Makes 12 mini quiches in 45 minutes total (20 prep, 25 cook), with a flaky shortcrust base and a creamy egg custard enriched with Gruyère, bacon, and spinach. Perfectly portioned for coffee breaks, offering a golden crust, savory filling, and an elegant bite-sized presentation.
Irresistible Mini Quiche Ideas for Any Coffee Break
Bite-sized savory pastries for every occasion
Golden, flaky pastry shells filled with a creamy egg custard, fresh herbs, and your favorite toppings turn an ordinary coffee break into a moment of indulgence. These mini quiche are perfectly portioned, offering just enough richness to satisfy without feeling heavy. The contrast between the crisp crust and the soft, flavorful filling makes them a favorite for gatherings, office treats, or a quiet pause at home. Whether served warm or at room temperature, their versatility allows them to adapt to any time of day.
The concept of quiche dates back to medieval Europe, with the most famous version – quiche Lorraine – originating from the Lorraine region of France. Over time, the recipe evolved from a rustic, open-faced pie to countless variations, including these portable mini versions. Popularized in the 20th century as part of buffet spreads and afternoon teas, mini quiche have become a staple for those seeking both elegance and convenience in bite-sized form.
Their appeal lies in the endless flavor possibilities: smoky bacon and cheese, spinach and feta, mushrooms and caramelized onions, or even roasted peppers with goat cheese. Because of their size, they cook quickly and can be prepared in batches, making them a reliable choice for events where you need multiple servings with minimal fuss.
Why you’ll love this mini quiche recipe
- Perfect portion size – ideal for snacking without overindulging
- Versatile fillings – adapt to seasonal produce or dietary needs
- Make-ahead friendly – prepare in advance for stress-free hosting
- Elegant presentation – looks impressive on any serving platter
- Quick to reheat – ready in minutes for unexpected guests
Storage and make-ahead tips
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a preheated oven at 150 °C (300 °F) for 8–10 minutes until heated through.
Serving suggestions and pairing ideas
Mini quiche shine alongside fresh salads, seasonal fruit platters, or a warm bowl of soup. For a coffee break setting, pair them with a robust espresso, a frothy cappuccino, or an aromatic herbal tea. For more festive occasions, they also work beautifully with a glass of sparkling wine or light rosé.
Flavor combinations worth trying
- Classic Lorraine – crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and aged Gruyère cheese
- Mediterranean – sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, and feta cheese
- Vegetarian garden – spinach, roasted red peppers, and goat cheese
- Mushroom lover’s – sautéed wild mushrooms with fresh thyme and cream
- Smoked salmon – dill, cream cheese, and thin slices of smoked salmon
Hosting tips for coffee breaks and gatherings
- Vary the fillings to offer both vegetarian and meat options
- Bake in advance and warm briefly before serving
- Arrange on tiered stands for an elegant, high-tea-inspired display
- Label each variety so guests can choose their preferred flavors
- Balance the spread with sweet pastries or cookies for contrast
These mini quiche offer a perfect blend of tradition and modern convenience, making them an easy yet impressive choice for casual get-togethers, formal brunches, or spontaneous coffee breaks. Their adaptability and rich flavor ensure they’ll remain a crowd favorite no matter the occasion.
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- Prepare the pastry: Lightly flour the work surface, roll out the shortcrust pastry to 3 mm (⅛ inch) thickness, and cut into circles slightly larger than the holes of your mini tart tin.
- Line the tins: Grease the mini tart tin with butter, place the pastry circles inside, pressing gently to fit, and trim excess. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- Pre-bake the crusts: Preheat oven to 180 °C (350 °F). Prick pastry bases with a fork, line with baking paper, and fill with baking beans. Bake for 8 minutes, remove paper and beans, and bake for another 3 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: In a frying pan, sauté the onion in a small amount of butter until translucent. Add spinach and cook briefly until wilted. Remove from heat.
- Make the custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs, cream, and milk until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Assemble: Divide the bacon, spinach mixture, and cheese evenly among the pre-baked pastry shells. Pour the egg mixture over the fillings until just below the rim.
- Bake: Return to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the filling is set and the tops are lightly golden.
- Serve: Cool slightly before removing from tins. Serve warm or at room temperature.
FAQ questionCan I make mini quiche without bacon?
Yes – simply replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms, roasted peppers, or smoked tofu for a vegetarian option.
FAQ questionWhat type of pastry works best?
Shortcrust pastry provides a sturdy, flaky base, but puff pastry can be used for a lighter, crispier texture.
FAQ questionCan mini quiche be served cold?
They taste best warm or at room temperature, but can also be enjoyed cold as part of a picnic or buffet.
FAQ questionHow far in advance can I prepare them?
You can bake them up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge, or freeze for up to 2 months.
FAQ questionHow do I prevent a soggy bottom?
Pre-bake the pastry shells (blind baking) before adding the filling to keep the crust crisp.
FAQ questionWhat cheeses work well besides Gruyère?
Cheddar, Emmental, goat cheese, or a blend of hard and soft cheeses all pair beautifully with the custard base.
PEKIS – professional chef and recipe developer with over 25 years of experience, specializing in European and international cuisine. Expert in creating refined bite-sized pastries like mini quiche, balancing authentic flavor with modern presentation.
Mini quiche bring together the best of flavor, texture, and convenience, making them a timeless choice for both casual and formal occasions. Their flaky crust, creamy custard filling, and endless flavor possibilities mean they can be adapted to suit any season, event, or dietary preference. Whether served as part of a coffee break, a brunch spread, or a cocktail party menu, they consistently deliver a balance of elegance and comfort.
Because they are small in size yet big on flavor, mini quiche encourage variety—guests can enjoy different combinations in one sitting without feeling overly full. This versatility makes them ideal for hosts who want to impress with minimal stress. Their make-ahead and freezer-friendly nature also means they are ready when you need them, without sacrificing quality or taste.
By combining a simple preparation process with refined presentation, mini quiche prove that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. They capture the essence of European culinary tradition while embracing the modern need for quick, portable, and visually appealing dishes, ensuring they remain a favorite across kitchens and cultures.
Allergens present in the recipe
- Eggs
- Milk (dairy)
- Wheat (gluten)
Gluten and allergen substitution tips
- Replace shortcrust pastry with a gluten-free pastry mix to make it gluten-free.
- Use lactose-free cream and milk or unsweetened plant-based alternatives (soy or oat cream) for dairy-free.
- Replace bacon with smoked tofu or sautéed mushrooms for an egg- and meat-free vegetarian version (if also avoiding eggs, use chickpea flour custard).
Vitamins and minerals per serving (approximate)
- Vitamin A: 450 µg – supports vision and immune system
- Vitamin D: 0.8 µg – aids calcium absorption and bone health
- Vitamin B12: 0.5 µg – essential for red blood cell formation
- Calcium: 90 mg – maintains healthy bones and teeth
- Iron: 0.8 mg – supports oxygen transport in the blood
- Potassium: 120 mg – helps regulate fluid balance and muscle contractions
Antioxidants per serving (approximate)
- Lutein: 250 µg – supports eye health and may protect against age-related degeneration
- Beta-carotene: 400 µg – converted to vitamin A, supports skin and immune health
- Selenium: 6 µg – contributes to antioxidant defense and thyroid function
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