Hairy Bikers Filo Pastry Quiche Recipe
If you love quiche but want something lighter, you will enjoy this Hairy Bikers Filo Pastry Quiche Recipe. Most quiches use heavy shortcrust pastry. However, this version uses thin crispy filo sheets instead.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 sheets of filo pastry thawed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing
- 1 large leek thinly sliced
- 100 g baby spinach leaves
- 100 g smoked ham or cooked bacon optional
- 3 large eggs
- 150 ml semi-skimmed milk
- 100 g light soft cheese or ricotta
- 40 g cheddar cheese grated
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Tin
- Preheat your oven to 180°C or 160°C for fan ovens. Lightly grease your flan tin with a little bit of oil. Place the tin on a large baking tray to make it easier to move.
Layer the Filo Pastry
- Lay one sheet of filo pastry over the tin. Brush it lightly with oil. Layer the next sheets at different angles so the corners hang over the edges. This creates a beautiful, ruffled border.
Sauté the Leeks
- Heat a little oil in your frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and cook gently for 5 minutes. You want them to be soft and sweet but not brown or burnt.
Wilt the Spinach
- Add the baby spinach to the pan with the leeks. Stir for a minute or two until the leaves have wilted down. Squeeze out any excess liquid so the quiche does not become soggy.
Mix the Egg Filling
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and soft cheese together. Add the salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the cheese is well combined.
Assemble the Quiche
- Spread the leek and spinach mixture over the pastry base. If using ham, sprinkle it over the vegetables now. Carefully pour the egg and milk mixture over the top of the filling.
Add Cheese and Bake
- Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the top of the liquid. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The filling should be set and the pastry golden.
Notes
- Prevent sogginess: Always drain your cooked vegetables well before adding them to the pastry.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the ham and add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes instead.
- Pastry care: Keep unused filo sheets under a damp tea towel so they do not dry out.
- Spice it up: Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the egg mix for extra depth.
- Go Mediterranean: Use feta cheese and olives for a different flavor profile