Save Celebrate the holiday season with these delightful Mini Quiche Christmas Trees—bite-sized savory pastries arranged to form a festive edible centerpiece. Perfectly golden and bursting with flavorful Gruyère, cheddar, and fresh vegetables, these mini quiches are sure to impress guests at any festive gathering, combining ease with elegance in every bite.
Save Crafted for simplicity and taste, these mini quiches bring together creamy cheeses, fresh veggies, and optional bacon inside flaky pastry shells. They bake quickly and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for busy holiday entertaining.
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
- 1. Preheat the oven
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease two 12-cup mini muffin pans.
- 2. Prepare the pastry cups
- 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.
- 3. Mix the filling
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth.
- 4. Add ingredients
- Stir in Gruyère, cheddar, spinach, bell pepper, bacon (if using), and scallions.
- 5. Fill the pastry cups
- Spoon the filling evenly into each pastry-lined muffin cup, filling almost to the top.
- 6. Bake the quiches
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the quiches are puffed and golden, and the centers are set.
- 7. Cool the quiches
- Allow to cool slightly in the pan before removing.
- 8. Assemble the tree
- Arrange the mini quiches in a tree shape on a large platter. Garnish with chives/parsley and scatter pomegranate seeds or extra diced red pepper as ornaments.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Be sure to thaw the puff pastry sheets well to ensure easy handling and proper flakiness. Use a lightly floured surface when rolling out pastry circles to prevent sticking. When filling, do not overfill the cups to avoid spillage during baking. Allow quiches to cool briefly before unmolding to maintain their shape.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and consider adding extra vegetables or vegetarian bacon alternatives. Feel free to substitute the Gruyère and cheddar cheeses with Swiss, Emmental, or mozzarella depending on your preference or availability.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these mini quiches warm or at room temperature as savory hors d'oeuvres. They pair beautifully with sparkling wine or a light white wine, enhancing festive occasions with their rich yet fresh flavors.
Save These Mini Quiche Christmas Trees effortlessly combine festive appearance with simple preparation, making them an ideal recipe for holiday hosts seeking elegant and satisfying appetizers. Enjoy the delightful flavors and the joyful presentation!
Recipe FAQ
- → What pastry works best for these mini bites?
Store-bought puff pastry is ideal for a flaky, buttery base that holds the filling well while baking evenly.
- → Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes, simply omit the bacon and consider adding more vegetables or vegetarian bacon alternatives to maintain flavor.
- → How do I arrange the mini quiches into a tree shape?
Arrange the baked mini quiches on a large platter starting with a wide base and tapering rows upward, decorating with herbs and pomegranate seeds for ornaments.
- → What cheeses complement the filling?
Gruyère and cheddar provide a rich, tangy flavor, but Swiss, Emmental, or mozzarella are excellent substitutes based on preference.
- → How long does baking typically take?
Bake the mini quiches for about 18–20 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until puffed and golden with set centers.
- → Are these suitable for party appetizers?
Absolutely, their bite-sized portions and festive presentation make them perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.