Quiche, that savoury, custardy delight, has become a staple in British cuisine. From elegant afternoon teas to casual lunches, its versatility makes it a perfect choice. But what truly elevates a slice of quiche is understanding what to serve alongside it. This guide explores the best pairings, focusing on flavours and textures that complement this classic dish.
Understanding the Quiche’s Versatility
Quiche, at its core, is a baked custard in a pastry crust. The beauty lies in its adaptability. You can find quiches featuring everything from classic cheese and bacon (Quiche Lorraine) to vegetarian options brimming with spinach, mushrooms, and peppers. This wide range of fillings impacts the ideal pairings.
Consider the richness of the quiche itself. It’s generally quite creamy and rich, so accompaniments often aim to provide balance through acidity, lightness, or contrasting textures. Balancing the richness is key to a satisfying meal.
Salads: The Quintessential Quiche Companion
A fresh, vibrant salad is arguably the most popular and logical accompaniment to quiche. The lightness and freshness of a salad cut through the richness of the quiche, creating a delightful contrast.
Simple Green Salads
A simple green salad, featuring mixed leaves like rocket, baby spinach, and romaine lettuce, is a classic choice. The bitterness of rocket and the earthiness of spinach add depth, while romaine provides a crisp, refreshing element. A light vinaigrette dressing, perhaps with a touch of Dijon mustard, complements the flavours without overpowering the quiche. Simplicity is often best when pairing with quiche.
More Adventurous Salad Options
For a more substantial salad, consider adding roasted vegetables like bell peppers, courgettes, and aubergines. Their sweetness and slightly charred flavour pair well with many quiche fillings. Adding toasted nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, provides a welcome textural contrast. A balsamic vinaigrette or a lemon-herb dressing works beautifully with roasted vegetables.
Another option is a salad featuring seasonal fruits. Think sliced strawberries in the summer or segments of orange and grapefruit in the winter. The sweetness and acidity of the fruit will brighten the palate and contrast beautifully with the savoury quiche. Add some crumbled goat cheese for an extra layer of flavour and texture.
A salad with quinoa or couscous can add heartiness. These grains provide a nutty flavour and a satisfying texture. Combine them with chopped vegetables, herbs, and a light dressing for a complete and nutritious side dish.
The Importance of Dressing
The dressing is crucial. Avoid heavy, creamy dressings that will clash with the richness of the quiche. Instead, opt for light vinaigrettes, citrus-based dressings, or herb-infused oils. The dressing should enhance, not overpower, the flavors. Consider the quiche filling when selecting a dressing. For example, a quiche with smoked salmon might pair well with a dill and lemon dressing.
Soups: A Warm and Comforting Combination
Soup and quiche is a comforting and satisfying combination, particularly during colder months. The key is to choose a soup that complements the quiche’s flavour profile without being too heavy.
Light and Refreshing Soups
A light vegetable soup, such as tomato soup or courgette soup, is an excellent choice. These soups provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the quiche. Their acidity and lightness cleanse the palate, preparing you for the next bite.
A chilled soup, such as gazpacho or cucumber soup, is perfect for warmer weather. These soups are incredibly refreshing and provide a welcome contrast to the warmth of the quiche.
Heartier Soup Options
For a more substantial meal, consider a lentil soup or a minestrone soup. These soups are packed with vegetables and provide a hearty and nutritious accompaniment to the quiche. However, be mindful of the salt content, as both quiche and these soups can be quite salty.
Avoid creamy soups, such as cream of mushroom or cream of broccoli, as they can be too rich when paired with quiche. The combination can become overwhelming and lack the necessary balance.
Soup Presentation
Serve the soup in a smaller bowl than you would for a main course. This ensures that the quiche remains the star of the meal. Garnish the soup with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for added flavour and visual appeal.
Vegetable Sides: Adding Colour and Texture
Roasted vegetables, steamed greens, or even a simple vegetable medley can all make excellent companions to quiche.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds a slightly smoky flavour. Broccoli florets, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and parsnips are all excellent choices. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, herbs, and a touch of salt and pepper before roasting.
Steamed Greens
Steamed greens, such as asparagus, green beans, or spinach, provide a healthy and refreshing side dish. They are quick and easy to prepare and offer a vibrant contrast to the quiche’s richness. A squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness.
Other Vegetable Options
A simple side of buttered peas or sweetcorn can also be a delightful accompaniment. These vegetables are subtly sweet and provide a comforting flavour.
Ratatouille, a classic French vegetable stew, is another excellent option. The combination of aubergines, courgettes, tomatoes, and peppers provides a rich and flavourful counterpoint to the quiche.
Seasoning and Flavour
Consider the seasoning of the vegetables. Avoid overpowering spices or sauces that will compete with the quiche’s flavour. Simple seasoning with herbs, salt, and pepper is often the best approach.
Bread and Dips: A Rustic Touch
A crusty loaf of bread and a selection of dips can add a rustic and satisfying touch to your quiche meal.
Crusty Bread
A simple baguette or a sourdough loaf is an excellent choice. The bread can be used to soak up any leftover quiche filling or to spread with dips.
Dips
Hummus, baba ghanoush, or a simple tzatziki are all great options. These dips provide a creamy and flavorful contrast to the quiche.
Consider a homemade pesto or a tapenade for a more sophisticated option. These dips are packed with flavour and add a touch of elegance to the meal.
Avoid dips that are too heavy or creamy, such as mayonnaise-based dips, as they can be overwhelming when paired with quiche.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bread warm and crusty. Cut it into slices or wedges and arrange it on a platter alongside the dips. Garnish the platter with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.
Potatoes: A Hearty and Filling Option
For a more substantial meal, consider serving quiche with potatoes. However, it’s important to choose the right potato preparation to avoid overwhelming the dish.
Potato Salad
A light and creamy potato salad can be a delightful accompaniment to quiche, particularly in warmer weather. Use a mayonnaise-based dressing sparingly and add plenty of fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley.
Roasted Potatoes
Small roasted potatoes, such as baby potatoes or new potatoes, are another excellent option. Roast them with olive oil, herbs, and garlic for a flavourful and satisfying side dish.
Other Potato Preparations
Avoid heavy potato preparations, such as mashed potatoes or creamy scalloped potatoes, as they can be too rich when paired with quiche. However, a simple potato gratin, made with thinly sliced potatoes and a light cream sauce, can be a good option.
Seasoning Considerations
As with other side dishes, be mindful of the seasoning. Avoid overly salty or spicy preparations that will compete with the quiche’s flavour.
Charcuterie and Cheese: A Sophisticated Pairing
For a more sophisticated and elegant meal, consider serving quiche with a selection of charcuterie and cheese.
Charcuterie
Choose a variety of cured meats, such as prosciutto, salami, and chorizo. The salty and savoury flavours of the charcuterie pair well with the richness of the quiche.
Cheese
Select a variety of cheeses, such as brie, cheddar, and goat cheese. The different textures and flavours of the cheeses will provide a delightful contrast to the quiche.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange the charcuterie and cheese on a platter alongside the quiche. Add some crackers or bread for serving. Garnish the platter with fresh fruit, such as grapes or figs, and a drizzle of honey.
Pickles and Relishes: Adding Acidity and Zing
Pickles and relishes can add a welcome burst of acidity and zing to your quiche meal.
Pickled Vegetables
Pickled onions, gherkins, and beetroot are all excellent choices. Their acidity cuts through the richness of the quiche and cleanses the palate.
Relishes
Chutney, piccalilli, or a simple tomato relish can also be a delightful accompaniment. These relishes provide a sweet and savoury contrast to the quiche.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pickles and relishes in small bowls alongside the quiche. Allow your guests to help themselves and add them to their plates as they desire.
Fruit: A Sweet and Refreshing Finish
A simple fruit salad or a platter of fresh fruit can provide a sweet and refreshing finish to your quiche meal.
Fruit Salad
Combine a variety of seasonal fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and melon. Toss the fruit with a light dressing of lemon juice and honey.
Fresh Fruit Platter
Arrange a selection of fresh fruit, such as grapes, oranges, and apples, on a platter. Serve the platter alongside the quiche and allow your guests to help themselves.
Other Fruit Options
Grilled pineapple or peaches can also be a delicious accompaniment to quiche, adding a touch of sweetness and smokiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fruit chilled. This will provide a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the quiche.
Drinks to Complement Quiche
The right beverage can elevate your quiche experience. Consider these options:
- White Wine: A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the savory flavors.
- Rosé: A light and fruity rosé is a refreshing choice, especially in warmer months.
- Sparkling Wine: Prosecco or Cava adds a touch of celebration and cuts through the richness.
- Iced Tea: A refreshing iced tea, especially lemon or peach flavored, pairs well.
- Sparkling Water: A simple and refreshing choice, especially with a slice of lemon or cucumber.
- Coffee: A strong coffee, can balance the richness of the quiche, especially for brunch.
Consider the specific ingredients in your quiche when choosing a beverage. For example, a quiche with seafood might pair well with a crisp, dry white wine, while a quiche with vegetables might be better suited to a light rosé.
Ultimately, the best accompaniment to quiche is the one that you enjoy the most. Experiment with different pairings and find the combinations that you find most delicious. By understanding the flavour profiles and textures of different foods, you can create a truly memorable and satisfying meal. The key is to find what complements your palate.
What are some classic salad pairings for quiche?
A light and refreshing salad is a perfect complement to the richness of quiche. Consider a classic green salad with mixed leaves, a simple vinaigrette, and perhaps some toasted nuts or crumbled cheese. The acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness of the quiche, while the fresh greens provide a textural contrast.
Another excellent option is a tomato and basil salad. The sweetness of the tomatoes and the herbaceousness of the basil pair beautifully with the savory flavors of the quiche. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a touch of complexity and depth to the salad, elevating the entire meal.
Can you suggest any soup pairings for quiche, especially for colder weather?
For a comforting and warming meal in colder weather, soup and quiche make a delightful combination. A classic tomato soup, whether creamy or chunky, is always a good choice. Its acidity balances the richness of the quiche, and its warm, comforting nature makes it perfect for a chilly day.
Alternatively, consider a potato and leek soup. The creamy texture and subtle flavors of the leek complement the savory nature of the quiche without overpowering it. A sprinkle of fresh chives or a swirl of cream can add a touch of elegance to the soup.
What are some good side dishes besides salads or soups that go well with quiche?
Roasted vegetables are a fantastic side dish for quiche, offering both flavor and texture. Consider roasting a medley of vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini with herbs like thyme and rosemary. The sweetness of the roasted vegetables contrasts nicely with the savory flavors of the quiche.
Another excellent option is a simple side of steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon juice. The green beans provide a fresh and slightly crunchy element that complements the richness of the quiche. The lemon juice adds a bright acidity that helps to balance the flavors of the meal.
What beverages pair best with quiche? Should I choose wine, beer, or something else?
The best beverage pairing for quiche depends on the specific ingredients in the quiche, but generally, lighter and brighter options work well. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is a classic choice, as its acidity cuts through the richness of the quiche and complements its savory flavors. Sparkling wine, such as Prosecco or Champagne, can also be a festive and refreshing pairing.
If you prefer beer, a light and refreshing ale or a Pilsner would be a good choice. These beers won’t overpower the flavors of the quiche and offer a pleasant contrast. For non-alcoholic options, consider a sparkling water with a slice of lemon or a refreshing iced tea.
How can I adapt side dish pairings based on the specific type of quiche I’m serving?
The specific type of quiche you’re serving should influence your choice of side dishes. For example, a quiche Lorraine, with its rich bacon and cheese filling, pairs well with lighter, more acidic sides like a green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. This helps to balance the richness of the quiche.
In contrast, a vegetable-based quiche, such as one with spinach and mushrooms, can handle more robust sides. Roasted vegetables or a creamy soup would complement the earthy flavors of the vegetables. Consider the dominant flavors in your quiche and choose sides that either complement or contrast those flavors to create a well-balanced meal.
Are there any breakfast or brunch-specific pairings that work well with quiche?
For a breakfast or brunch setting, consider pairing quiche with classic breakfast sides. Fresh fruit salad is a refreshing and healthy option that provides a sweet contrast to the savory quiche. Berries, melons, and other seasonal fruits are all excellent choices.
Another popular pairing is breakfast potatoes, such as roasted potatoes or potato hash. These hearty sides provide a filling and satisfying accompaniment to the quiche. A side of crispy bacon or sausage can also be a flavorful addition, especially if the quiche does not already contain meat.
What are some unexpected or more adventurous pairings for quiche?
For a more adventurous pairing, consider serving quiche with a pickled vegetable salad. The acidity and tanginess of the pickled vegetables, such as pickled beets or cucumbers, cut through the richness of the quiche and offer a unique flavor contrast. The crunchy texture of the pickled vegetables also adds interest to the meal.
Another unexpected pairing is a dollop of chutney, such as mango chutney or apple chutney. The sweet and spicy flavors of the chutney complement the savory flavors of the quiche in a surprising and delightful way. This pairing works particularly well with quiches that have a mild or creamy filling.