Deviled Crab Quiche
A savory crab and bacon quiche with a flaky homemade crust, rich filling, and a hint of spice, perfect for brunch or a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and chili powder.
- Cut in diced butter until mixture resembles bread crumbs.
- Add grated Cheddar cheese and mix well.
- Add cold water and mix to form a fairly firm dough.
- Knead gently on a floured surface and roll out to fit a 10-inch flan pan with a removable bottom.
- Press pastry into the pan and trim the edges.
- Prick the base with a fork and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until dry and golden brown.
- Fry chopped bacon for 3 minutes; add chopped onion and cook an additional 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix with flaked crabmeat.
- Spoon the crab mixture into the baked pastry crust.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, half and half, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the crab filling in the pastry shell.
- Set the flan pan on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the filling is set and the top is lightly browned.
- Can be served warm or cold, garnished with slices of tomatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, ensure your butter is very cold when cutting it into the flour. If you're out of Cheddar, you can substitute with Gruyère or even a sharp white cheese for a different flavor. Adding some fresh herbs like dill or parsley can elevate the crab filling. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider incorporating some diced jalapeños.
Serving Suggestions
Deviled Crab Quiche can be served warm or cold, making it a versatile dish for brunch or a light dinner. Pair it with a fresh garden salad or slices of tomatoes for a refreshing contrast. It also goes well with a glass of chilled white wine. For a hearty meal, serve alongside a slice of Any Day Meat Loaf.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the quiche in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, ensuring the crust remains crisp. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the crust soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deviled Crab Quiche contains roughly 488 calories, with 14g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value), iron (23% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 554mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the quiche crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crust a day in advance. After rolling it out, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to use, simply unroll it into the pan, prick it, and bake as directed.
What can I substitute for crabmeat?
If crabmeat is unavailable, consider using cooked shrimp or imitation crab for a similar texture and flavor profile. Alternatively, sautéed mushrooms can create a hearty vegetarian option while still complementing the quiche's richness.
How can I tell when the quiche is done baking?
The quiche is done when the filling is set and the top is lightly browned. You can gently shake the pan; if the center has a slight jiggle but is no longer liquid, it’s ready. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).