Coronation Quiche
Coronation Quiche is a medium British recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by ABC Australia on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min
Cost: $20.81 total, $5.20 per serving
Ingredients
- 125 ml Whole Milk (cold)
- 175 ml Double Cream (heavy cream, chilled)
- 2 Eggs (large, room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Tarragon (chopped finely)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 100 g Cheddar Cheese (grated, sharp)
- 180 g Cooked Spinach (lightly chopped, squeezed dry)
- 60 g Cooked Broad Beans (peeled and shelled)
- 1 sheet Ready‑Made Shortcrust Pastry (approximately 20 cm diameter, kept refrigerated)
- 1 sheet Baking Paper (Parchment) (cut to fit tin)
- 1 cup Baking Beads or Dried Beans (for blind‑baking, can use rice as alternative)
Instructions
Line the Tin
Place the ready‑made shortcrust pastry into the 20 cm flan tin, press gently, then line the bottom with a sheet of baking paper.
Time: PT5M
Blind‑Bake the Crust
Fill the pastry-lined tin with baking beads (or dried beans) to keep the base flat, then bake in a pre‑heated oven at 180°C for 15 minutes until the edges are very lightly golden.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 180°C
Prepare the Liquid Filling
While the crust bakes, whisk together the milk, double cream, eggs, a pinch of salt, pepper and the chopped tarragon until smooth and no lumps remain.
Time: PT5M
Prep the Vegetables
Peel the cooked broad beans, pat them dry, and spread them evenly. Roughly chop the cooked spinach and squeeze out excess moisture.
Time: PT5M
Cool the Crust
Remove the baking beads and parchment, then let the blind‑baked crust cool on a rack for about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Assemble the Quiche
Sprinkle half of the grated cheddar over the crust, then distribute the beans and spinach evenly. Slowly pour the liquid mixture into the centre, making sure it does not overflow. Finish with the remaining cheddar on top.
Time: PT5M
Final Bake
Return the assembled quiche to the oven and bake at 180°C for 15‑20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the centre is set.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 180°C
Cool and Unmold
Allow the quiche to rest for 10 minutes, then carefully remove the parchment and lift the quiche out of the tin. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 25 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Milk, Eggs, Gluten, Cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Whole Milk: 2% milk, plant‑based milk
- Instead of Double Cream: heavy cream, whipping cream
- Instead of Eggs: egg replacer
- Instead of Fresh Tarragon: dried tarragon (½ tsp), fresh basil
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Gruyère, Swiss cheese
- Instead of Cooked Spinach: frozen chopped spinach (thawed and drained)
- Instead of Cooked Broad Beans: green peas, edamame
- Instead of Ready‑Made Shortcrust Pastry: homemade shortcrust pastry
- Instead of Baking Beads or Dried Beans: uncooked rice, ceramic pie weights
Equipment Needed
- 20 cm Flan or Quiche Tin
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Grater
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Cooling Rack (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Blind‑bake the pastry until lightly golden but not fully cooked
- Do not over‑fill the crust with liquid mixture
- Bake the final quiche until the top is golden brown and the centre is set
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh tarragon for a bright herbal note; dried tarragon loses its flavor quickly
- For extra flavor, grate a small amount of nutmeg into the liquid mixture
- A split‑ring quiche tin makes unmolding much easier.
Troubleshooting
Crust is soggy after baking
Ensure the pastry is blind‑baked long enough and that the spinach is well drained before adding.
Filling is too runny
Whisk the eggs thoroughly and avoid adding too much milk; you can add an extra tablespoon of flour to the liquid if needed.
Top cheese does not brown
Place the quiche under the grill for the last 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Blind‑bake the crust a day ahead and keep refrigerated
- The liquid filling can be whisked and stored covered in the fridge for up to 12 hours
- Reheat slices in a 160°C oven for 10 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Coronation Quiche in British cuisine?
Coronation Quiche is a modern, celebratory twist on the classic French quiche, created for the coronation of King Charles III. While quiche is not traditionally British, it has become a popular centerpiece for formal gatherings and royal celebrations in the UK, symbolising a blend of British tradition and continental elegance.
How is Coronation Quiche traditionally served during royal celebrations in the United Kingdom?
At royal events the quiche is typically served warm or at room temperature, sliced into wedges and presented on a decorative platter alongside a simple green salad and a glass of sparkling wine or tea, reflecting the understated yet refined British hospitality.
What occasions or celebrations is Coronation Quiche traditionally associated with in British culture?
Beyond the coronation, this quiche is popular for state banquets, garden parties, and upscale brunches where a savory, elegant dish is desired. Its rich yet light profile makes it suitable for both daytime and evening royal festivities.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Coronation Quiche versus acceptable substitutes?
The authentic recipe calls for fresh tarragon, cheddar cheese, cooked spinach and broad beans, and a shortcrust pastry. Acceptable substitutes include dried tarragon, Gruyère or Swiss cheese, frozen spinach (thawed and drained), and a ready‑made puff pastry if a flakier crust is preferred.
What other British dishes pair well with Coronation Quiche?
Serve it alongside a classic cucumber‑mint salad, roasted new potatoes, or a light pea and mint soup. For a full British spread, add roast lamb or beef, but the quiche also shines as a standalone vegetarian centerpiece.
What makes Coronation Quiche special or unique in British cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in the combination of regal ingredients—tarragon and cheddar—with the British tradition of celebrating royal events with elegant, shareable dishes. The blind‑baked crust ensures a crisp base, while the creamy filling reflects the luxurious feel of a coronation banquet.
How has Coronation Quiche evolved over time in UK celebrations?
Originally a simple cheese and egg tart, the modern coronation version incorporates fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables like spinach and broad beans, reflecting contemporary British tastes for fresh, locally sourced produce and a lighter, more herbaceous flavor profile.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Coronation Quiche?
Common errors include under‑baking the crust, which leads to sogginess, over‑filling the quiche causing spillage, and not draining the spinach properly, which adds excess moisture. Follow the blind‑bake step and squeeze the spinach dry for best results.
Why does this Coronation Quiche recipe use blind‑baking instead of a regular bake?
Blind‑baking creates a firm, non‑soggy base that can support the moist filling. Without this step the crust would absorb the liquid from the milk‑cream mixture and become limp, especially with the added vegetables.
What does the YouTube channel ABC Australia specialize in?
The YouTube channel ABC Australia focuses on Australian home cooking, showcasing classic and contemporary recipes with clear step‑by‑step tutorials, often highlighting seasonal ingredients and culturally significant dishes like the Coronation Quiche.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
