The Best Smoked Salmon Quiche Recipe Ever (Step-by-Step Guide)
Imagine biting into a slice of heaven – creamy custard studded with silky smoked salmon, fresh herbs, and melted cheese, all nestled in a buttery pastry crust. This smoked salmon quiche brings restaurant elegance to your kitchen with surprisingly simple ingredients.
Perfect for brunch gatherings or quiet weekend mornings, this recipe transforms humble eggs into something truly special. Much like our popular spinach and feta quiche, this version elevates your meal game effortlessly.
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What is Smoked Salmon Quiche?
Ever wondered why we call it “quiche”? This French beauty gets its name from the German “kuchen,” meaning cake – though it’s more like a savory custard pie that’ll make your taste buds dance! The combination of flaky pastry and creamy filling proves that the way to anyone’s heart truly is through their stomach.
With smoky salmon adding luxurious flavor, this dish transforms ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary experience. Ready to impress your family and friends?
Why You’ll Love This Smoked Salmon Quiche
Rich, Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home This quiche delivers the sophisticated taste you’d expect from a high-end brunch spot, but at a fraction of the cost. The smoky salmon pairs beautifully with creamy eggs and fresh dill, creating layers of flavor that develop with every bite.
Budget-Friendly Luxury Making this at home saves you serious money compared to ordering quiche at restaurants or buying pre-made versions. A small amount of smoked salmon goes a long way, and basic pantry ingredients do the heavy lifting.
Versatile and Impressive Whether you’re hosting weekend brunch, need an elegant dinner option, or want meal prep solutions, this quiche adapts perfectly. Like our beloved ham and cheese quiche, it works hot, cold, or at room temperature, making it ideal for any occasion.
Ready to create this showstopper in your own kitchen? Let’s dive into the simple steps that’ll have you serving restaurant-quality quiche in no time!
How to Make Smoked Salmon Quiche
Quick Overview
This elegant quiche combines the luxury of smoked salmon with the comfort of creamy custard, all wrapped in a flaky pastry crust. The beauty lies in its simplicity – basic ingredients transform into something special through gentle baking.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Serves: 6-8 people
The silky custard filling gets its richness from cream and eggs, while smoked salmon adds that distinctive smoky flavor. Fresh dill brightens every bite, and the buttery crust provides the perfect foundation.
Key Ingredients for Smoked Salmon Quiche
For the Pastry:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch) or homemade pastry
- 1 tablespoon butter for greasing
For the Filling:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 4 oz smoked salmon, flaked into pieces
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Pro tip: Choose quality smoked salmon – it’s the star ingredient that makes this quiche special.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your pastry and line a 9-inch quiche pan or pie dish. Trim excess pastry, leaving a 1-inch overhang. Fold the edges under and crimp decoratively. Prick the bottom with a fork, line with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
Blind Baking
Bake the crust for 15 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Remove weights and parchment, then bake for another 5 minutes until the bottom is set but not browned. This prevents a soggy bottom later.
Making the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk eggs until smooth. Gradually add cream and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. The mixture should be silky and well-combined.
Assembling the Quiche
Scatter half the Gruyère cheese over the pre-baked crust. Add flaked smoked salmon, sliced red onion, and capers evenly across the surface. Sprinkle with fresh dill and remaining cheese.
Final Baking
Pour the custard mixture slowly over the filling, allowing it to settle around the ingredients. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly. The top should be golden brown and puffed.
Cooling and Serving
Let the quiche cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the custard to firm up properly. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with extra dill if desired.
What to Serve Smoked Salmon Quiche With
Fresh Green Salad A crisp mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the rich quiche perfectly. Add cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and avocado for extra freshness.
Roasted Vegetables Try roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or colorful bell peppers. The caramelized edges complement the creamy quiche beautifully.
Beverage Pairings Champagne or prosecco elevates any brunch, while white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully for dinner. For non-alcoholic options, try freshly squeezed orange juice or herbal tea.
Breakfast Sides Serve with crispy hash browns, fresh fruit salad, or toasted bagels with cream cheese for a complete brunch spread.
Top Tips for Perfecting Smoked Salmon Quiche
Temperature Control is Key
Use room temperature eggs and dairy for the smoothest custard. Cold ingredients can cause the mixture to curdle or cook unevenly.
Prevent Soggy Bottoms
Always blind bake your crust first. This creates a barrier that keeps the pastry crisp even with the wet custard filling.
Don’t Overcook
The quiche is done when the center still has a slight jiggle. It will continue cooking from residual heat as it cools.
Ingredient Substitutions
No Gruyère? Swiss or sharp cheddar work well. Fresh dill can be replaced with chives or parsley. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble the quiche up to one day ahead and refrigerate unbaked. Add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator Storage Store leftover quiche covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight, making day-two slices even more delicious.
Freezing Instructions Wrap cooled quiche tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Methods For best results, reheat in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Microwave individual slices for 30-45 seconds, though the texture won’t be quite as crisp.
Serving Cold This quiche is delicious cold too! Perfect for picnics or quick lunches. The flavors are more pronounced when chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this quiche without a crust?
Yes! Pour the filling into a greased pie dish for a crustless version. Reduce baking time by about 10 minutes and check for doneness earlier.
What’s the best smoked salmon to use?
Choose cold-smoked salmon (not hot-smoked) for the best texture. Look for salmon that’s not too salty, as it can overpower the delicate custard.
Can I prepare this ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Bake the quiche completely, let it cool, then refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving, or serve at room temperature.
Why did my quiche turn out watery?
This usually happens when vegetables release moisture. Always pat smoked salmon dry, and if using fresh vegetables, sauté them first to remove excess water.
Can I use egg substitute?
For best results, stick with real eggs. Egg substitutes often don’t set properly in custard-based recipes like quiche.
How do I know when the quiche is done?
The center should be just set with a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan. A knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/8 quiche) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Cholesterol | 245mg |
| Sodium | 580mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 3g |
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
This smoked salmon quiche proves that elegant cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create a dish that’s perfect for everything from casual family breakfasts to sophisticated dinner parties. The combination of smoky salmon, creamy custard, and fresh herbs creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and refined.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or impressing weekend guests, this quiche delivers every time. The make-ahead friendly nature means you can enjoy the luxury without the stress, and the versatile serving options make it perfect for any occasion.
So grab your ingredients and get ready to create something special. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your family will be asking for this recipe again and again!