Barefoot Contessa’s Crab Quiche is a luxurious and flavorful dish that combines a buttery crust with a creamy, cheesy filling packed with fresh crab meat. This elegant recipe is perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, offering a delightful balance of rich flavors and a flaky crust.

What is Barefoot Contessa Crab Quiche?

Crab quiche is a savory tart filled with a mixture of eggs, cream, cheese, and fresh crab meat, baked to perfection in a pastry shell. Ina Garten’s take on this dish elevates it with her signature touch of simplicity and elegance, making it an ideal choice for special occasions or casual meals.

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Reasons to Try Barefoot Contessa Crab Quiche

Elegant and indulgent: Perfect for entertaining guests.
Rich and creamy: Combines a flaky crust with a luscious filling.
Versatile: Suitable for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Customizable: Adjust ingredients to suit your preferences.
Make-ahead friendly: Prepare in advance for stress-free hosting.

Ingredients Needed to Make Barefoot Contessa Crab Quiche

For the Crust:

All-purpose flour: 1 1/4 cups
Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (cold, diced)
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Ice water: 3–4 tablespoons

For the Filling:

Fresh lump crab meat: 1 cup (picked over for shells)
Large eggs: 4
Heavy cream: 1 1/4 cups
Whole milk: 1/4 cup
Gruyère cheese: 1 cup, grated
Green onions: 1/4 cup, finely chopped
Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
Paprika: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for garnish)

Instructions to Prepare Barefoot Contessa Crab Quiche

Step 1: Prepare the crust

In a food processor, pulse the flour, salt, and cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough comes together.
Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch tart pan or pie dish. Trim the edges and chill for another 15 minutes.

Step 2: Pre-bake the crust

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans.
Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 3: Prepare the filling

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Stir in the Gruyère cheese, green onions, parsley, and crab meat.

Step 4: Assemble the quiche

Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle with paprika if desired.

Step 5: Bake the quiche

Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden on top.

Step 6: Cool and serve

Let the quiche cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

What Goes Well With Barefoot Contessa Crab Quiche

Mixed greens salad: A light vinaigrette balances the richness.
Roasted vegetables: Asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes pair well.
Crusty bread: Complements the creamy filling.
White wine: Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Key Tips for Making Barefoot Contessa Crab Quiche

Use fresh crab meat: Enhances the flavor and texture of the quiche.
Chill the crust: Keeps the crust flaky during baking.
Pre-bake the crust: Prevent a soggy bottom.
Avoid overbaking: Bake just until the center is set and slightly jiggles.
Let it rest: Resting helps the quiche set for easier slicing.

Creative Variations of Barefoot Contessa Crab Quiche

Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Cheese swap: Substitute Gruyère with cheddar, Swiss, or fontina.
Vegetable addition: Include spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Herbaceous twist: Add fresh dill or tarragon for extra flavor.

Storage Guidelines for Barefoot Contessa Crab Quiche

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze individual slices or the whole quiche for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven or microwave individual servings.

Wrapping Up

Barefoot Contessa’s Crab Quiche is a luxurious and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. With its rich filling and flaky crust, it’s perfect for brunch gatherings, light lunches, or elegant dinners. Try this recipe and enjoy the delicious combination of crab and cheese in every bite!

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