If you’re craving something both comforting and elegant, this Coronation Quiche Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining a flaky shortcrust pastry base with a creamy egg custard enriched by fresh spinach, broad beans, cheddar cheese, and fragrant tarragon, it delivers a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that feels luxurious but remains wonderfully approachable. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, this dish easily steals the show and will quickly become a treasured favorite you’ll want to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Coronation Quiche Recipe lies in its simplicity and balance of ingredients. Each component brings something special to the table, whether it is the buttery shortcrust pastry providing structure and crunch, or the fresh herbs adding a burst of aromatic flavor.
- 1 sheet shortcrust pastry: Using either homemade or store-bought pastry for a buttery, crisp base.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds moisture and lightness to the custard filling.
- 1/2 cup double cream: Enriches the filling for that creamy, luxurious texture.
- 4 large eggs: The essential binding agent creating the quiche’s custard.
- 1/2 cup mature cheddar cheese, grated: Offers a sharp, tangy depth that perfectly complements the greens.
- 1/2 cup cooked spinach, drained and chopped: Provides vibrant color and a gentle earthiness.
- 1/2 cup cooked broad beans (or fava beans): Adds subtle sweetness and textural contrast.
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped: Lends a distinctive anise-like flavor that brightens the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon butter (for greasing): Prevents sticking and adds a hint of richness to the tart tin.
How to Make Coronation Quiche Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Tart Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch tart tin with the teaspoon of butter to ensure the pastry doesn’t stick as it bakes and releases easily once cooked.
Step 2: Mix the Custard Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, double cream, salt, pepper, and fresh tarragon. This blend will create a luscious custard that sets perfectly in the oven, binding the flavors harmoniously.
Step 3: Blind Bake the Pastry
Roll out your shortcrust pastry to fit the tart tin, gently lining it inside. Prick the base all over with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking. Line the pastry case with parchment paper and fill with baking beans to blind bake for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment and beans, then bake for an additional 5 minutes until the base looks cooked and slightly golden.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables and Cheese
Evenly spread the cooked, chopped spinach and broad beans across the pre-baked pastry shell. Then sprinkle the grated mature cheddar cheese evenly on top, creating a deliciously melty layer.
Step 5: Pour in the Egg Mixture and Bake
Carefully pour the prepared egg, cream, and herb mixture over the filling. Bake the quiche for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and just set in the center. Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft, creamy filling.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Allow your quiche to rest for about 10 minutes once out of the oven. This step helps the filling firm up a little for clean, neat slices when serving.
Step 7: Time to Serve!
This Coronation Quiche Recipe is delightful served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any mealtime or gathering.
How to Serve Coronation Quiche Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like a few sprigs of tarragon or parsley sprinkled on top brighten the dish visually and add a fresh herbal note that complements the quiche perfectly.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a wonderful contrast in texture and flavor. Roasted seasonal vegetables also pair beautifully, making the meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a gathering, slice the quiche into small squares and serve on a platter with colorful edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch. Alternatively, try pairing with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon to elevate the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making each bite even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
This quiche freezes well and can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a low oven (around 325°F or 160°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Microwaving is fine for a quick fix but may make the pastry a little less crisp.
FAQs
Can I use another type of cheese in the Coronation Quiche Recipe?
Absolutely! While mature cheddar adds great sharpness, you can experiment with Gruyère, Emmental, or even a creamy goat cheese for different flavor profiles.
Is it necessary to blind bake the pastry?
Blind baking ensures your pastry base stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy from the custard mixture. Skipping this step might result in a less sturdy crust.
Can I substitute the broad beans?
Yes, peas or edamame beans can work nicely if broad beans aren’t available – just make sure they are cooked and drained properly before adding.
What if I want to make this vegetarian or vegan?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but for a vegan version, you’d need to swap out eggs, cream, and cheese for plant-based alternatives and possibly tweak the cooking times slightly.
Can the quiche be served cold?
Definitely! Coronation Quiche Recipe tastes fantastic both warm and chilled, making it perfect for picnics or packed lunches.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Coronation Quiche Recipe a whirl because it’s one of those dishes that brings people together over good food and simple ingredients. Its vibrant colors, creamy textures, and fresh flavors make it a winner every time. Trust me, once you master this, it will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen for any occasion.
Print
Coronation Quiche Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 9-inch quiche (serves 6)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This Coronation Quiche is a delicious savory tart featuring a buttery shortcrust pastry filled with a creamy custard of eggs, milk, and double cream, enriched with mature cheddar cheese, cooked spinach, broad beans, and fresh tarragon. Baked until golden and just set, it makes a perfect meal served warm or at room temperature alongside a crisp salad or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet shortcrust pastry (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 teaspoon butter (for greasing)
Filling
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup double cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup mature cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup cooked spinach, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked broad beans (or fava beans)
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch tart tin with butter to prevent sticking.
- Make the Custard: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, double cream, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh tarragon until fully combined and smooth.
- Blind Bake the Pastry: Roll out the shortcrust pastry and line the tart tin evenly. Prick the base with a fork to prevent bubbling. Line it with parchment paper and fill with baking beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the parchment and beans and bake for an additional 5 minutes to ensure a crisp base.
- Add the Filling: Evenly spread the cooked spinach and broad beans over the pastry base. Sprinkle the grated mature cheddar cheese on top to create a flavorful layer.
- Pour the Custard: Carefully pour the egg and cream mixture over the filling, ensuring it seeps evenly throughout.
- Bake the Quiche: Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is just set in the center but still slightly wobbly.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the quiche to rest for 10 minutes after baking to set completely for clean slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Blind baking the pastry helps avoid a soggy base, ensuring a crisp texture.
- Drain and chop the cooked spinach well to avoid excess moisture diluting the custard.
- Broad beans can be substituted with other cooked beans or peas if desired.
- Fresh tarragon adds a distinctive herbaceous flavor but can be replaced with parsley or chives if unavailable.
- Serve the quiche with simple sides like a green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
