Quiche, a beloved French dish known for its rich, savory custard and flaky crust, has long graced tables around the world as a symbol of culinary elegance and comfort. The “Savory Turkey Quiche with Herbed Crust” reimagines this classic dish with a healthier and heartier twist, courtesy of lean ground turkey, an herbed pastry crust, and vibrant seasonal vegetables. Designed to be versatile and approachable, this recipe invites both novice and seasoned cooks to explore the art of quiche-making while indulging in a wholesome, flavorful meal.
At its core, quiche embodies the essence of French cuisine: simplicity elevated by quality ingredients and precise techniques. Traditionally, quiches like the iconic Quiche Lorraine rely on lardons, cheese, and a custard made from cream and eggs. However, this recipe takes a more modern approach, combining the richness of quiche with the health-conscious preferences of contemporary eaters. Swapping out pork for lean ground turkey reduces the fat content without compromising flavor, making it a guilt-free indulgence for any time of day.
The herbed crust is one of the standout components of this dish. Infused with earthy dried thyme (or your favorite herb mix), the crust transforms from a standard pastry base into a fragrant and flavorful foundation that perfectly complements the filling. While making pastry dough might seem intimidating, this step-by-step guide demonstrates that even those new to baking can achieve success with cold ingredients and a little patience. For an extra touch of refinement, consider chilling the mixing bowl and utensils to ensure a tender, flaky result.
The filling is a colorful medley of nutritious and flavorful ingredients, each carefully chosen to create a harmonious, balanced dish. The ground turkey provides a lean protein base, while the sautéed onion adds sweetness and depth. Baby spinach introduces a burst of vibrant green and a dose of antioxidants, while cherry tomatoes bring a subtle tanginess that cuts through the richness of the custard. The final decorative touch, grated Gruyère or cheddar cheese, not only enhances the quiche’s savory appeal but also lends a golden, bubbling finish to the top.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is its adaptability. Whether served warm for a leisurely Sunday brunch, as a lunchtime centerpiece paired with a crisp green salad, or as a light dinner accompanied by a glass of wine, this turkey quiche effortlessly transitions across occasions. It’s also ideal for meal prep—simply bake the quiche ahead of time, and enjoy reheated slices throughout the week.
The “Savory Turkey Quiche with Herbed Crust” is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience that bridges traditional and modern culinary philosophies. With each bite, you’ll savor the light, buttery crust, the hearty turkey and vegetable filling, and the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth custard. It’s a dish that tastes incredible and elevates the humble quiche into a centerpiece worthy of celebration. Whether you want to impress guests or treat yourself to a comforting homemade meal, this take on a French classic promises satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.
Savory Turkey Quiche with Herbed Crust
Ingredients
Pastry Crust
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - preferably organic
½ tsp sea salt
½ tsp dried thyme - or your favorite herb mix
½ cup unsalted butter - cold and cubed- 2 tbsp cold water
Filling
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup ground turkey - preferably lean
1 medium onion - finely chopped
1 cup baby spinach - roughly chopped
½ cup cherry tomatoes - halved
3 large eggs
1 cup heavy cream - organic preferred
½ tsp ground black pepper - freshly ground- ½ cup grated cheese - Gruyère or cheddar
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry Crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sea salt, and thyme. Add the cold, cubed butter, and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Gradually add cold water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together. Knead lightly, form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Filling: Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add ground turkey, cook until browned, about 7 minutes. Stir in spinach and tomatoes, and cook until spinach wilts. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Assemble the Quiche: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Fit it into a 9-inch quiche or tart pan. Trim the edges and poke the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. Partially blind-bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and black pepper. Spread the turkey mixture evenly over the crust. Sprinkle with grated cheese, and pour the egg mixture over the top.
- Cook & Serve: Return to oven and bake until the filling is set and the top is golden brown, about 30 minutes. Let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
