Description: These Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer or brunch item. Bursting with savory seafood flavor and cheesy goodness, these bite-sized quiches are perfect for parties, gatherings, or a special weekend breakfast. The combination of crab meat, shrimp, and cheddar cheese creates a rich and satisfying taste that everyone will love. They’re simple to prepare, customizable, and sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped into small pieces
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, depending on your preference)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole milk or 2% recommended for richer flavor)
- 1/2 cup diced onion (yellow or white onion works well)
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (red, green, or a combination for color)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds a nice depth of flavor)
- 1 package (1 sheet) of phyllo pastry, thawed, or 24 mini pastry shells
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
Step 2: Prepare the muffin tin. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the quiches from sticking and make them easier to remove after baking.
Step 3: Prepare the pastry. If using phyllo pastry, gently unfold the sheet and stack several layers on top of each other (about 6-8 layers). Lightly brush each layer with melted butter for added richness and flakiness. Cut the layered phyllo into small squares, large enough to fit into the muffin tin cups, with some overhang. If using pre-made mini pastry shells, simply arrange them in the muffin tin.
Step 4: Make the seafood mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined and slightly frothy. This ensures a light and airy texture.
Step 5: Add the remaining ingredients. Stir in the crab meat, shrimp, cheddar cheese, diced onion, bell pepper, salt, pepper, and paprika into the egg mixture. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the quiches tough.
Instructions:
- Place the pastry into the muffin tin. Gently press the phyllo squares into the prepared muffin tin cups, allowing the edges to overhang slightly. If using pre-made mini pastry shells, simply place them in the tin.
- Fill the pastry cups. Carefully spoon the seafood mixture into each pastry-lined muffin cup, filling them almost to the top. Distribute the crab and shrimp evenly among the cups.
- Bake the quiches. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the quiches are set and golden brown on top. The centers should be firm to the touch, and the pastry should be nicely browned.
- Cool and serve. Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the quiches cool slightly in the tin for a few minutes before gently removing them. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Note:
- To prevent the phyllo pastry from drying out while you’re working with it, keep the unused portion covered with a damp towel.
- If the pastry edges are browning too quickly during baking, you can lightly cover the muffin tin with aluminum foil for the last 5-10 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: These mini quiches are surprisingly simple to prepare, even for novice cooks. The steps are straightforward, and the recipe requires minimal effort.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of crab, shrimp, and cheddar cheese creates a rich and satisfying flavor that is hard to resist. The addition of onions and bell peppers adds a subtle sweetness and texture.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a brunch, attending a potluck, or simply looking for a tasty appetizer, these mini quiches are a versatile choice.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Try adding different cheeses, vegetables, or spices to create your own unique variations.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These quiches can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving, making them a convenient option for busy schedules.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream.
- Serve alongside a fresh green salad or a bowl of fruit for a complete meal.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or a sparkling beverage.
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as hot sauce, tartar sauce, or aioli.
Tips:
- Use high-quality crab meat and shrimp for the best flavor. Fresh seafood is always preferable, but frozen and thawed seafood can also be used.
- Don’t overbake the quiches, as this can make them dry and rubbery.
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk or add a tablespoon of cream to the egg mixture.
- If you’re using frozen phyllo pastry, make sure to thaw it completely before using it.
- To prevent the pastry from puffing up too much during baking, you can prick the bottom of the pastry shells with a fork before filling them.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, approximately)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 350mg (Note: Sodium content can vary depending on the ingredients used)
Conclusion:
These Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches are a delightful and crowd-pleasing recipe that is perfect for any occasion. With their savory flavor, cheesy goodness, and easy preparation, they are sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy these delicious bite-sized treats!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use canned crab meat instead of fresh or frozen?
A1: Yes, you can use canned crab meat in this recipe. Be sure to drain it well and pick through it to remove any shell fragments. Keep in mind that canned crab meat may have a slightly different flavor and texture than fresh or frozen crab meat, but it will still work well in the quiches. I recommend using a good-quality canned crab meat for the best results.
Q2: Can I substitute the cheddar cheese with another type of cheese?
A2: Absolutely! You can easily substitute the cheddar cheese with another type of cheese, depending on your preferences. Some good alternatives include Gruyere, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses. Each cheese will impart a slightly different flavor to the quiches, so experiment to find your favorite combination. For a spicier kick, you could even use pepper jack cheese.
Q3: Can I add other vegetables to these mini quiches?
A3: Yes, you can definitely add other vegetables to these mini quiches. Some great additions would be spinach, mushrooms, asparagus, or sun-dried tomatoes. Just be sure to chop the vegetables into small pieces and sauté them lightly before adding them to the egg mixture. This will help to soften them and prevent them from making the quiches watery.
Q4: Can I make these quiches ahead of time and freeze them?
A4: Yes, you can make these quiches ahead of time and freeze them for future use. Allow the baked quiches to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake the frozen quiches in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Q5: What can I serve with these mini quiches for a brunch or party?
A5: These mini quiches are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of accompaniments for a brunch or party. Some great options include a fresh fruit salad, a green salad with a light vinaigrette, yogurt parfaits, muffins or scones, and a selection of beverages like mimosas, coffee, or tea. You could also offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as hot sauce, tartar sauce, or aioli, for guests to customize their quiches.
