Mary Berry Leek and Stilton Quiche

Mary Berry Leek and Stilton Quiche is a refined yet comforting dish that brings together the gentle sweetness of leeks and the bold, tangy flavor of Stilton cheese. Inspired by the timeless elegance of Mary Berry’s recipes, this quiche is perfect for a light lunch, a sophisticated brunch, or as part of an elegant dinner spread.

What are Mary Berry Leek and Stilton Quiche?

This quiche features a crisp, golden shortcrust pastry filled with a savory custard mixture enriched with tender sautéed leeks and generous crumbles of Stilton cheese. The result is a harmonious balance of creamy texture, subtle sweetness from the leeks, and the distinctive sharpness of Stilton, making every bite a delight.

Other Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Vanilla Cupcakes
• Jamie Oliver Roasted Feta Pasta
• Jamie Oliver Sweet Potato and Peanut Stew
• Jamie Oliver Leek Soup

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Elegant and Delicious: Combines classic flavors in a beautifully balanced quiche.
• Versatile Meal Option: Ideal for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.
• Inspired Simplicity: Mary Berry’s style of simple yet sophisticated cooking shines through.
• Comfort Food with a Twist: A comforting dish elevated by gourmet ingredients like Stilton cheese.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Leek and Stilton Quiche

• Shortcrust pastry: 1 sheet (sufficient to line a 9-inch quiche or tart tin)
• Leeks: 2 medium, white, and light green parts only, cleaned and thinly sliced
• Stilton cheese: 150g, crumbled
• Large eggs: 3
• Double cream: 200ml
• Milk: 50ml
• Butter: 1 tablespoon (for sautéing the leeks)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste
• Nutmeg: A pinch (optional, for added warmth)

Equipment Needed

• 9-inch quiche or tart tin with a removable base (for easy serving)
• Mixing bowls (for the custard and for tossing the leeks)
• Sauté pan (to cook the leeks)
• Whisk or fork (for beating the eggs and cream)
• Rolling pin (if using homemade or pre-rolled pastry)
• Oven: Preheated for baking

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Leek and Stilton Quiche

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Prepare the Pastry:
   Roll out the shortcrust pastry on a lightly floured surface and line a 9-inch quiche tin. Prick the base with a fork and chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
   Once chilled, blind-bake the pastry by lining it with baking paper and filling it with baking beans or rice. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the paper and beans and bake for an additional 5 minutes until just set.
3. Sauté the Leeks:
   In a sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and cook gently for about 5–7 minutes until they are soft and just beginning to caramelize. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Custard:
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, double cream, and milk. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using.
5. Assemble the Quiche:
   Spread the sautéed leeks evenly over the pre-baked pastry base. Scatter the crumbled Stilton cheese over the leeks. Pour the custard mixture over the filling, ensuring even distribution.
6. Bake the Quiche:
   Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden. A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.
7. Cool and Serve:
   Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, ideally accompanied by a light green salad or a crisp white wine.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Leek and Stilton Quiche?

• Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors.
• Crusty Bread: Great for mopping up any extra custard or cheese.
• Light White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the quiche.
• Fresh Fruit: Seasonal fruits can add a refreshing contrast to the savory dish.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Leek and Stilton Quiche

• Clean the Leeks Thoroughly: Leeks can hold grit; slice them and soak in water to remove any dirt before cooking.
• Avoid Overcooking the Leeks: Keep them tender to maintain a pleasant texture in the quiche.
• Chill the Pastry: A well-chilled pastry helps prevent shrinkage during blind baking.
• Season the Custard Well: Taste the custard mixture before pouring it over the leeks to ensure it’s well balanced.
• Test for Doneness: The custard should be just set; overbaking can lead to a dry texture.

Easy Variations of Mary Berry Leek and Stilton Quiche

• Vegetable Medley: Add a handful of spinach or a few cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
• Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or chives into the custard for a more aromatic dish.
• Alternative Cheeses: Swap or combine Stilton with other cheeses like mature cheddar or Gruyère for a different twist.
• Mini Quiches: Use a mini muffin tin to create bite-sized quiches, perfect for parties or brunch buffets.

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Leek and Stilton Quiche

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat Gently: Reheat in a low oven (around 150°C/300°F) for 5–10 minutes to maintain the quiche’s texture.

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Leek and Stilton Quiche

• Oven Method: Warm the quiche in a preheated oven to gently restore its flavor and texture.
• Room Temperature: Alternatively, allow the quiche to come to room temperature before serving for a softer, more custardy experience.

FAQs

How can I ensure my quiche pastry stays crisp and doesn’t become soggy?

For a crisp pastry, blind-bake the shortcrust pastry by lining it with baking paper and filling it with baking beans or rice. This pre-baking step prevents the filling from making the base soggy and helps maintain a firm, golden crust.

What cheese can I use if I don’t have Stilton?

While Stilton gives a distinctive tang, you can substitute it with other blue cheeses such as Roquefort or a milder blue cheese. Alternatively, combining a portion of mature cheddar with a bit of blue cheese can also mimic the flavor profile.

How do I properly clean leeks to remove any grit?

Slice the leeks thinly and soak them in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes. Swirl them around and then lift them out, leaving the dirt to settle at the bottom. Drain well before using to ensure a clean, smooth texture in your quiche.

Can I serve this quiche warm or cold?

Yes, Mary Berry Leek and Stilton Quiche can be enjoyed both warm and at room temperature. While it tastes fantastic when freshly baked, it also holds up well when served cold, making it a versatile dish for brunch or a light lunch.

Final Words

Mary Berry Leek and Stilton Quiche is a delightful blend of classic British elegance and hearty, comforting flavors. With its tender leeks, rich Stilton, and silky custard filling encased in a crisp pastry, this quiche is perfect for elevating any meal. Enjoy it at brunch, as a light dinner, or even as an impressive dish for a gathering. Happy baking!

Print