Pin it A festive and inviting platter featuring an assortment of mini quiches arranged as a charming holiday village, perfect for entertaining and sharing.
This holiday village board has become a tradition at our family gatherings, always impressing guests with its festive look and delicious variety.
Ingredients
- Mini Quiche Pastry: 2 sheets ready-rolled shortcrust pastry or homemade about 500 g total
- Quiche Fillings: 4 large eggs, 200 ml heavy cream, 100 ml whole milk, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
- Filling Variations: 1/2 cup cooked diced bacon or smoked ham, 1/2 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese, 1/2 cup sautéed spinach, 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes quartered, 1/3 cup caramelized onions, 1/2 cup cooked mushrooms finely chopped, 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- For Decorating the Board: Fresh rosemary sprigs to mimic pine trees, Mini mozzarella balls, Pomegranate seeds, Crackers or breadsticks for paths and fences, Assorted olives, Small radishes or baby vegetables
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease two 12-cup mini muffin tins.
- Prepare Pastry Shells:
- Roll out the pastry if needed. Cut into 2.5-inch (6 cm) rounds. Gently press each round into the mini muffin tin to form shells.
- Mix Filling:
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Assemble Fillings:
- Assemble your desired filling combinations by dividing cheese, meats, and vegetables among pastry shells (do not overfill).
- Fill Shells:
- Pour egg mixture over the fillings, filling each shell about 3/4 full.
- Bake:
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until quiches are puffed and golden. Let cool 5 minutes; carefully remove from tins.
- Arrange on Board:
- Arrange mini quiches on a large board or platter in the shape of a village cluster them as houses and use rosemary sprigs as trees.
- Decorate:
- Decorate with mozzarella balls as snow pomegranate seeds crackers olives and vegetables to create a festive scene.
- Serve:
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Pin it This recipe brings back fond family moments as everyone gathers around the festive board sharing stories and laughter while enjoying these delightful bites.
Notes
Add smoked salmon or cooked sausage for non-vegetarian options. Pair with a crisp white wine or sparkling cider for a festive touch.
Required Tools
Mini muffin tins Rolling pin and pastry cutter Mixing bowls Whisk Baking sheet or large wooden board for serving
Allergen Information
Contains Eggs Milk (dairy) Wheat (gluten in pastry). May contain Tree nuts if using pesto or specialty cheeses. Check all ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Pin it
Enjoy this festive mini quiche holiday village as a stunning centerpiece and delicious appetizer that will charm your guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?
Blind bake the pastry shells briefly or ensure the filling is not overly wet to maintain a crisp base after baking.
- → Can I prepare the mini quiches in advance?
Yes, mini quiches can be baked ahead and served warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for gatherings.
- → What filling combinations work best?
Try mixing cheese with vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or add cooked bacon or ham for richer flavors.
- → How do I create the holiday village decoration?
Use rosemary sprigs as trees, mini mozzarella balls as snow, and arrange pomegranate seeds, olives, and crackers for paths and fences.
- → Are there gluten-free options available?
Substitute regular shortcrust pastry with gluten-free pastry sheets to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- → What is the ideal serving size per guest?
This platter yields 24 mini bites, suitable for 8-10 guests as appetizer portions.