Gorgonzola Apple Quiche: Your New Favorite Sweet and Savory Pie Recipe
Prepare to elevate your culinary experience with this extraordinary Gorgonzola Apple Quiche. Every single bite of this savory pie is a journey of flavors, combining the creamy, pungent notes of Gorgonzola cheese with the crisp sweetness of apples, the rich depth of caramelized onions, and a perfectly custardy egg filling, all nestled in a flaky, golden crust. This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a dish so uniquely delicious and comforting that you’ll find yourself craving it and wanting to bake it time and time again.
Crafting an Easy and Irresistible Gorgonzola Quiche with Apples
The genesis of this quiche was somewhat serendipitous. I distinctly recall pondering whether the bold, creamy nature of Gorgonzola would truly harmonize with the inherent sweetness and slight tartness of apples, all encased within a delicate, flaky pastry crust. It’s not a combination that immediately springs to mind for most, often evoking a sense of curiosity, perhaps even skepticism. However, once baked to golden perfection, the synergy of these ingredients transformed into something truly magical. The initial hesitation quickly vanished, replaced by an overwhelming delight.
Each mouthful delivered such an incredibly balanced and rich flavor that stopping at just one slice became an impossible feat. The complex interplay of savory and sweet, sharp and mellow, crunchy and creamy, creates an addictive quality. I can confidently assure you, that once you experience this unique blend, you’ll undoubtedly share the same sentiment and find yourself reaching for another piece. It’s a testament to how unexpected pairings can sometimes yield the most delightful results in the kitchen, turning a simple quiche into a gourmet experience.
The Magic Behind the Combination
What makes this Gorgonzola apple quiche so special? It’s the careful selection and preparation of each component. The Gorgonzola Dolce, with its milder, creamier blue cheese profile, offers a pungent kick without overpowering the other flavors. The apples, when baked, soften and release their natural sugars, providing a necessary counterpoint to the cheese’s savory depth. Caramelized onions add another layer of sweetness and umami, building complexity. And of course, a perfectly baked, buttery, flaky crust is the foundation that holds this symphony of flavors together. It’s a harmonious balance that makes this quiche not just a meal, but a memorable culinary event.
The Versatility of a Warm Gorgonzola and Apple Quiche
The journey to creating this delectable quiche begins with its foundation: the flaky crust. My preferred method involves blending cold butter, a pinch of salt, and ice-cold water with all-purpose flour. The key to a truly flaky crust is keeping the ingredients as cold as possible and working the dough minimally to prevent gluten development, resulting in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth base for our rich filling. This crucial first step ensures the structural integrity and textural delight of the entire quiche.
For the star ingredient, I opted for Gorgonzola Dolce. This particular type of Gorgonzola is renowned for its smooth, creamy texture and a rich, yet not overly aggressive, blue cheese flavor. Its nuanced pungency pairs beautifully with sweet elements, making it an ideal choice for this recipe. Cubes of sweet apple and finely sliced caramelized onion are then carefully folded into the mix, creating pockets of flavor that burst with every bite. The apples provide a refreshing sweetness and a slight textural contrast, while the caramelized onions add a deep, almost jam-like sweetness that complements both the cheese and the fruit.
Finally, a luxurious creamy egg mixture is poured over these delightful fillings, binding them together. The quiche then goes into the oven, transforming into a golden-brown masterpiece. While it’s utterly fantastic served warm, fresh out of the oven, its versatility truly shines. This Gorgonzola apple quiche is incredibly convenient for meal planning; it’s perfect to prepare in advance and can be easily reheated, or even served cold. I often enjoy it for dinner, savoring the comforting warmth, and then delight in a delicious slice for lunch the very next day. Its flavors deepen and meld even further after resting, making leftovers just as appealing, if not more so!
With autumn making its grand return and an abundance of apples from my own garden, this particular apple Gorgonzola quiche will be gracing my table more frequently. The season’s bounty perfectly aligns with the heartwarming essence of this dish. And you, will you join me in celebrating the flavors of fall with this exceptional quiche?
This exceptional recipe is thoughtfully adapted from the acclaimed cookbook, “Around my French Kitchen” by Dorie Greenspan, a treasure trove of delicious dinner recipes that inspire home cooks worldwide. Her culinary wisdom has undoubtedly contributed to the perfection of this dish.
Why This Quiche is a Must-Try
Beyond its incredible flavor, this quiche offers a wonderful balance of textures and temperatures. The tender, slightly crisp crust provides a satisfying base, while the creamy filling, dotted with soft apple pieces and melt-in-your-mouth Gorgonzola, creates a luxurious mouthfeel. The caramelized onions add a sweet, savory depth that grounds the entire dish. It’s a robust meal on its own, yet elegant enough to serve at a brunch or a casual dinner party. Its ability to be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or even cold makes it incredibly adaptable to any occasion and schedule.
Furthermore, the beauty of this recipe lies in its relatively straightforward preparation, making it accessible even for those new to quiche making. The steps are clear, and the reward is immense. Whether you’re seeking a comforting weeknight meal or an impressive dish to share with loved ones, this Gorgonzola apple quiche delivers on all fronts.
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📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
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Ingredients
Savory Pie Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- â…› teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup ice water
Apple Gorgonzola Quiche Filling
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, sliced finely and caramelized
- 2 eggs, large size
- â…” cup heavy cream
- 1 small apple, peeled, cored and sliced into small cubes (e.g., Gala, Fuji for sweetness)
- 2 ounces Gorgonzola cheese, Gorgonzola Dolce preferred, cut into small cubes
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
Savory Pie Dough Preparation
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In the bowl of a food processor or kitchen machine, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Pulse briefly to mix thoroughly.1 cup all-purpose flour, â…› teaspoon salt
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Gradually add the olive oil to the flour mixture while pulsing, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.¼ cup olive oil
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Continue to pulse, then slowly stream in the ice-cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough just starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix.¼ cup ice water
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Pulse a few more times until a cohesive dough ball begins to form. It should be soft but not sticky.
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Remove the dough, flatten it slightly into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. This chilling period is crucial for a tender, flaky crust.
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On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 10-inch (26 cm) diameter circle. Carefully transfer the dough to an 8-inch (20 cm) quiche dish.
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Gently press the dough against the bottom and sides of the dish, ensuring it fits snugly. Trim off any excess dough from the edges using scissors or a sharp knife.
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Prick the bottom of the dough several times with a fork. This prevents air bubbles from forming and keeps the crust flat during baking.
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Line the dough with a piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil, then fill it with baking weights (such as dried beans or pie weights). This step, called blind baking, helps prevent the crust from shrinking and becoming soggy.
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Return the prepared quiche shell to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour. This additional chilling helps the crust hold its shape even better.
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After the chilling period, preheat your oven to 390 °F (approximately 199°C). If you find your oven runs hot, you might consider 350 °F (approximately 177°C) for a gentler bake.
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Bake the quiche bottom with the weights for 20 minutes. Carefully remove the baking weights and parchment/foil. Continue baking for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown and looks dry. This ensures a crisp base.
Gorgonzola Apple Quiche Assembly & Baking
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While the crust is chilling and blind baking, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely sliced onion and sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and tender. This caramelization process brings out the onion’s natural sweetness, crucial for this quiche. Let cool slightly.1 tablespoon butter, 1 small onion
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream until well combined and smooth. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired, keeping in mind the saltiness of the Gorgonzola.2 eggs, â…” cup heavy cream
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Evenly spread the cooled caramelized onion over the bottom of the pre-baked quiche crust. Then, scatter the small cubes of apple and Gorgonzola cheese on top. Ensure a good distribution for balanced flavor in every slice.1 small apple, 2 ounces gorgonzola cheese
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Carefully pour the egg and cream mixture over the onion, apple, and Gorgonzola. Transfer the quiche to the preheated oven.
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Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the filling is set (a slight jiggle in the center is okay, it will continue to cook as it cools) and the top is beautifully golden brown. If the crust starts browning too quickly, you can cover the edges loosely with aluminum foil. Let the quiche cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to fully set.
Notes & Tips
2. Onion Perfection:
- For an added visual appeal and a slightly different sweet-savory note, consider using a red onion instead of a regular yellow onion. The subtle color variation will make your quiche even more enticing.
- The key to delicious onions in this quiche is thorough caramelization. Taking the time to slowly sauté the onion until it’s deeply golden brown and sweet is essential. This process enhances its natural sugars, creating a rich, mellow flavor that balances the tartness of the apple and the pungency of the Gorgonzola.
3. Storage & Make-Ahead Tips:
- Making Ahead for Fresh Serving: This apple Gorgonzola quiche is a fantastic make-ahead dish. You can prepare it the day before serving. Bake the quiche with the filling for approximately 25 minutes (just until mostly set but not fully browned), then allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Cover and store it in the refrigerator. The next day, reheat it in a preheated oven at 390 °F (approximately 199 °C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown on top.
- Short-Term Storage: A fully baked or half-baked quiche (baked with filling for 25 minutes, then cooled) can be stored in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 days.
- Freezing for Later: You can also freeze a half-baked quiche. Once the quiche has cooled to room temperature after its initial 25-minute bake, wrap it very well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, transfer directly from the freezer to a preheated oven (no need to thaw) and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40-50 minutes, or until fully cooked and browned.
4. Apple Varieties: While the recipe calls for a small apple, consider using sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji. Their firm texture holds up well during baking, and their sweetness balances the Gorgonzola beautifully. Avoid overly soft or mushy apple varieties.
5. Serving Suggestions: This quiche pairs wonderfully with a fresh, lightly dressed green salad. A glass of crisp white wine or a light-bodied red wine would also complement its flavors beautifully. It’s equally delightful for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.
Nutrition
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More Delicious Quiche Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting versatility of quiche, you’re in for a treat! This Gorgonzola Apple Quiche is just one of many delightful savory pies you can create. Here are a few more recipes from my collection that are equally satisfying and perfect for any meal:
- Caprese Quiche
- Chicken Quiche with Leek and Rice
- White Asparagus Quiche (Vegetarian)
From fresh spring vegetables to hearty chicken combinations, there’s a quiche for every season and every palate. Explore these recipes and discover your next favorite savory pie!