Pin It A festive and delicious arrangement of bite-sized mini quiches, shaped into a Christmas tree—perfect as a holiday party centerpiece or appetizer.
I first made these mini quiches last Christmas and they quickly became the star of the party, loved by guests of all ages.
Ingredients
- For the Pastry: 2 sheets store-bought puff pastry (thawed)
- For the Quiche Filling: 4 large eggs, 3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk, 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, 1/2 cup (60 g) grated Gruyère cheese, 1/2 cup (60 g) grated cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup (60 g) finely chopped spinach, 1/4 cup (30 g) diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup (30 g) diced cooked bacon or vegetarian alternative (optional), 2 tablespoons finely chopped scallions, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- To Decorate: 1 tablespoon chopped chives or parsley, Pomegranate seeds or diced red bell pepper (for ornaments)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease two 12-cup mini muffin pans.
- Prepare Pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets if needed. Cut out 24 circles (about 2.5 inches/6 cm in diameter) and gently press each into the mini muffin cups.
- Mix Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Add Ingredients:
- Stir in Gruyère, cheddar, spinach, bell pepper, bacon (if using), and scallions.
- Fill Pastry Cups:
- Spoon the filling evenly into each pastry-lined muffin cup, filling almost to the top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the quiches are puffed and golden, and the centers are set.
- Cool:
- Allow to cool slightly in the pan before removing.
- Assemble:
- Arrange the mini quiches in a tree shape on a large platter. Garnish with chives or parsley and scatter pomegranate seeds or extra diced red pepper as ornaments.
Pin It This recipe always brings my family together during the holidays, everyone enjoys making and sharing these delightful bites.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm or at room temperature with sparkling wine or light white wine for a perfect holiday pairing.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven before serving.
Variations
Try alternative fillings such as mushroom and Swiss cheese, or add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Pin It These mini quiches add a festive touch and are sure to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of cheese works best in these mini quiches?
Gruyère and cheddar cheeses provide a rich and creamy texture, but you can substitute with Swiss, Emmental, or mozzarella according to your taste.
- → Can I make these quiches vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian bacon alternative and add extra vegetables if desired.
- → How do I create the Christmas tree shape?
Arrange the baked mini quiches closely on a large platter in a triangle formation, then garnish with chives, parsley, and pomegranate seeds to mimic ornaments.
- → What is the best way to store leftover mini quiches?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently before serving.
- → Can these be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the mini quiches ahead and reheat them before arranging and serving for convenience.