Tired Of Using Pie Crust For Your Quiche? Try Tortillas

Whether you are hosting brunch, making breakfast for someone special, or simply want to treat yourself, a quiche is an impressive option that does not require much more effort than your usual scrambled eggs. That being said, not everyone wants to make pie dough from scratch and roll it out first thing in the morning or run to the grocery store to pick up a premade shell. For times like these, there is a single, unexpected ingredient that can save the day: tortillas.

If you do not already keep tortillas on hand at all times, this quiche hack will convince you to never be without them. Besides speeding up the baking process — taking you from craving quiche to eating it in a fraction of the time — using tortillas as a base instead of pie crust is an effortless way to make your meal gluten-free (just opt for corn) or dairy-free for anyone at the table with dietary restrictions.

Rather than fussing with a fragile unbaked pie crust, using tortillas for the bottom of your quiche is fast and foolproof. Depending on your preference, you can opt for flour or corn tortillas. Either way, layer the tortillas to completely cover your baking dish so that there are no empty spaces where the filling could seep through. If you are making small, single-serving quiches, this could just be one tortilla, but if you are using a regular full-size pie tin, you will probably need at least four tortillas.

Make sure to leave an inch or two of the tortilla hanging over the edge of the dish. If you keep this part away from the batter, it will get a nicely crispy texture and toasted flavor like tortilla chips when the quiche bakes in the oven. Pour your whisked eggs over the tortillas, adding in your preferred fillings, then bake as usual (about 45 minutes in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit). If you're worried about those tortillas burning, just wrap the edges gently in aluminum foil.

One of the great things about quiche is its versatility. You can throw in whatever you have already in your fridge and pantry, or opt for something more elaborate. In general, a classic combination involves some kind of vegetable plus some kind of cheese, like grilled asparagus and feta quiche. If you are in need of inspiration, you can draw on the two cultures that meet in the dish: Mexican and French.

To lean into the flavors that pair best with tortillas, add roasted corn, tomatoes, squash, or peppers into the filling of the quiche. You can top it with pico de gallo, cilantro, and slices of avocado or serve salsa on the side as a dip for the crunchy edges of the tortilla "crust." Alternatively, you can choose a more French flavor profile with ingredients like small cubes of brie and a sprinkle of herbes de Provence, served along with a salad of leafy greens.