Hearty Pumpkin Goat Cheese Quiche: Your Ultimate French-Inspired Fall Recipe
As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, there’s no better time to embrace the comforting flavors of autumn. Our Pumpkin Goat Cheese Quiche is a culinary celebration of this beautiful season, blending the earthy sweetness of fresh pumpkin with the distinct tang of goat cheese. A staple in French kitchens, quiche offers endless possibilities, and this particular rendition quickly became one of our favorite French quiche recipes. Here in France, a well-made goat cheese quiche is a beloved dinner recipe, cherished for its simplicity and exquisite taste. By incorporating seasonal pumpkin, we elevate this classic to a truly fabulous Fall dish. Imagine: tender fresh pumpkin, creamy goat cheese, a sprinkle of crunchy pumpkin seeds, all encased in a buttery puff pastry with a rich egg and cream custard. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that perfectly captures the essence of autumn in every bite.
Pumpkin Goat Cheese Quiche: Your Seasonal Shopping List
To embark on this delightful culinary journey, here are the essential ingredients you’ll need. Each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures that make this quiche so irresistible.
- Fresh pumpkin (we recommend a small orange pumpkin like “potimaron”)
- High-quality goat cheese (preferably a fresh, creamy log)
- Pumpkin seeds (for garnish and a satisfying crunch)
- Ready-made puff pastry sheet (a time-saver for busy cooks)
- Eggs (the foundation of our rich custard)
- Cream (heavy cream or crème fraîche for a truly French touch)
- Salt and pepper (to season to perfection)
- Olive oil (for roasting the pumpkin)
- Fresh arugula (for serving, adding a peppery contrast)
Why This Pumpkin Goat Cheese Quiche Is a Must-Try
This savory quiche isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, especially during the autumn months. We adore this pumpkin goat cheese quiche for a multitude of reasons that extend beyond its delicious taste, making it a truly versatile and beloved recipe in our home.
- Effortless Preparation: It is surprisingly easy to make, even for those new to baking. With pre-made puff pastry, much of the hard work is already done, allowing you to focus on the fresh, vibrant fillings.
- Explosion of Flavor: It is packed with layers of flavor, from the sweetness of roasted pumpkin to the tangy zest of goat cheese, all harmonizing within a creamy, savory custard.
- Wholesome and Healthy: Loaded with fresh vegetables and protein, it’s a healthy and satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul. Pumpkin is rich in vitamins and fiber, while goat cheese offers a lighter, yet flavorful, dairy option.
- Delightful Texture Contrast: The sprinkling of pumpkin seeds on top adds a delightful bit of crunch, providing a wonderful textural counterpoint to the smooth, creamy filling and flaky pastry crust.
- Perfect for Entertaining: It is a simple yet elegant dinner to pull together if you have company. Its impressive presentation belies its easy preparation, making you look like a gourmet chef without the stress.
- Wonderful Leftovers: If making for two, you will have wonderful leftovers for lunch the next day. Quiche reheats beautifully, making it an excellent meal prep option.
We’ve been having so much fun developing new pumpkin recipes with pumpkins in season at the moment. The diversity of gorgeous varieties available provides a fantastic opportunity to experiment. For this particular pumpkin goat cheese quiche, we chose a small orange pumpkin, affectionately known as a “potimaron” here in France. Its sweet, nutty flavor and smooth texture make it an ideal choice, but feel free to experiment with other types like butternut squash or Hokkaido pumpkin for slightly different nuances in taste and texture.
A Nod to Tradition: The Rich History of French Quiche
The origins of quiche are deeply rooted in French culinary history, with the term “quiche” being used since the 1600s! That’s a considerable amount of time to perfect and create all kinds of delicious quiche recipes that have stood the test of time. While Quiche Lorraine is arguably the most famous, the French culinary landscape boasts an incredible array of quiche varieties. Beyond the classic bacon and cheese (Quiche Lorraine), you can find delightful vegetarian options (often featuring marinated peppers), broccoli and cheese combinations, and even “forestière” quiches made with chicken, mushrooms, and cream, to name just a few. This rich heritage underscores the versatility and enduring appeal of this beloved dish.
What I love most about making quiches is their incredible adaptability; you can truly add all kinds of different ingredients, and the result is almost always delicious. There’s also an undeniable sensory pleasure in the process. I particularly adore the scent of a quiche baking in the oven. It is truly heavenly and has a magical way of perfuming your entire home, creating an inviting and warm atmosphere. This pumpkin goat cheese quiche, in particular, fills your kitchen with a delightful, comforting Fall pumpkin scent as it bakes, signaling the promise of a wonderful meal.
Quiche recipes, much like other cherished dishes, tend to be passed down from one generation to another in French families, forming beautiful family cooking traditions. I cherish these culinary legacies that connect us to our past. In fact, the very first recipe I ever developed on my own was a quiche recipe! While that one was for a brie and garlic quiche (which is also incredibly yummy!), this pumpkin goat cheese version holds a special place, especially during the autumn. The tradition of sharing these recipes, along with the joy of cooking them, is truly a heartwarming experience.
A Festive Addition to Your Thanksgiving Table
With its vibrant colors and rich, autumnal flavors, we’re thinking this pumpkin goat cheese quiche may be an ideal recipe to make for our Thanksgiving dinner. It offers a sophisticated yet comforting alternative or complement to traditional holiday fare. The savory profile beautifully balances the typically sweet dishes found on a Thanksgiving table, and it caters wonderfully to those seeking a delicious vegetarian option. If you are looking for more Thanksgiving dinner inspiration, here are some ideas for you that pair perfectly or offer delightful variety:
- Creamy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
- Easy Lentil Salad with Beets and Goat Cheese
- Moist Zucchini Cake
- Classic French Pumpkin Soup
- Hearty Pumpkin Mushroom Bowls with Brown Rice
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Pumpkin Goat Cheese Quiche: The Recipe
This delicious pumpkin goat cheese quiche is filled with fresh pumpkin, tangy goat cheese, crunchy pumpkin seeds, all nestled in a flaky puff pastry with a creamy egg and cream custard.
Pumpkin Goat Cheese Quiche
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
5 from 1 review
Author: Alix and Hugo
Total Time: 1 hour 30 mins
Yield: For 4 people 1x
Description
Learn to make this simple + delicious pumpkin goat cheese quiche, a perfect blend of autumn flavors and classic French comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 400g of fresh pumpkin, peeled and cut into ½ inch cubes
- 80g of goat cheese, sliced or crumbled
- 1 tbsp of pumpkin seeds, plus extra for garnish
- 1 sheet of ready-made puff pastry
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (25cl) of heavy cream or crème fraîche
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for roasting
- Fresh arugula, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Carefully cut the fresh pumpkin into uniform ½ inch (about 1.25 cm) cubes. This ensures even cooking.
- Place the pumpkin cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking tray. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
- Roast the pumpkin in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the pumpkin is beautifully soft and can be easily pierced with a fork. Once cooked, remove from the oven and set the roasted pumpkin aside to cool slightly.
- While the pumpkin roasts, prepare your quiche mold. Line a 9-inch (23 cm) quiche mold with parchment paper, ensuring it extends slightly over the edges. (This is the quiche mold we love and use for perfect results.)
- Gently unroll your puff pastry sheet into the prepared quiche mold. Use a fork to make small holes (docking) all over the bottom of the dough. This prevents the pastry from puffing up excessively during blind baking.
- Cover the docked pastry with another sheet of parchment paper. To keep the crust from shrinking, weigh it down using baking beans or dried rice. Place in the oven and blind bake for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the cream, eggs, a pinch of salt, and a generous amount of black pepper until well combined and slightly frothy. This forms the rich custard base.
- After 5 minutes, carefully remove the puff pastry from the oven.
- Remove the baking beans and the parchment paper from the pastry shell.
- Evenly distribute the roasted pumpkin cubes and the sliced or crumbled goat cheese over the bottom of the partially baked pastry. Pour the egg and cream mixture over the fillings. Finally, sprinkle ½ tablespoon of pumpkin seeds over the top for added texture.
- Return the quiche to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the quiche becomes light golden brown on top and the filling is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Allow the quiche to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with a side of fresh arugula salad, and sprinkle with the remaining pumpkin seeds for a final flourish. Enjoy your homemade French-inspired Pumpkin Goat Cheese Quiche!
Notes
For best results and authentic presentation, we highly recommend using a high-quality quiche mold. This is the LE CREUSET QUICHE MOULD we rely on for all our quiches, ensuring a perfect crust every time. Additionally, for perfectly blind-baked pastry, these are our FAVORITE KITCHEN KRAFT BAKING BEANS.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: French
Explore More French Quiche Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed the delightful flavors of this pumpkin and goat cheese creation, you’re in for a treat! The world of French quiches is rich and varied, offering endless opportunities to explore different combinations and seasonal ingredients. Expand your culinary repertoire with these other fantastic quiche recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends:
Classic French Mushroom Quiche: A savory delight, rich with earthy mushrooms and a creamy custard.
Vibrant Mediterranean Quiche: Bursting with sun-kissed flavors like olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese.
Fresh Zucchini Goat Cheese Quiche: A lighter, summery option that perfectly pairs the delicate taste of zucchini with tangy goat cheese.
Discover Our Full Collection of French Quiche Recipes: Explore our extensive list for even more inspiration and ideas for your next quiche adventure!