Asparagus Quiche
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (150g)
- 1/2 tsp fine salt
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter – cut into small cubes
- 4 tbsp ice water
- 16 ounces asparagus – trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 each large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 4 ounces Gruyère cheese – shredded
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly ground
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions
- 1.
In a bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour and fine salt to combine.
- 2.
Cut in the unsalted butter with a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-size bits.
- 3.
Drizzle in the ice water, tossing just until the dough holds together when pressed. Form into a disk, wrap, and chill 30 minutes.
- 4.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Set a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom on a baking sheet.
- 5.
On a sheet of parchment, roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch round. Lift it into the pan, press into corners, and trim the edge. Prick the base all over with a fork, line with parchment, and fill with pie weights.
- 6.
Blind-bake until the edges are set, 15 minutes. Carefully remove weights and parchment; continue baking until the base looks dry and lightly golden, 5–8 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- 7.
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook until bright green and just tender, 2–3 minutes; drain and pat dry.
- 8.
In a bowl, whisk the large eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, kosher salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg until smooth; stir in the Gruyère cheese.
- 9.
Spread the blanched spears evenly in the tart shell, then pour in the custard, nudging to distribute evenly.
- 10.
Bake until the quiche is puffed at the edges and the center is just set with a slight wobble, 30–35 minutes. Cool 10–15 minutes before unmolding and slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Asparagus quiche is a savory French tart that wraps tender asparagus in a silky egg-and-cream custard inside a flaky butter crust. The custard is rich but balanced, with Gruyère adding gentle nuttiness and depth. The result is a contrast of textures—crisp-edged pastry, creamy interior, and delicate vegetable bite—that works for brunch, lunch, or a light supper.
Quiche as a form comes from northeastern France, particularly Lorraine, where the classic version traditionally features a cream-egg base. Over time, cooks across France and beyond adapted the template to seasonal produce like asparagus, a spring favorite. This variation highlights the vegetable’s freshness while staying true to French quiche technique: a shortcrust shell, blind baking, and a softly set custard.
