Baked zucchini, leek, and tanner crab quiche in a cast iron skillet with a golden top and wild rice crust

A rich, savory quiche layered with tender leeks, sweet zucchini, creamy goat cheese, and generous pieces of Alaska tanner crab. It’s comforting, a little elevated, and perfect for brunch, lunch, or a slow dinner by the water.

Inspired by a recipe from Cahoots Cookbook, with a few adjustments and a generous addition of Alaska tanner crab.

  • Prep Time:

    35 minutes

  • Cook Time:

    1 hour 40 minutes

  • Total Time:

    2 hours 15 minutes

  • Servings:

    6-8

  • Ingredients:

    For the Wild Rice Crust

    • 2 cups chicken stock
    • 1 cup wild rice, uncooked
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
    • 1 egg, lightly beaten
    • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

    For the Filling

    • 1½ cups zucchini, grated
    • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 1½ cups leeks (about 2–3), thinly sliced and washed
    • 4 eggs, lightly beaten
    • ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
    • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
    • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

    Cheese & Crab

    • 1 cup grated Swiss cheese
    • 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
    • 1 lb tanner crab (in shell), meat removed and gently picked
  • Instructions:

    1. Prepare the Wild Rice Crust

    • Bring chicken stock to a boil in a small saucepan. Add wild rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until tender and liquid is absorbed (about 45–50 minutes).
    • Stir in butter until melted. Let cool slightly.
    • Once cool enough to handle, mix in egg, Parmesan, and lemon juice.
    • Press mixture firmly into a greased 9-inch (or 10-inch) deep dish pie pan, forming an even crust along the bottom and sides.
    • Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, just until it begins to set and lightly brown. Remove and set aside.

    2. Prepare the Vegetables

    • Salt the grated zucchini and let it drain in a colander for about 30 minutes. Squeeze out excess moisture.
    • In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add leeks and sauté until soft, about 2–3 minutes.
    • Add the drained zucchini and cook for another 3–4 minutes, stirring to combine. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

    3. Make the Custard

    • In a bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, Dijon, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and nutmeg.
    • Mix until smooth and well combined.

    4. Assemble the Quiche

    • Sprinkle ¾ cup Swiss cheese over the bottom of the crust.
    • Layer the zucchini-leek mixture evenly over the cheese.
    • Gently scatter the tanner crab meat across the top, keeping some larger pieces intact for texture.
    • Crumble goat cheese over the filling, then sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup Swiss cheese.
    • Pour the egg custard evenly over everything, using a fork if needed to help it settle into the layers.

    5. Bake

    • Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes, until the quiche is puffed, set in the center, and lightly golden on top.
    • Optional: Broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking to lightly brown the cheese.
    • Let rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing.
    • Serve warm or at room temperature.

    Recipe Notes & Tips

    • Make ahead: The wild rice crust can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated, making assembly quick and easy the next day. It also freezes well if you’d like to prep it further ahead.
    • Freezer-friendly: This quiche freezes beautifully—either whole or in individual slices. Reheat gently in the oven until warmed through.
    • Try a variation: This recipe also works well with black rice, which adds a slightly deeper flavor and a beautiful, darker crust.

    The tanner crab adds a sweet, delicate richness that pairs beautifully with the leeks and goat cheese—making this quiche feel both comforting and quietly luxurious.