The Ultimate Duke’s Mayonnaise Quiche: A Creamy, Flavorful, and Effortless Delight
Embark on a culinary journey with a truly exceptional recipe: Duke’s Mayonnaise Quiche. This dish, a standout discovery from the acclaimed *The Duke’s Mayonnaise Cookbook*, redefines what a quiche can be by ingeniously incorporating mayonnaise into both its delicate crust and its luscious, creamy filling. Forget your preconceived notions about mayonnaise in baking; this recipe transforms a humble condiment into a star ingredient, yielding a quiche so remarkably delicious that it will undoubtedly earn a permanent spot in your recipe repertoire. Its unique texture and unforgettable flavor profile make it a dish I’d happily prepare on a regular basis, much to the delight of any quiche aficionado.
Crafting the Perfect Mayonnaise Quiche Pie Crust
The foundation of any great quiche is its crust, and the Duke’s Mayonnaise Quiche elevates this element with a unique twist. This recipe calls for a generous half cup of mayonnaise, which ingeniously replaces traditional fats like butter or oil. The mayonnaise doesn’t just bind the ingredients; it plays a pivotal role in creating a crust that is both tender and distinctly flavorful. While the cookbook recommends using a food processor for ease and efficiency, don’t hesitate to mix the dough by hand if you prefer; the process is straightforward and yields equally excellent results. Simply combine the flour, salt, and mayonnaise until a crumbly texture is achieved, then gradually add cold water until the dough comes together. A little folding might be needed to achieve a cohesive ball.
The resulting dough is surprisingly easy to work with once it’s properly combined. Rolling it out is a breeze, making it accessible even for those new to pie making. The cooked crust presents a fascinating texture: it’s simultaneously reminiscent of a delicate shortbread or a crisp cracker, yet it still boasts a satisfying flakiness that’s characteristic of a well-made pie crust. It’s certainly a departure from the rich, buttery mouthfeel of an all-butter or shortening-based crust, but it offers its own distinctive charm and deliciousness. This mayonnaise-infused crust provides a subtle tang and an incredibly tender crumb, acting as the perfect counterpoint to the rich filling. It’s a testament to the versatility of mayonnaise, proving it’s not just for sandwiches and salads.
The Secret to a Silky Smooth Mayonnaise Quiche Filling
Beyond the crust, mayonnaise works its magic within the filling of this extraordinary quiche, contributing to an incredibly smooth and luxurious texture that sets it apart. Like many baked custards, this quiche is delightful when served shortly after it has cooled. However, for an even more profound experience, I highly recommend refrigerating the quiche overnight. The next day, you’ll discover that the flavors have melded beautifully, and the texture has smoothed out even further, achieving an almost velvety consistency. This phenomenon of “Day 2” deliciousness is common with quiches, and this mayonnaise version is no exception; it truly tastes better the following day as the ingredients fully settle and harmonize.
The mayonnaise in the filling doesn’t just add creaminess; it acts as an emulsifier, helping to create a stable, homogenous mixture that bakes up perfectly without curdling. It contributes a subtle richness and a delicate tang that brightens the overall flavor profile, complementing the other ingredients without overpowering them. This results in a filling that is deeply satisfying yet surprisingly light, a delicate balance that can be hard to achieve with traditional dairy-heavy quiche fillings. This innovative use of mayonnaise ensures that every bite is a smooth, flavorful experience, making it a sophisticated dish that’s simple to prepare.
Exciting Mayonnaise Quiche Flavor Variations to Explore
My journey with mayonnaise in recipes has taken me through many delightful paths, including numerous sweet and savory creations, but making quiche with mayonnaise was an unexpected and incredibly rewarding discovery. The versatility of this base recipe lends itself wonderfully to a myriad of flavor combinations, encouraging creative experimentation in the kitchen. For my next culinary adventure, I’m already envisioning a classic Ham & Cheese Quiche, where the savory ham and sharp cheddar would beautifully complement the creamy mayonnaise base. Alternatively, a vibrant Broccoli and Cheddar version, with tender florets and melted cheese, sounds equally appealing.
But why stop there? The possibilities are truly endless when you have such a versatile and flavorful foundation. Imagine a Mediterranean-inspired quiche with Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and a sprinkle of fresh oregano. Or perhaps a mushroom and Swiss quiche, with earthy sautéed mushrooms and nutty Swiss cheese nestled in the creamy filling. For a more decadent option, consider a spinach and artichoke quiche, reminiscent of the beloved dip, or a roasted vegetable medley featuring zucchini, bell peppers, and onions. The key is to select ingredients that complement each other and stand up well to baking. Always remember to pre-cook any vegetables that release a lot of moisture to prevent a soggy quiche. The subtle tang of the mayonnaise crust and filling will enhance whatever flavors you choose to incorporate, making each variation a unique and satisfying experience.
More Delightful Mayonnaise-Enhanced Recipes
If the ingenuity of Mayonnaise Quiche has piqued your interest in cooking and baking with mayonnaise, you’ll be thrilled to discover its incredible versatility in a wide array of other dishes. From moist and tender baked goods to savory treats, mayonnaise often adds an unexpected depth of flavor and a wonderfully soft texture. Here are a few more beloved recipes that harness the power of mayonnaise to create truly exceptional results:
- Chocolate Mayonnaise Cupcakes: Experience cupcakes with unparalleled moistness and a rich chocolate flavor.
- Mayonnaise Chocolate Chip Cookies: A surprising twist that results in wonderfully chewy and flavorful cookies.
- Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake with Sour Cream Frosting: A classic, incredibly moist cake made even better with mayonnaise.
- One Bowl Chocolate Mocha Cake: An easy-to-make cake that uses mayonnaise for tenderness and depth.
- Banana Muffins Made with Mayonnaise: Achieve incredibly soft and flavorful banana muffins with this secret ingredient.
Exploring a Gluten-Free Frittata Adaptation
For those seeking a gluten-free alternative, or simply a lighter version of this delightful dish, the cookbook offers an intriguing suggestion: transform the quiche filling into a gluten-free frittata. While I haven’t personally tested this variation yet, the concept is simple and highly appealing. Instead of pouring the filling into a prepared pie crust, you would simply transfer it to an oven-proof dish or skillet and bake until it’s perfectly set and golden. This method removes the need for a crust entirely, making it an excellent option for individuals with gluten sensitivities or those looking to reduce carbohydrates.
My plan is to experiment with a quarter batch of the filling, pouring it into my trusty 6.5-inch skillet. This smaller portion will allow for quick testing and fine-tuning of baking times and temperatures. The beauty of a frittata is its inherent flexibility; you can enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner. It’s also an excellent way to use up leftover vegetables or cheeses. I anticipate the mayonnaise will still contribute its signature creaminess and subtle tang to the frittata, creating a moist and flavorful egg dish. I’ll be sure to post an update with my findings and any specific tips or adjustments once I’ve had the chance to test it. Stay tuned for details on how to successfully execute this delicious gluten-free adaptation!
Recipe
Mayonnaise Quiche or Sun Dried Tomato, Feta & Spinach Quiche
Anna
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Mayonnaise Pie Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (approximately 260 grams, for a tender and unique crust)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, adds a subtle sweetness to the crust)
- ½ cup Duke’s mayonnaise (approximately 120 grams, crucial for flavor and texture)
- ¼ cup cold water
Mayonnaise Quiche Filling
- 1 tablespoon oil from a jar of sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced, for aromatic depth)
- 5 oz baby spinach (fresh, wilted for the filling)
- ½ cup julienned oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained, adds intense sweet-tart flavor)
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup mayonnaise (120 grams, for an extra creamy and smooth filling)
- ½ cup whole milk (120 grams/ml, for the custard base)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds salty, umami depth)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or adjust to your preference, the original calls for ½ tsp but ¼ may be better)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (for fresh, aromatic notes)
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 4 oz Feta or goat cheese (or use 2 oz feta and 2 oz mozzarella) (114 grams, crumbled for pockets of salty goodness)
Instructions
Pastry Crust Preparation
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Begin by preparing the unique mayonnaise crust. In the bowl of a food processor, pulse together the all-purpose flour, salt, and mayonnaise until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This process ensures the mayonnaise is evenly distributed. Next, gradually add the cold water, pulsing just until the dough starts to come together into a cohesive ball. If the dough seems too dry, add an additional teaspoon of cold water at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Gently shape the dough into a disk, then allow it to rest for 30 minutes at room temperature. Alternatively, you can shape it and chill it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it; if chilled, let it stand at room temperature for about an hour before rolling to make it pliable.
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Once the dough is rested, carefully roll it out on a lightly floured surface to fit into a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan. Transfer the rolled dough into the pan, gently pressing it into the contours. Chill the crust until it is firm, typically for at least 15-20 minutes, to prevent shrinking during baking. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line the chilled crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 12 minutes to partially blind bake the crust. This step helps ensure a crisp bottom crust once the filling is added.
Quiche Filling and Baking
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To create the savory filling, heat 1 tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, add the baby spinach and cook until it has completely wilted and any excess moisture has evaporated, typically 2-3 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the spinach mixture to cool slightly. Spread this sautéed spinach and garlic mixture evenly over the bottom of your partially baked pie crust. Arrange the julienned sun-dried tomato strips over the spinach layer, distributing them throughout the crust.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the large eggs, mayonnaise, whole milk, grated Parmesan cheese, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This combination creates the incredibly creamy and flavorful custard base. Carefully pour this egg mixture over the tomatoes and spinach in the pie crust. Finish by sprinkling the chopped fresh basil, ground pepper, and crumbled feta (or goat cheese, or a combination of feta and mozzarella) evenly over the top of the filling.
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Reduce your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Carefully transfer the quiche to the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. The top should be lightly golden. Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before cutting into wedges and serving warm. For an even smoother and richer texture, cool the quiche completely, then cover and chill it in the refrigerator until very cold (preferably overnight). When ready to serve the chilled quiche, you can reheat it gently in the oven or microwave, or simply cut and reheat individual pieces. Enjoy this uniquely creamy and delicious Mayonnaise Quiche!