Sausage and Kale Quiche: A Flavorful Breakfast Classic
A golden crust and rich cheese-infused custard turn every slice into a morning treat.
Few dishes are as versatile, comforting, and crowd-pleasing as a quiche. Suitable for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, this sausage and kale quiche delivers a hearty mix of savory flavors, creamy texture, and crisp pastry. Infused with the richness of Gruyère cheese, wilted kale, and golden onions, this recipe elevates the humble quiche to gourmet heights.
What Makes Sausage and Kale Quiche Special?
- Balanced flavors: Earthy kale pairs beautifully with the robust taste of sausage.
- Creamy custard filling: Eggs and cream create a smooth, velvety texture.
- Cheesy goodness: Gruyère cheese adds a nutty, luscious dimension.
- Perfect any time: Serve warm or chilled for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated pie dough | 2 rounds (14-ounce package) | For the crust |
| All-purpose flour | As needed | For dusting |
| Salted butter | 2 Tbsp. | For sautéing |
| Bulk breakfast sausage | 4 oz. | Pork or turkey |
| Onion | 1, sliced | Yellow or sweet onion |
| Kale | 4 cups, chopped | Lacinato or curly kale |
| Eggs | 8 large | Fresh |
| Heavy cream | 1 1/2 cups | Can substitute with half-and-half |
| Kosher salt and black pepper | To taste | Seasoning |
| Gruyère cheese | 2 cups grated (about 7 oz.) | Other cheeses can be used |
| Green salad | For serving | Optional accompaniment |
Directions: Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the crust:
- Stack the two rounds of pie dough on a floured surface.
- Roll into a 12-inch round.
- Ease the dough into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Press gently and trim excess, crimp edges.
- Cook sausage and onion:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sausage; break up meat, cook until mostly browned (2–3 mins).
- Add sliced onion; stir occasionally until golden brown (10–12 mins).
- Add kale:
- Add chopped kale to the skillet.
- Cook, tossing, until wilted but bright green (approx. 6 mins).
- Prepare egg filling:
- Whisk eggs and heavy cream in a large bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked sausage, onion, kale mixture and grated cheese. Stir gently.
- Fill the crust & bake:
- Place the pie crust on a rimmed baking sheet. Pour in the egg mixture.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake until crust is barely golden and center is soft (about 45 mins).
- Uncover and bake until set and crust is golden brown (15–20 mins more).
- Let sit 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with a green salad if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Quiche
- Use deep-dish pie plate: Ensures enough room for all filling and custard.
- Roll crust generously: Prevents overflow and provides extra flakiness.
- Cook onions slowly: Caramelizing brings depth and sweetness.
- Wilt kale just enough: Retain vibrant color and texture.
- Let quiche rest before slicing: Allows custard to firm up for neat portions.
About Gruyère Cheese: The Star Ingredient
Gruyère cheese is a Swiss variety cherished for its creamy texture and delicately nutty flavor. Melting beautifully into egg custard, it provides that signature ‘gooey richness’ in classic French quiches. Gruyère pairs well with hearty greens (like kale), robust meats (sausage or ham), and sweet vegetables (onions or leeks).
Serving Suggestions & Variations
- Serve with: Mixed green salad, fruit salad, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread.
- Flavor swaps: Try spinach or chard instead of kale; swap Gruyère for Swiss or sharp cheddar.
- Meat options: Substitute sausage with bacon, ham, or vegetarian crumbles.
- Add-ins: Sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
- Crust alternatives: Use homemade pastry, store-bought dough, or try a crustless version for gluten-free option.
Nutrition Spotlight on Kale
Kale is a powerhouse leafy green packed with vitamins A, K, and C. It offers fiber, antioxidants, and a slight earthiness that balances the richness of eggs and sausage. Lightly wilted kale retains its color and nutrients while folding seamlessly into custard.
Quiche: Versatility at Its Finest
What others are reading
- Meal flexibility: Great for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner.
- Can be made ahead: Prepare the night before, reheat in morning.
- Easy to transport: A perfect option for picnics or potlucks.
- Leftover-friendly: Stores well for up to 3 days when refrigerated.
Quiche vs. Frittata
| Quiche | Frittata |
|---|---|
| Has a crust | No crust (egg-based) |
| Creamier, includes dairy (cream, milk) | Lighter, mostly egg |
| Baked in a pie plate | Usually started on the stovetop, finished in oven |
| Can be chilled and served cold | Best served warm or room temperature |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen kale?
Yes, you can use frozen kale. Thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before sautéing.
What can I substitute for Gruyère cheese?
Try Swiss, Emmental, or sharp cheddar for similar melting and flavor qualities.
How do I avoid a soggy crust?
Bake quiche on a rimmed sheet, don’t overfill, and allow it to cool before slicing.
Can I make quiche ahead of time?
Yes, cool completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or microwave.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Slices can be microwaved for quick breakfasts, or reheated at 325°F in the oven.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free pie crust or make the filling alone for a crustless option.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
- Freezing: Bake, cool completely, then freeze individual slices. Thaw overnight before warming.
- Storage: Keep covered in refrigerator up to 3 days; store salad separately.
- Portioning: Slice in wedges for easy serving size; perfect for meal prep.
Kale Recipes Inspiration
- Coconut Curry Shrimp with Potatoes and Kale: A crispy, flavorful dinner option.
- Mushroom and Kale Skillet Lasagna: Layers of pasta, cheese, and greens.
- Kale Salad with Salmon: Oven-roasted salmon atop fresh kale.
- Orecchiette with Butternut Squash, Kale, and Sausage: Hearty, wholesome pasta meal.
Expert Tips for Flavorful Quiche Every Time
- Use fresh ingredients: The best flavor comes from fresh sausage, vibrant kale, and just-grated cheese.
- Get creative: Vary vegetables, meats, and cheeses to suit your preferences or what’s in season.
- Don’t overbake: Bake just until the center sets; residual heat will finish the cooking.
- Let rest: Allow quiche to sit at least 10 minutes before slicing to maintain its shape.
Serving the Perfect Brunch
Pair quiche with light sides and beverages for a festive brunch menu:
- Fresh fruit (melon, berries, citrus)
- Light salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Scones or muffins
- Coffee, tea, or sparkling mimosas
Conclusion: Bring Quiche to Your Table
This sausage and kale quiche brings together comfort, nutrition, and elegance in one irresistible dish. With its crisp, flaky crust, creamy custard filling, and savory sausage and kale medley, it stands out as a perennial favorite—ready to satisfy any crowd and any occasion. Enjoy experimenting, sharing, and savoring each slice, making this recipe your own for breakfasts and brunches to come.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a35924854/sausage-and-kale-quiche-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a60270018/crustless-quiche-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g43920965/kale-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g43263692/quiche-recipes/
- https://apple.news/AnUz8MMZZS5Swu4bctFdTgg
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