Sun Dried Tomato Quiche Recipe: Savory Crust Packed With Umami Bites

Breakfast & Brunch

Sun Dried Tomato Quiche Recipe: Savory Crust Packed With Umami Bites

This sun-dried tomato quiche recipe transforms a simple breakfast into a savory masterpiece with every bite. The deep umami flavor from sun-dried tomatoes creates a filling that's rich, tangy, and impossible to resist.

I developed this recipe after years of testing, ensuring the crust stays crisp while the filling achieves that perfect custardy texture.

The beauty of this quiche lies in its balance of textures and flavors—crispy crust, creamy egg mixture, and chewy sun-dried tomato bits that add depth. Using a combination of sharp cheddar and parmesan creates a cheese blend that melts beautifully while maintaining structure.

The secret to success is pre-cooking the sun-dried tomatoes to remove excess oil, which prevents a soggy crust.

What you'll end up with is a golden quiche that's perfect for brunch or a satisfying lunch. The sun-dried tomatoes add a sophisticated touch that elevates this dish beyond basic quiche, while the creamy filling delivers comfort food at its finest.

Serve with a crisp green salad or warm crusty bread to complete the meal.

This recipe works equally well with a store-bought crust or homemade, making it versatile for any kitchen. The filling comes together in minutes, and the baking time is hands-off, allowing you to focus on other preparations.

Whether you're feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a special breakfast, this quiche delivers restaurant-quality results every time.

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Difficulty
Medium
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Diet
Vegetarian
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Calories
Med Cal

Ingredients for sun dried tomato quiche

Six eggs, a creamy filling, and sun-dried tomatoes that steal the show.

Ingredient Amount Notes
Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil 🍅 ½ cup Drained and patted dry
Large Eggs 🥚 6 whole Room temperature preferred
Heavy Cream 🥛 1 cup Full-fat for richness
Whole Milk 🥛 ½ cup Warmed slightly
Sharp Cheddar Cheese 🧀 1 ½ cups Shredded, not pre-shredded
Parmesan Cheese 🧀 ½ cup Freshly grated from block
All-Purpose Flour 🌾 ¼ cup For thickening filling
Salt 🧂 1 tsp Kosher or sea salt
Black Pepper 🌶️ ½ tsp Freshly ground preferred
Nutmeg 🌿 ¼ tsp Freshly grated
Store-Bought Pie Crust 🥧 1 whole Or homemade crust
Olive Oil 🫒 1 tbsp For brushing crust
Garlic Cloves 🧄 2 cloves Minced for extra flavor

The sun-dried tomatoes are the star here, so look for high-quality oil-packed ones—none of that mushy, over-salted stuff. Trader Joe's and Whole Foods have the best selection, but any jarred brand works if the tomatoes are plump and oily. Drain them well and pat dry with a paper towel—this removes excess oil that would make your crust soggy. I always buy extra because they disappear fast in other recipes too. The sharp cheddar matters too—Kraft or Cabot are reliable, but if you've got a local cheesemonger, ask for something with real bite. The Parmesan? Grate it yourself—pre-shredded has anti-caking agents that ruin the texture.

No sun-dried tomatoes? Oven-dried tomatoes or even sun-dried tomato paste (thinned with water) works in a pinch. Short on sharp cheddar? Gruyère or smoked Gouda add different but delicious depth. The heavy cream can be swapped for half-and-half or whole milk, but the texture won't be as rich. Fresh nutmeg is ideal, but ground works at half the amount. For the crust, store-bought is fine—Pepperidge Farm or Whole Foods brand are solid choices. Making your own? Brush it with olive oil before baking for extra crispiness. The garlic is optional but worth the 30 seconds—it adds a subtle punch that balances the tomatoes.

This quiche keeps beautifully—3-4 days in the fridge, wrapped tightly. Reheat in 200°F oven for 15 minutes to restore crispness. For make-ahead prep, assemble the filling and refrigerate overnight, then bake straight from the fridge (add 5-10 minutes to baking time). The crust reheats best at a lower temp—300°F keeps it crisp without burning. Leftovers? Slice and freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • No-Fuss Assembly: Honestly, this quiche comes together faster than a microwave dinner. Just chop those sun-dried tomatoes (literally 2 minutes), whisk the eggs and cream, pour it in—done. No rolling crusts, no fussy layers, just a golden, cheesy mess that’s ready in 40 minutes.
  • Umami Bomb: That jar of sun-dried tomatoes in oil? It’s the secret weapon here. The salty, tangy burst from the tomatoes cuts through the richness of the heavy cream and sharp cheddar like a flavor upgrade. One bite, and you’ll forget about basic quiche.
  • Weeknight & Weekend: Between us, this is my go-to for lazy Sundays and busy weeknights. Slice it for breakfast, pack it for lunch, or serve it at brunch when your in-laws ask what’s for dinner. The creamy filling stays together, so it’s just as good cold as it is hot.
  • Leftovers That Don’t Suck: I make a big batch because the leftovers are actually good. The cheese stays gooey, the crust holds up, and it reheats without drying out. Plus, the cost per serving is dirt cheap—eggs, milk, and a handful of tomatoes stretch this quiche way further than fancy recipes.

Step-by-step instructions for sun-dried tomato quiche

Here's how to make a rich, savory quiche with bold sun-dried tomato flavor—crisp crust, creamy filling, and perfect texture every time.

1

Prepare the Sun-Dried Tomato Filling Base

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Remove the store-bought pie crust from its packaging and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Press it gently into the bottom and up the sides, creating a slight overhang. Trim any excess dough with kitchen shears if needed.

Brush the crust with 1 tablespoon olive oil using a pastry brush, focusing on the bottom and sides. This creates a golden, crispy base. Sprinkle the crust evenly with 0.25 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg. The flour helps absorb moisture and prevents a soggy bottom, while the spices add depth to the crust.

In a small bowl, combine the 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and patted dry) with the 2 cloves minced garlic. Set this mixture aside for now—it’ll form the flavor foundation of your quiche. Real talk: don’t skip draining the tomatoes well, or your filling will be too wet.

2

Build the Creamy Filling

In a medium bowl, whisk together the 6 whole large eggs, 1 cup heavy cream, and 0.5 cup whole milk until just combined—no need to overbeat. Add the 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 0.5 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.

Fold in the sun-dried tomato and garlic mixture, along with 0.5 teaspoon black pepper. The tomatoes should be evenly distributed throughout the filling. Here’s the thing—warm the milk slightly before adding it to the eggs. This helps prevent curdling and creates a silkier texture in the final quiche.

Spoon the filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly. The filling should come about ½ inch below the crust’s edge, allowing room for expansion as it bakes. If you’re worried about overfilling, it’s better to err on the lighter side—quiches puff up as they bake.

3

Bake for a Golden, Set Quiche

Place the quiche on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center—this ensures a creamy texture, not a rubbery one. The crust should be deep golden brown, almost toasted in spots.

About 10 minutes before the quiche is done, sprinkle the top with a little extra shredded cheddar cheese for a melted, bubbly finish. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the center finishes baking.

Let the quiche cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the filling to fully set and makes it easier to serve clean slices. The contrast of the crisp, golden crust with the creamy, umami-packed filling is what makes this quiche irresistible.

4

Serve Warm or Room Temperature

Slice the quiche into 6 equal wedges using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Serve warm straight from the oven for the best texture, or let it cool to room temperature for a cleaner, more elegant presentation. Pair it with a simple arugula salad or crusty bread to balance the richness.

This quiche keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. The flavors only get better as it sits, so leftovers are a bonus!

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Pro Tips For Making Sun Dried Tomato Quiche

  • Drain and Pat Those Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes in oil are sneaky moisture traps—skip draining, and your quiche filling will turn into a soggy mess. Spread them on a paper towel, press gently with another towel, and let them sit for 10 minutes. (Yes, even if you’re impatient like me.)
  • Blind-Bake the Crust First: I learned this the hard way—skipping the blind bake means a gummy, undercooked crust that soaks up all the custard. Weigh down the crust with pie weights or dried beans, bake at 375°F for 15 minutes, then remove weights and bake 5 more. That crispy base is non-negotiable.
  • Whisk the Eggs Like You Mean It: Lumpy custard = rubbery quiche. Whisk eggs, cream, and milk until the mixture is thick, glossy, and leaves a trail when you drag your finger through it. No food processor? A hand mixer works, but elbow grease does the job too—just don’t rush it.
  • Cheese in Layers, Not Dumps: Tossing shredded cheddar straight into the filling? That’s how you end up with clumps and uneven melting. Sprinkle half the cheese over the tomatoes first, then pour the custard, and finish with the rest on top. The heat will pull it together perfectly—no scrambling required.

Serving suggestions for this dish

Salad Pairings

Start with a simple arugula salad—toss 4 cups baby arugula with 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and a pinch of flaky sea salt. The peppery bite cuts through the quiche's richness beautifully.

For a warmer option, try a roasted beet salad with 1 cup sliced beets, ½ cup crumbled goat cheese, and walnuts for crunch. This adds a sweet contrast that balances the sun-dried tomatoes' umami. 🥗

Bread Sides

A crusty baguette is my go-to—slice it into ½-inch pieces, brush with garlic butter, and toast until golden. The crispy texture soaks up any leftover quiche juices perfectly. For something heartier, serve with sourdough toast topped with whipped goat cheese and a drizzle of honey.

The tangy cheese and sweet honey create a perfect harmony with the savory quiche. 🥖

Wine Pairings

For a crisp match, pour a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc from California or New Zealand. The citrus notes complement the sun-dried tomatoes' tanginess. If you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir with its bright acidity works wonders.

Avoid heavy, oaky wines—they'll overpower the delicate flavors. Pro tip: Chill your white wine to 45-50°F for the best experience. 🍷

Coffee & Tea

Pair your quiche with a medium-roast coffee—the bitterness balances the richness of the cheese. I love a flat white or cappuccino for a creamy contrast.

For tea lovers, an earl grey with its bergamot notes adds a refreshing twist. Avoid overly sweet drinks—they can make the quiche taste heavy. ☕

Make It a Meal

Turn this into a full brunch spread by adding grilled asparagus with lemon zest and crispy prosciutto. The smoky prosciutto adds another layer of flavor that ties everything together.

For a vegetarian twist, swap the prosciutto for marinated artichoke hearts. This makes the meal hearty enough for lunch or dinner too. 🌟

Nutrition facts

Servings 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories 470kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 36g46%
Saturated Fat 22g110%
Cholesterol 310mg103%
Sodium 890mg39%
Total Carbohydrate 18g6%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 4g
Protein 24g48%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Frequently asked questions

1

Can I make this quiche ahead of time?

Assemble the filling and refrigerate it overnight in the crust. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the 40-45 minute baking time. The flavors actually deepen when made ahead, and it reheats beautifully. Wrap leftovers tightly—they keep for 3-4 days in the fridge.

2

What if I don't have sun-dried tomatoes?

Use oven-dried tomatoes or sun-dried tomato paste (thinned with water) as substitutes. For a different flavor, try diced roasted red peppers or kalamata olives. The key is maintaining that umami depth—just adjust seasoning if needed. The garlic is non-negotiable though!

3

Why did my crust get soggy?

This usually happens when the filling is too wet or the crust isn't pre-baked. Always drain and pat dry your sun-dried tomatoes thoroughly. For extra insurance, blind-bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding filling. The flour sprinkle on the crust bottom also helps absorb moisture.

4

Is this quiche vegetarian?

Yes—it contains no meat but does include dairy (cheese, cream) and eggs. For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with a flax egg mixture and use dairy-free cheese and cream. The sun-dried tomatoes remain the star flavor component regardless of dietary adjustments.

5

How do I reheat leftovers without drying out the crust?

Cover the quiche with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. The foil traps moisture while the oven gently reheats. For microwave reheating, cover with a damp paper towel and heat for 30-45 seconds—this keeps the filling creamy but may soften the crust slightly.

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Categories Breakfast & Brunch