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.
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Prep Time:
35 minutes
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Cook Time:
1 hour 40 minutes
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Total Time:
2 hours 15 minutes
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Servings:
6-8
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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
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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.