Caramelised Onion and Vegan Cheese Quiche Recipe

If you’re craving something wonderfully savory, comforting, and packed full of flavor, this Caramelised Onion and Vegan Cheese Quiche Recipe is about to become your new go-to. With sweet, deeply caramelised onions mingling harmoniously with creamy vegan cheese, it’s a delightful dish that captures the essence of a classic quiche but in a totally plant-based way. From the buttery crunch of the shortcrust pastry to the rich, custardy filling made from tofu and nutritional yeast, every bite feels like a warm, satisfying hug on a plate. Whether it’s for a weekend brunch, a cozy dinner, or sharing with friends, this quiche is guaranteed to impress and comfort alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, wholesome, and thoughtfully chosen, these ingredients work together to create layers of taste and texture that make this Caramelised Onion and Vegan Cheese Quiche Recipe truly special. Each component brings its own magic, from the silky tofu base to the nutty, cheesy flavor of nutritional yeast and vegan cheddar.

• Red onions (3): Sweet and perfect for slow caramelising to develop deep flavor.
• Ready rolled shortcrust pastry (320g): Provides a crisp, buttery base that holds all those delicious fillings.
• Extra firm tofu (400g): The secret to that smooth, set texture in the quiche filling.
• Vegan cream (200ml): Adds richness and a creamy mouthfeel without dairy.
• Unsweetened plant milk (100ml): Almond, soya, or oat milk gently lightens the custard.
• Nutritional yeast (3 tbsp): Gives that distinctive cheesy and nutty flavor boost.
• Chickpea flour (2 tbsp): Helps bind and thicken the filling naturally.
• Cornflour (1 tbsp): Ensures a firm, sliceable texture once baked.
• Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds subtle depth with a mild garlic note.
• White miso paste (1 tsp): Brings umami richness and complexity.
• Salt (1 tsp) and cracked black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
• Vegan mature cheddar (200g): Melts beautifully and offers a sharp, robust cheesy taste.

How to Make Caramelised Onion and Vegan Cheese Quiche Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Caramelise the Onions

Begin by slicing the red onions thinly. Heat a splash of oil in a large pan over low-medium heat, then add the onions. Patience is key here—cook them slowly for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and sweetly caramelised. This process transforms their sharpness into a mellow, rich flavor that’s the heart of this quiche.

Step 2: Roll Out the Pastry

While the onions caramelise, gently unroll your shortcrust pastry and carefully line a 9-inch quiche or tart tin. Press the pastry into the corners so it fits snugly, then trim any excess from the edges. To prevent the pastry from puffing up, prick the base with a fork all over—this little step makes sure your crust stays crisp and beautifully even during baking.

Step 3: Blind Bake the Pastry Shell

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line the pastry with baking paper and fill with baking beans or dried rice. Blind bake for 15 minutes so the base firms up before adding the filling. This keeps the crust from becoming soggy once the custard goes in. After the initial bake, remove the paper and beans and bake for another 5 minutes until golden and just cooked through.

Step 4: Make the Custard Filling

In a food processor, combine the extra firm tofu, vegan cream, plant milk, nutritional yeast, chickpea flour, cornflour, garlic powder, white miso, salt, and pepper. Blend until silky smooth and creamy. This mixture is the perfect dairy-free alternative to a traditional egg custard, providing both creaminess and binding power to hold the quiche together beautifully.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle half of the vegan mature cheddar evenly over the blind-baked pastry base. Next, layer in the caramelised onions, spreading them carefully to ensure every slice will have delicious sweetness. Pour the tofu custard over the top and finish by sprinkling the remaining cheddar. Bake in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 35-40 minutes or until the filling is set and golden on top.

How to Serve Caramelised Onion and Vegan Cheese Quiche Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like thyme or chives are a wonderful way to brighten up each slice, adding a touch of color and a fresh, herbal lift that complements the richness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a spoonful of tangy apple chutney can also add exciting flavor contrasts when serving.

Side Dishes

This quiche pairs beautifully with crisp green salads dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables for a hearty meal. For a brunch spread, try it alongside baked beans or crispy hash browns to create a comforting, balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your quiche into neat wedges and serve on individual plates topped with a dollop of vegan sour cream or crème fraîche alternative. For gatherings, you can even turn it into mini tartlets using smaller pastry cases—perfect for sharing and showing off this Caramelised Onion and Vegan Cheese Quiche Recipe in style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This quiche keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a fabulous option for leftovers. Simply cover it tightly with cling film or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and moisture.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this Caramelised Onion and Vegan Cheese Quiche Recipe later, it freezes really well! Once cooled, wrap individual slices or the whole quiche in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months without losing its lovely texture or flavor.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the crust crisps up again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and affect the texture of the filling.

FAQs

Can I use other types of onions for this quiche?

Absolutely! While red onions are ideal for their sweetness and color, yellow or white onions can be caramelised as well. Just keep in mind their flavor might differ slightly, with red onions being a bit sweeter and milder.

Is it possible to make the pastry gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the shortcrust pastry with a gluten-free version available at most supermarkets or make your own using gluten-free flour blends. Just be sure to keep an eye on baking times as gluten-free doughs sometimes behave a bit differently.

Can I prepare the quiche filling ahead of time?

You certainly can! The custard filling can be mixed and refrigerated a few hours in advance, but for best results, add the caramelised onions and bake just before serving to keep everything fresh and flavorful.

What’s the best vegan cheese to use in this recipe?

Look for a mature vegan cheddar-style cheese that melts well and has a robust taste, as this will give the quiche the cheesy richness it needs. Different brands vary quite a bit, so try a couple to find your favorite.

Can I add other vegetables to this quiche?

Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers would all be fantastic additions. Just be sure to cook any extra vegetables ahead of time to reduce moisture, so the quiche stays firm and not soggy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about this Caramelised Onion and Vegan Cheese Quiche Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that’s both satisfying and versatile, perfect for welcoming everyone to the table with a warm, plant-based meal. Once you try it, you’ll see how easy it is to create something that tastes indulgent yet wholesome. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this deliciously comforting quiche—it’s sure to become a treasured favorite in your recipe collection.

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