West Coast Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Quiche

West Coast Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Quiche Recipe from Switzerland

Region / culture: Switzerland | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

This West Coast Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Quiche is a delicious and savory dish that is perfect for brunch or a light dinner. The combination of smoked salmon, cream cheese, and Swiss cheese creates a rich and flavorful filling that is complemented by a Parmesan crust. This quiche is sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

History

Quiche is a traditional French dish that originated in the Lorraine region of France. It is a savory tart made with a pastry crust filled with a mixture of eggs, cream, and various ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, and meats. The addition of smoked salmon and cream cheese in this recipe gives a West Coast twist to the classic quiche, adding a rich and smoky flavor to the dish.

Ingredients

6 oz (170 g) smoked salmon
4 oz (113 g) cream cheese
1 cup shredded swiss cheese
0.5 cup grated asiago cheese
3 eggs
1-0.5 cup light cream
0.5 tsp kosher salt
0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

Parmesan Crust

2 cups all-purpose flour
0.75 tsp kosher salt
0.5 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small bits
0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
0.33 cup ice water

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 425°F.
To make the crust, combine flour and salt in a food processor or mixing bowl.
Add butter and process or combine with a fork until small particles are formed.
Add grated Parmesan cheese and process briefly to combine.
If using a food processor, transfer the contents to a mixing bowl.
Add cold water and mix to make a ball of dough.
Sprinkle about 3 tbsp flour on a board and roll the dough into a 12-inch circle.
Transfer the dough to a 10-inch tart pan or quiche pan.
Lay a piece of foil inside and put dried beans inside the foil. This keeps the crust from puffing up when it bakes.
Bake the crust for 8 minutes.
Remove the foil and beans and bake for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool while making the filling.
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.
For the filling, spread crumbled smoked salmon over the crust.
Cut cream cheese into bits and scatter over the salmon.
Sprinkle with Swiss cheese and Asiago cheese.
Beat the eggs in a mixing bowl. Add the cream, salt, pepper, and dill. Pour into the crust.
Bake the quiche until golden brown and puffed, for about 40 to 45 minutes.
Let it stand for 15 minutes before serving.

Variations

Substitute the smoked salmon with cooked bacon or ham for a different flavor profile.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the filling for added vegetables.
Use different types of cheese such as cheddar or Gruyere for a unique twist on the recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to pre-bake the crust before adding the filling to ensure that it is cooked through and crispy.

- Use high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor in this dish.

- Allow the quiche to cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Garnish with fresh dill or chopped chives for a pop of color and added freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this quiche with a side salad of mixed greens dressed with a light vinaigrette for a complete and balanced meal. It also pairs well with a glass of white wine or a cup of hot tea.

Cooking Techniques

Pre-baking the crust ensures that it is cooked through and crispy.

- Beating the eggs with the cream and seasonings creates a light and fluffy filling.

- Allowing the quiche to rest before serving allows the flavors to meld together for a more cohesive dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use whole wheat flour for a healthier crust option.

- Substitute Greek yogurt for the cream cheese for a lighter filling.

- Use any type of cheese you prefer in place of the Swiss and Asiago cheeses.

Make Ahead Tips

This quiche can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator overnight. Simply bake it the next day for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the quiche with fresh dill or chopped chives for a pop of color. Serve it on a decorative platter or cake stand for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This quiche pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir. It also goes well with a side of fresh fruit or a mixed green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

380

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 24g

- Dietary Fiber: 1g

- Sugars: 1g

Fats

- Total Fat: 26g

- Saturated Fat: 14g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 17g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 22%

- Vitamin C: 2%

- Calcium: 22%

- Iron: 8%

Alergens

Contains: Dairy, Fish

Summary

This West Coast Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Quiche is a rich and flavorful dish that is high in protein and calcium. It is a great source of essential nutrients and is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Summary

This West Coast Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Quiche is a delicious and savory dish that is perfect for any meal of the day. With a rich and flavorful filling and a crispy Parmesan crust, this quiche is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy it with a side salad and a glass of wine for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for West Coast Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Quiche. It was a sunny summer day, and I was visiting my friend Emily on the west coast of Canada. Emily had invited me over for brunch, and as soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was overwhelmed by the delicious aroma of smoked salmon and cream cheese.

As we sat down to eat, I couldn't stop raving about how amazing the quiche was. Emily laughed and said, "Oh, it's just a little something I picked up from a local chef here in town. Would you like the recipe?" Of course, I eagerly accepted, and she handed me a handwritten card with the ingredients and instructions.

I couldn't wait to try making it myself back home. As soon as I returned, I gathered all the ingredients and set to work. The recipe was surprisingly simple, but the flavors were out of this world. The combination of rich smoked salmon, tangy cream cheese, and fluffy eggs was a match made in heaven.

I served the quiche to my family for dinner that night, and they couldn't believe how delicious it was. From that moment on, it became a staple in our household for special occasions and weekend brunches.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Each time I make it, I think back to that sunny day on the west coast and feel grateful for Emily's generosity in sharing the recipe with me.

As I continued to experiment with different variations of the quiche, I realized that the key to a perfect dish lies in the quality of the ingredients. I started sourcing locally smoked salmon from a nearby fish market and using organic cream cheese from a small dairy farm. These little changes made a world of difference in the final product.

One day, I decided to enter a local cooking competition with my West Coast Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Quiche. I was nervous as I presented my dish to the judges, but their smiles and compliments assured me that I had a winner on my hands. To my delight, I took home first place, and my recipe was featured in a local food magazine.

The recognition only fueled my passion for cooking even more. I started hosting cooking classes in my community, sharing my love for this quiche and other favorite recipes with eager students. It was a joy to see their faces light up as they took their first bite of the creamy, smoky quiche.

As the years passed, I continued to make the quiche for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties. It became a tradition that my grandchildren looked forward to, knowing that Grandma's famous quiche would be on the menu.

Now, as I sit in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the aroma of baking quiche, I can't help but feel grateful for all the memories and experiences that this recipe has brought into my life. It's not just a dish to me; it's a story of friendship, discovery, and love shared with those closest to me.

I hope that one day, my grandchildren will carry on the tradition of making this quiche and pass it down to future generations. As for me, I will continue to cherish each moment spent in the kitchen, creating something delicious and meaningful to share with the ones I love.