Preparing a fresh homemade quiche is a simple and delicious breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner option. You may be wondering, can you freeze a quiche? Yes, you can freeze a quiche. In this post, I explain everything you need to know to successfully freeze a quiche so it can be enjoyed as though it was freshly made!
Quiche is a delicious recipe made with a flaky and buttery crust filled with whipped eggs, vegetables, cheese, a few spices or seasoning, and sometimes sausage or bacon. I make a Just Egg Quiche with spinach and asparagus that is always a big hit anytime I serve it! The other wonderful thing about quiche is that it makes a great meal prep recipe! You can prepare several quiches in advance and freeze them to enjoy later.
In this post, I will explain how to freeze a whole cooked quiche, the crust, the filling, and everything in between so that you can meal prep like a pro!
If this article interests you please check out my other articles about freezing foods including:
Can You Freeze A Quiche?
Yes, you can! There are several ways you can freeze a quiche. You may want to prepare the crust for your quiche and make the filling later. Or you may consider preparing the filling for a quiche and using a pre-made crust from the store. You can also freeze a cooked and prepared quiche, or an unbaked prepared quiche. Here’s how…
Freezing the Quiche Filling
You may want to prepare the quiche filling only if you are using store-bought pastry. This is a great option for meal prepping as you can prep several quiche fillings at one time, freeze them, and thaw them as needed. Here are the instructions for freezing the filling only.
Step 1: Prepare your filling using your favorite quiche recipe. Prepare the filling following the recipe directions.
Step 2: Transfer the filling to a freezer-safe bag or freezer-safe container. No matter what option you choose, be sure that no air is in the container to avoid freezer burn.
Step 3: Label your container with the date and contents. Place the prepared filling in your freezer. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Note: If any of the ingredients in your filling need to be cooked or sauteed, be sure to allow those ingredients to cool and come to room temperature before adding to the rest of the filling and freezing.
Freezing the Crust
If you like homemade pastry, preparing your pie crust in advance is an excellent meal prep option. You can prepare several pastry crusts at one time, and freeze them to use later for your quiches, or pies. Having prepared pastry dough makes creating a fresh homemade quiche quick and easy any day of the week!
Step 1: Prepare your pie pastry according to the recipe directions. Roll the pastry out so that it is flat.
Step 2: Transfer the pastry to a pie dish. Roll it onto your rolling pin, and then roll it out over the pie dish.
Step 3: Gently press the pie crust into the pie dish.
Step 4: Cover the pie dish with plastic wrap, and then transfer the entire pie dish to a freezer-safe ziplock bag. Make sure all of the air has escaped from the bag. Label with the date. Place in the freezer. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Note: You can also freeze the pastry dough without transferring it to the pie dish. Sandwich the pastry between two sheets of wax paper. gently roll it into a cylinder. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag with all of the air pushed out. Label with the date. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Freezing a Baked Quiche
Perhaps you’d like to prepare and bake several quiches at one time so all you need to do is pull it out of your freezer and warm it up. While preparing the crust and the filling separately will yield the best results, it’s understandable why you may want to prepare a baked quiche and save it for later.
While it is much easier to freeze a whole quiche whether baked or unbaked, it is important to note that the pastry will not be as crisp or flaky. Before deciding how you want to freeze your quiche, note that it will likely taste best if you consume it within 1-3 weeks after freezing, rather than 3 months. Although, it will still be safe to eat after 3 months.
Step 1: Prepare your quiche according to the recipe directions. Bake it in the oven.
Step 2: Allow it to cool completely. Wrap the quiche in plastic wrap, and aluminum foil or two layers of plastic wrap. Then place it in a large freezer-safe bag. Do not try to remove the quiche from the pie pan. It’s a good idea to use aluminum pans for this reason.
Step 3: Label the quiche with the date. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Note: Freezing a cooked quiche is susceptible to freezer burn. So be sure that you wrap it with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and lastly a freezer bag. This will ensure the quiche is protected, and no air can reach the quiche itself. This way it has 3 layers of protection against freezer burn.
Freezing an Unbaked Quiche
While freezing a baked quiche is easier than freezing an unbaked quiche. The taste and quality of the quiche will be better if you freeze it unbaked.
Step 1: Prepare the quiche according to the recipe directions. Pour the filling into the unbaked pastry that has already been prepared in a pie pan.
Step 2: The pastry and the filling should both be at room temperature. Place the pie dish with the filling into the freezer without covering it. Leave it in the freezer for 2-3 hours or until it is firm to the touch.
Step 3: Remove the quiche from the freezer. Wrap it with plastic wrap, and then transfer it to a large freezer-safe bag.
Step 4: Label with the date. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Freezing A Crustless Quiche
A crustless quiche is popular with those who are looking to reduce their overall carbohydrates or are following a gluten-free diet. Since it is all egg and fillings, you may think that is challenging to freeze a crustless quiche, but it’s actually quite simple!
The best way to freeze a crustless quiche is to follow the same directions as you would for freezing quiche filling. Simply prepare the filling. Then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Push out all of the air, and label with the date.
It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to prepare it, thaw the filling, and pour it into a prepared pie dish for baking.
How Do You Thaw A Frozen Quiche?
Whether you are defrosting a quiche filling, the pastry for the crust, a whole baked quiche, or an unbaked quiche the key is to do so slowly and gently. Never place it at room temperature or transfer it to the microwave to thaw.
Placing it at room temperature runs the risk of food-borne illness. While microwaving on the defrost setting can end up causing your quiche to fall apart, and lose its texture and shape.
The best way to defrost your quiche is to transfer it from the freezer to the fridge to thaw for a minimum of 24 hours. Thawing it in the refrigerator will ensure that it is safe to eat, will hold its shape, and results in a crisp and flaky crust.
How Do You Reheat a Frozen Quiche?
Once the quiche is defrosted. Preheat your oven according to the directions of your original recipe. I recommend 350 degrees F. Then bake your quiche for about 30-35 minutes or until the crust is flaky, and the egg has set. Be sure to use the directions of your original recipe for the exact temperature and cooking time.
FAQS
The best way to freeze a quiche is to freeze the filling and the pastry separately. The filling and the pastry have slightly different processes for freezing, so doing so separately will yield the best results. Also, the filling and the pastry will be kept from touching one another before baking which will result in a crispier and flakier crust.
The reason many people think that quiche cannot be frozen is that eggs are notorious for not freezing well. Eggs tend to lose their light and fluffy texture and become rubbery after being defrosted and cooked. The good news is that when eggs are mixed with other ingredients they freeze quite well.
Freezing a quiche that has cream as an ingredient is tricky! The cream has a tendency to separate when thawed from frozen. This can cause all sorts of problems with your quiche filling. If your recipe calls for cream consider substituting milk in its place so that you don’t end up with an eggy mess on your hands!
Whether it’s a store-bought, homemade, the egg mixture, the crust, baked, or unbaked you can keep your quiche in the freezer for 3 months without any safety concerns. Be sure to seal your quiche properly to avoid freezer burn, and label with the date it was frozen so there is no confusion. Then thaw in the refrigerator.
It is a great way to meal prep! Prepare several fillings and pastries at one time, then when you’re ready, all you need to do is defrost, assemble and bake! It’s also an excellent way to ensure you reduce your food waste. If you make too much and don’t have a chance to enjoy it all, you can freeze the rest for later without worry.
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