This Apple Cheddar Quiche is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for an elegant brunch or a cozy breakfast. Juicy, slightly tart apples are paired with sharp cheddar cheese and nestled in a creamy egg custard, all baked in a buttery crust. The contrasting flavors bring a unique twist to traditional quiche, making each slice both comforting and surprising. Whether served warm or chilled, this dish is a conversation starter and a crowd-pleaser.

FULL RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 medium apple (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
• 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup half-and-half or whole milk
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of ground nutmeg

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your pie crust in a 9-inch tart or pie pan and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork.
2. Blind bake the crust: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove weights and bake for another 5 minutes. Let cool slightly.
3. Sauté the apples and onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the apple slices and onions. Cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and apples are just tender. Stir in thyme. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble the quiche: Spread the apple-onion mixture evenly into the baked crust. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
5. Prepare custard: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Pour over the apple-cheese mixture.
6. Bake: Place the quiche in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes or until the center is just set and the top is golden. A knife inserted should come out mostly clean.
7. Cool and serve: Let quiche rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 310
• Total Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 130mg
• Sodium: 330mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 19g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 11g

Flavor Profile and Appeal

Apple Cheddar Quiche brings together the unique combination of sweet and savory in every bite. The tart sweetness of apples pairs wonderfully with the bold sharpness of cheddar cheese, offering a rich, multidimensional flavor that surprises and delights the palate. This balance makes it appealing to both adventurous foodies and comfort food lovers alike. Its complex flavor profile makes it an ideal centerpiece for brunch gatherings or as a sophisticated breakfast-for-dinner option.

Nutritional Highlights

While this quiche feels indulgent, it offers several nutritional benefits. Apples provide fiber and natural sugars, while eggs contribute high-quality protein and essential vitamins such as B12 and D. Cheddar cheese supplies calcium and fat-soluble vitamins, and the use of milk or half-and-half enriches the custard base with additional nutrients. With controlled portions and balanced ingredients, this dish can be a hearty yet nutritious option in moderation.

Perfect for Brunch Menus

This quiche is a brunch superstar, combining the elegance of a savory tart with the comfort of familiar flavors. Its ability to be served warm, at room temperature, or cold makes it flexible for brunch buffets or laid-back weekend breakfasts. Add a light salad, fresh fruit, or sparkling beverage, and you have a complete and memorable brunch spread that’s both refined and satisfying.

Ideal for Entertaining Guests

Whether hosting a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or a casual luncheon, Apple Cheddar Quiche is a show-stopping dish for entertaining. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, freeing you up to enjoy your guests. Its elegant appearance and gourmet flavor combination add sophistication to the table, while its cozy, familiar elements ensure that everyone—from kids to adults—will find it appealing.

Make-Ahead Convenience

One of the most practical advantages of this quiche is that it can be made ahead of time without sacrificing flavor or texture. You can bake it the night before and reheat gently in the oven before serving. Alternatively, assemble the quiche, cover it, and refrigerate it unbaked to pop into the oven the next day. This flexibility makes it perfect for busy schedules or early morning events.

Easy to Customize

This recipe is highly adaptable based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. You can substitute the apples with pears for a different sweetness or use a blend of cheeses for varied flavor. Additions like sautéed spinach, caramelized shallots, or diced ham can elevate the dish even further. Gluten-free crusts or dairy-free cheese alternatives also work well for guests with specific dietary restrictions.

Vegetarian-Friendly Option

For those following a vegetarian diet, this quiche offers a protein-rich, meat-free option that doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction. The cheddar provides savory depth that many vegetarian dishes sometimes lack, while the apple introduces a subtle sweetness that makes the dish unique. It’s an ideal vegetarian main course for brunch, lunch, or dinner.

Pairing Suggestions

When serving this quiche, consider pairing it with light, refreshing sides that balance the richness of the dish. A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette works beautifully, as do fresh fruit platters or chilled gazpacho. For beverages, sparkling water with lemon, white wine, or a brunch-time mimosa can elevate the entire meal experience.

Crust Tips for Success

A flaky, golden crust is key to a great quiche. Blind baking the crust helps prevent sogginess and gives it structure to hold the filling. You can use store-bought dough for convenience or make a homemade buttery pastry for a more artisanal touch. For extra crispness, consider brushing the crust with egg white before adding the filling.

Storage and Leftovers

Apple Cheddar Quiche stores very well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats well in the oven or microwave. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months—just thaw overnight and warm before serving.

Best Apples to Use

Choosing the right apple variety can significantly affect the final flavor. Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith offer contrast and hold their shape during baking. For a sweeter twist, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples add natural sweetness without becoming mushy. Avoid overly soft or mealy apples, which can compromise the texture of the quiche.

Seasonal Appeal

This quiche fits beautifully into fall menus when apples are at their peak, but it’s equally delicious year-round. During apple season, it highlights fresh, local produce, but thanks to the availability of apples and cheese year-round, it’s a versatile recipe for any season. Its cozy, rustic flavors make it especially fitting for autumn brunches and winter gatherings.

Serving Temperature

Apple Cheddar Quiche is delicious served hot from the oven, but it’s just as enjoyable at room temperature or even chilled. This makes it ideal for potlucks, picnics, and lunchboxes where reheating isn’t possible. The flavors meld beautifully as it cools, offering a different but equally satisfying experience with every serving temperature.

Great for Leftover Ingredients

This recipe is a great way to use up leftover ingredients like half-empty cheese blocks, extra apples, or pie dough scraps. It encourages creativity in the kitchen and reduces food waste. Feel free to experiment with small leftover veggies or herbs—quiche is forgiving and can handle many variations while still tasting delicious.

Kid-Friendly Option

Despite its gourmet flavor pairing, this quiche is surprisingly kid-friendly. The sweetness of apples softens the sharper cheese flavor, and the custard is smooth and creamy. Presenting it in slices like pie also makes it visually appealing and fun for children to eat. You can even make mini quiches in muffin tins for individual servings.

Holiday Breakfast Idea

This quiche makes an excellent addition to a holiday breakfast or brunch menu. It’s hearty, flavorful, and just special enough to feel celebratory. Whether it’s served on Christmas morning, Easter brunch, or a Mother’s Day gathering, the combination of sweet apples and cheddar cheese feels both traditional and unexpected, pleasing guests of all ages.

A Balanced Comfort Food

Apple Cheddar Quiche delivers comfort food satisfaction without going overboard. It combines creamy, cheesy richness with the light sweetness and freshness of apples, offering a balanced meal in every slice. Unlike heavier breakfast casseroles, it feels elegant and manageable, making it a go-to choice for those craving both flavor and a touch of refinement.

Conclusion

Apple Cheddar Quiche is much more than a novelty recipe—it’s a versatile, flavorful, and practical dish suited for all occasions. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, use up seasonal produce, or prepare meals ahead of time, this quiche delivers on taste, texture, and nutrition. Its ability to blend sweetness and savoriness sets it apart, offering a gourmet twist on the traditional egg pie that’s both comforting and creative.