These adorable Easter Puff Pastry Quiche Cups are a tasty treat! Flaky pastry holds a creamy egg mixture filled with veggies and cheese, making them perfect for brunch.
These little cups are so cute, you might just want to take pictures before eating them. I love how easy they are to whip up, and they disappear fast on the table!
Serving these at any gathering is a hit! Plus, you can fill them with whatever you have on hand, making them fun and flexible. Enjoy a tasty bite anytime!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This adds a flaky, buttery texture. If you’re short on time, pre-made pastry works perfectly. You can also use phyllo dough as a lighter option, but it won’t be as fluffy.
Heavy Cream/Half-and-Half: Both add creaminess, but you can use whole milk for a lighter version. For dairy-free, try coconut cream or cashew cream, but it may alter the flavor a bit.
Cooked Ham: Diced ham brings a nice flavor. You could substitute cooked bacon or turkey for a different twist. For a vegetarian option, use sautéed mushrooms or more veggies!
Cheese: Cheddar works great, but some favorites are feta for a tangy touch, or mozzarella for a milder flavor. Use any cheese you like or what you have on hand!
Spinach or Kale: Either adds a healthy green touch! You can swap them with other greens like arugula or Swiss chard, just make sure to cook and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.
How Do You Ensure the Puff Pastry Cups Are Perfectly Shaped?
Making puff pastry cups can be tricky if you’re not familiar. Here’s how to shape them nicely in your muffin tin:
- Thaw your puff pastry until it’s pliable, but still cold. This helps maintain its shape when baked.
- Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Make sure it’s even.
- Cut the pastry into squares that are slightly larger than your muffin cups. You want enough overhang to puff up.
- Gently press each square into the cups. Use your fingers to push the pastry up the sides, forming a neat cup.
Keep the edges slightly thicker to hold the mixture. This way, they’ll bake up beautifully and contain all the delicious filling!
How to Make Easter Puff Pastry Quiche Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Quiche:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach or kale, cooked and drained
- 6 asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into short pieces
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing muffin tin)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 20-25 minutes to bake. You’ll be enjoying these flaky, cheesy quiches in no time, perfect for any festive occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Muffin Tin:
First, turn your oven on to 375°F (190°C) so it gets nice and hot. While it’s heating, take a 6-cup muffin tin and lightly grease each cup with cooking spray or butter. This will help the quiche cups come out easily after baking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Next, roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. You’ll want to cut it into 6 equal squares big enough to fit into the muffin cups—make sure there’s some extra around the edges for it to rise up beautifully!
3. Shape the Cups:
Now, take each puff pastry square and gently press it into the muffin cups. Push the dough slightly up the sides to create a nice cup shape ready for all the tasty fillings.
4. Mix the Egg Base:
In a medium bowl, crack in the 4 large eggs and add the heavy cream (or half-and-half). Sprinkle in a little salt and pepper, and whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined.
5. Fill the Pastry Cups:
Time to get assembling! Evenly distribute the diced ham, shredded cheese, chopped spinach or kale, and asparagus pieces among each puff pastry cup. Make sure to fill them nicely, but don’t overflow!
6. Add the Egg Mixture:
Carefully pour the egg mixture into each cup, filling almost to the top. This will give you that delicious custard-like texture once they bake. Just be cautious so it doesn’t spill over!
7. Bake the Quiches:
Pop your muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the puff pastry to be golden brown and the egg mixture to be set and slightly puffed—that’s when they’re done!
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once they’re baked to perfection, take the tin out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make them easier to remove. Then, garnish your lovely quiche cups with sliced green onions for a fresh touch!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your festive Easter Puff Pastry Quiche Cups are ready! Serve them warm or at room temperature, and enjoy them as a delightful addition to your Easter brunch or as a yummy snack. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry?
Yes, frozen puff pastry works great! Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using it in the recipe.
Can I Make These Quiche Cups Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make them vegetarian, simply omit the diced ham and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor. You can also increase the amount of spinach or kale!
How to Store Leftover Quiche Cups?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through for the best texture.
Can I Add Different Fillings?
Definitely! Feel free to customize these quiche cups with your favorite toppings. Ingredients like cooked bacon, different cheeses, or assorted vegetables work wonderfully—just ensure the fillings are cooked and not watery before adding them to the cups.
