated through. You can insert a knife or a skewer in the center of the quiche to check if it’s warm in the middle.

Microwave Method:

• If you’re in a hurry, you can use a microwave, though this might slightly alter the texture of the pastry.
• Place a single slice of quiche on a microwave-safe plate.
• Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes. Microwave strengths vary, so start with a shorter time and add more as needed.
• Check if the quiche is evenly warmed. If not, continue heating in 30-second intervals until the desired temperature is reached.

Toaster Oven Method:

• Preheat the toaster oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Place the quiche slice on the toaster oven tray and cover it loosely with foil.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it’s heating evenly.

FAQs

Can I Make Mary Berry Cheese and Onion Quiche Pie in Advance?

Yes, you can prepare the quiche in advance. The pastry crust can be blind-baked and stored in an airtight container for a day or two. The filling can also be prepared ahead and refrigerated. If you assemble the quiche ahead of time, you can keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Additionally, the baked quiche can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheated before serving.

Is It Possible to Freeze Mary Berry Cheese and Onion Quiche Pie?

Yes, this quiche freezes well. You can freeze either the baked or unbaked quiche. For baked quiche, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. For unbaked quiche, freeze it in the pie dish until solid, then wrap it similarly and freeze. To bake from frozen, add extra baking time until the quiche is thoroughly heated.

How Do I Avoid a Soggy Bottom in My Quiche?

To prevent a soggy bottom, make sure to blind-bake the crust. This means partially baking the crust before adding the filling. Use baking beans or dried rice on top of the baking paper to weigh the pastry down. Also, ensure that your filling is not too wet. Cooking and cooling the onions before adding them to the mixture can help reduce moisture.

Can I Use Store-Bought Pastry for This Recipe?

Absolutely. While homemade pastry is recommended for its flavor and texture, you can use a store-bought shortcrust pastry as a convenient alternative. Just be sure to follow the blind baking steps as you would with homemade pastry to achieve the best results.

Final Words

I hope you enjoyed this article and learned how to make a cheese and onion quiche pie inspired by Mary Berry. This quiche is a classic and comforting dish that is easy to make and tastes amazing. It is also adaptable and customizable, so you can use your favorite cheese and add any extra ingredients you like.

Try this quiche today and let me know what you think in the comments below. If you liked this article, please share it with your friends and family.

Thank you for reading and happy cooking!

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