Mini Quiche

The Perfect Appetizer: Mini Quiche with Ham, Cheese, and Olives

If you are looking for a refined yet easy-to-make appetizer, mini quiches are the ideal choice. These delicious savory tarts, with a perfect texture and varied fillings, are an excellent choice for parties, brunches, or even a light dinner. In this recipe, we will explore how to make mini quiche with ham, cheese, and olives, a delightful combination that is sure to impress anyone who tastes it.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12 mini quiches

Necessary ingredients:
For the dough:
- 75 g of cold butter, diced
- 150 g of flour
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 3 tablespoons of cold water

For the filling:
- 200 g of cheese (feta, cheddar, or any preferred type)
- 3-4 eggs
- 100 g of sour cream
- 200 g of ham, diced
- 100 g of olives, chopped
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tomato, sliced (optional, for decoration)
- Oregano, to taste
- Pepper, to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by mixing the cold diced butter with the flour and salt in a large bowl. Use your fingers to work the ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly, similar to small rice grains. This technique will ensure a tender and delicious dough. It is important to use cold butter, as it will help achieve the ideal texture of the dough.

2. Adding water:
Add the 3 tablespoons of cold water and mix well until everything is combined. If you feel that the dough is too dry, you can add an extra tablespoon of water, but be careful not to overdo it. The dough should not be sticky.

3. Forming the dough:
Divide the dough into four pieces and roll each piece with a rolling pin, being careful not to break it. You should obtain discs about 5 mm thick. Place each disc in the tart molds, ensuring that the dough rises along the edges. This step is essential for achieving beautifully shaped mini quiches.

4. Preparing the dough for baking:
Use a fork to poke holes in the dough here and there. This will prevent it from puffing up during baking. Place the dough-filled molds in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.

5. Preparing the filling:
Meanwhile, in a bowl, beat the eggs together with the sour cream and a pinch of salt. Add the diced ham, chopped olives, chopped parsley, and the chosen cheese. Mix well so that all ingredients are well integrated. This is the moment when you can let your creativity shine! You can also add other ingredients, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach, to create a customized filling.

6. Baking the dough:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Once the dough has cooled and firmed up, remove the molds from the refrigerator. Place a piece of parchment paper on each dough and add some weights (beans or rice) to prevent the dough from puffing. Bake for 20 minutes on low heat until the dough is golden and crispy.

7. Filling and finishing the mini quiches:
After the dough is baked, remove the molds from the oven and carefully remove the parchment paper. Fill each mold with the egg and cheese mixture. On top, you can add a thin slice of tomato and sprinkle oregano if desired. This detail will add extra flavor and an appealing look to the dish.

8. Final baking:
Put the mini quiches back in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes on low heat until the filling is set and lightly golden on top. Let them cool slightly before removing them from the molds.

Serving:
These mini quiches are excellent both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them alongside a fresh salad or with a yogurt sauce flavored with garlic and dill. You can pair the dish with a glass of white wine or iced tea for a pleasant contrast of flavors.

Nutritional benefits:
Mini quiches are a good source of protein due to the eggs and cheese, while the olives provide healthy fats and antioxidants. Additionally, adding fresh vegetables, such as tomatoes or parsley, enriches the dish with essential vitamins.

Possible variations:
You can experiment with different types of cheese or meats, such as bacon, chicken, or grilled vegetables. If you want a vegetarian option, you can omit the meat and add mushrooms, leeks, or even zucchini.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, you can use store-bought pastry dough to save time. Just make sure to choose a quality dough.

2. How can I store mini quiches?
They can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven before serving.

3. Can I freeze mini quiches?
Yes, you can freeze baked mini quiches. Make sure to let them cool completely, then wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container.

Surely, these mini quiches with ham, cheese, and olives will become a favorite among your loved ones. So, don’t hesitate and get cooking! This recipe is not only simple but also offers the opportunity to explore delicious combinations. Try it and enjoy the moment when the sight of these appetizing tarts will bring a smile to your face!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 75g of butter, 150g of flour, half a teaspoon of salt, 3 tablespoons of water. For the filling: 200g of cheese (fresh cheese, cheese, telemea), 3-4 eggs, chopped olives, parsley, 200g of ham, 100g of sour cream, sliced tomatoes, oregano, pepper.

 Tags:  mini quiche appetizer