The lack of crust makes them a snap. A pinch of grated cheese in the bottom of each mini muffin cup forms a shell, and the eggs and filling set inside. I always eat a few straight out of the oven on the first batch, but they’re even better frozen and re-heated – crispy on the outside, with a warm, eggy middle.
My mother always kept trays of these frozen quiches on hand, filled with our favorite morsels — sausage, bacon, mushrooms and herbs. On a busy morning, or for company, she’d pop a dozen in the oven and turn out an effortless breakfast.
Crustless Zucchini and Basil Mini-Quiches Recipe
Makes 48 pieces; adapted from Fine Cooking Magazine
1/4 cup/38g/60ml cornstarch
1 1/4 cup/310ml whole milk
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
1 cup/250ml heavy cream
3/4 teaspoon/3.7ml kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon/.5ml nutmeg
Oil, for the pan
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 shallots, minced
2 small zucchini, grated
1/4 cup/32.5g grated Gruyere or Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, finely chopped
1/4 cup/38g/60ml cornstarch
1 1/4 cup/310ml whole milk
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
1 cup/250ml heavy cream
3/4 teaspoon/3.7ml kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon/.5ml nutmeg
Oil, for the pan
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 shallots, minced
2 small zucchini, grated
1/4 cup/32.5g grated Gruyere or Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, finely chopped
Heat oven to 450F/230C/Gas 8
Prepare Batter: Put the cornstarch in a medium bowl. Whisking steadily, slowly pour in 1/2 cup/125ml of the milk, mixing until quite smooth. Whisk in the whole eggs and egg yolks, mixing again until smooth, then gradually whisk in the rest of the milk, the cream, salt, and nutmeg. Use immediately or refrigerate, covered, for up to one day. If using the next day, be sure to re-whisk.
Prepare Zucchini Mixture: In a nonstick pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic and shallots and stir until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add grated zucchini, and stir until just softened, another 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
Oil mini muffin tins well. Put a pinch grated cheese into each muffin cup, a teaspoon/5ml of zucchini mixture, and pinch of chopped fresh basil. Pour 1 tablespoon/15ml of the batter into each muffin cup.
Bake until the quiches puff and start to turn golden, 15-18 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes and then carefully run a paring knife around the rim of each muffin cup. Carefully lift each quiche out of its cup.
Mini quiches freeze very well. Let cool, then freeze in a single layer in a covered container. Reheat on a cookie sheet in a 400 degree oven for about 5-10 minutes.
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