Individual Tortilla Quiches: A Brunch Favorite Reimagined

I remember the first time I encountered these delightful little quiches. It was at a bustling farmer’s market brunch, a vibrant scene filled with the aroma of coffee and freshly baked goods. Amidst the usual pastries and omelets, I spotted a tray of these perfectly formed, golden-topped delights. Each one was cradled in a delicate, edible tortilla shell, a charming presentation that immediately piqued my interest. The texture was surprising – a crisp edge from the tortilla giving way to a tender, flavorful filling. It was a clever fusion, a way to enjoy all the comforting richness of a quiche with a playful, dippable twist. Since then, they’ve become a regular feature in my own brunch repertoire, a testament to their simple elegance and crowd-pleasing appeal.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes – 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 6 individual quiches
• Dietary Type: Adaptable (can be made vegetarian)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these individual tortilla quiches:

• 6 (8-inch) flour tortillas
• 4 large eggs
• 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cooked ham, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon or 1/2 cup cooked sausage, crumbled
• 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup Swiss cheese, finely grated
• Salsa, for serving (optional)
• Sour cream, for serving (optional)

Notes on Ingredients:

• Tortillas: Standard 8-inch flour tortillas work best for creating a vessel that holds its shape and provides a pleasant chew.
• Proteins: The ham, bacon, and sausage add a savory depth. Feel free to omit them for a delicious vegetarian quiche, or substitute with other cooked breakfast meats like chorizo or diced chicken.
• Cheese: Swiss cheese offers a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that melts beautifully. Gruyère, cheddar, or a blend of your favorite cheeses would also be excellent choices.
• Green Onion: These add a mild oniony bite. Chives or finely diced yellow onion (sautéed briefly beforehand to soften) can be used as alternatives.

Equipment Needed

• 6 – (10 oz.) custard baking cups or a standard muffin pan
• Microwave oven (for softening tortillas)
• Cooking oil spray
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven
• Cooling rack

Instructions

Follow these steps to assemble and bake your individual tortilla quiches:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2. Soften the Tortillas: Place each flour tortilla in the microwave oven for about 15 seconds, or just until it becomes pliable and easy to work with. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become brittle.
3. Prepare the Tortilla Cups: Lightly spray one side of each softened tortilla with cooking oil spray. Gently press each tortilla into the individual custard baking cups or the cavities of a muffin pan. The tortilla should naturally form a cup shape, with about 1/2 inch of the tortilla extending up and over the top rim of the cup. This will help create a nice edge and prevent the filling from overflowing.
4. Mix the Egg Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs, 1 (12-ounce) can of evaporated milk, 1 tablespoon of flour, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Ensure everything is well combined for a smooth, even custard. Set this mixture aside.
5. Assemble the Filling: Evenly divide and add the remaining ingredients – the chopped ham, cooked bacon or sausage, and chopped green onion – among the prepared tortilla cups. Make sure to distribute them equally for consistent flavor in each quiche.
6. Top with Cheese: Finish by sprinkling the finely grated Swiss cheese evenly over the filling in each tortilla cup. This will create a lovely golden-brown crust as it bakes.
7. Pour the Custard: Carefully pour the egg mixture over the filling and cheese in each tortilla cup. Fill them until they are about 2/3 full. Avoid overfilling, as the eggs will puff up slightly as they bake.
8. Bake the Quiches: Place the filled tortilla cups in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the quiches are set and the tops are lightly browned. To check for doneness, gently insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
9. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the quiches from the oven. Let them cool slightly in their cups for a few minutes before carefully removing them. This will allow them to firm up further.
10. Garnish: Serve these individual tortilla quiches warm. They are delicious on their own, but a dollop of salsa and a spoonful of sour cream add a wonderful extra layer of flavor and texture.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Preventing Sticking: Ensure you use a good quality cooking oil spray for an even coating on the tortillas. If using a muffin pan, a light greasing of the cavities in addition to spraying the tortillas can be a good safeguard.
• Tortilla Thickness: If your tortillas are on the thicker side, you might need to microwave them for a few extra seconds to ensure they are pliable enough to press into the cups without tearing.
• Even Baking: If you find your oven has hot spots, rotating the pan halfway through the baking time can ensure more uniform browning and setting of the quiches.
• Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the filled tortilla cups (steps 1-6) a few hours in advance and refrigerate them. When ready to bake, pour the egg mixture over the fillings and proceed with baking, keeping in mind they might need a few extra minutes to reach doneness as they’ll be starting from a cooler temperature.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These individual tortilla quiches are best served warm, right out of the oven or after a gentle reheat. Their unique presentation makes them a fantastic centerpiece for a brunch buffet, or a delightful personal portion for a smaller gathering. The salsa and sour cream add a vibrant freshness that cuts through the richness of the quiche.

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Leftover quiches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the quiches on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300-degree Fahrenheit (150-degree Celsius) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also gently reheat them in a microwave, though the tortilla crust might lose some of its crispness.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for these individual tortilla quiches:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	405 kcal
Calories from Fat	170 kcal
Total Fat	18.9 g	29%
Saturated Fat	8.6 g	43%
Cholesterol	184.6 mg	61%
Sodium	892.5 mg	37%
Total Carbohydrate	37 g	12%
Dietary Fiber	1.9 g	7%
Sugars	1.7 g	6%
Protein	20.8 g	41%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Variations & Substitutions

The beauty of these tortilla quiches lies in their adaptability. Here are a few ideas to customize them:

• Vegetarian Delight: Omit the meat entirely and add in a generous portion of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or a mix of your favorite vegetables. A sprinkle of feta cheese or goat cheese would also be a delicious addition.
• Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture or incorporate finely diced jalapeños into the filling.
• Crustless Option: While the tortilla is the star here, if you’re looking for a simpler approach, you could adapt the filling into a traditional quiche baked in a pie dish, or even use larger tortillas to create a more substantial bottom crust.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with a variety of cheeses! Monterey Jack, cheddar, pepper jack, or even a sharp provolone would all lend unique flavors.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the tortilla cups with the fillings and refrigerate them. Add the egg mixture just before baking.

Q: What if I don’t have custard cups?
A: A standard muffin pan works perfectly. You might need to adjust baking time slightly depending on the depth of your muffin cups.

Q: My tortillas are tearing when I press them into the cups. What should I do?
A: Ensure your tortillas are thoroughly softened in the microwave. If they still tear, you can overlap pieces to patch them, or gently press them into place.

Q: Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas?
A: Whole wheat tortillas should work similarly. For gluten-free options, ensure they are pliable enough and may require a bit more care in handling.

Q: How do I know when the quiches are done?
A: The quiches are done when the edges are lightly browned, and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Final Thoughts

These individual tortilla quiches are a testament to how simple ingredients and clever presentation can transform a meal. They offer a delightful textural contrast with their tender, savory filling and the slightly crisp, edible tortilla shell. Whether you’re planning a relaxed weekend brunch, a special occasion, or simply craving a comforting and elegant bite, these quiches are sure to impress. Pour yourself a cup of coffee or a mimosa, gather your loved ones, and savor the joy of these perfectly portioned delights. I’d love to hear how you customize them – perhaps with a seasonal vegetable or a different cheese blend!