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Christmas Tree Mini Quiches Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun, festive, and downright delicious appetizer that will wow your guests this holiday season, you’ve got to try this Christmas Tree Mini Quiches Recipe. These bite-sized delights are not only adorable with their little “pine tree” toppings but also packed with comforting flavors that scream cozy winter vibes. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a staple on your holiday appetizer table year after year.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Festive and Instagram-Worthy: The little romanesco “pine trees” topped with pomegranate seeds add such a charming holiday touch that your guests will adore.
  • Light and Fluffy but Filling: Made with grated potato cups and fluffy eggs, these mini quiches won’t weigh you down but keep everyone satisfied.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Using chickpea flour instead of regular flour means you can easily make these friendly for gluten-sensitive friends.
  • Perfect Make-Ahead Snack: They reheat beautifully, making them ideal if you want to prep in advance and enjoy stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Christmas Tree Mini Quiches Recipe blend earthy potatoes with vibrant romanesco broccoli for a truly special dish. I find that using fresh goat cheese brings that perfect tangy creaminess that really balances with the potatoes. If you want gluten-free, chickpea flour works wonders without sacrificing texture.

Flat lay of peeled starchy potatoes roughly grated, a whole vibrant green romanesco broccoli with intricate fractal florets, six whole clean uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of pale beige chickpea flour, a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, a few bright red pomegranate seeds scattered, a small white ceramic bowl of soft fresh white goat cheese crumbles, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy milk, a small pile of coarse sea salt crystals, and a small pile of freshly ground black peppercorns placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Christmas Tree Mini Quiches, holiday appetizer recipes, festive mini quiches, easy Christmas appetizers, bite-sized holiday snacks
  • Peeled potato (starchy): Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Gold give a fluffy texture that’s easy to shape into cups.
  • Romanesco broccoli: These little pine-shaped florets are key for the pretty Christmas tree look.
  • Eggs: They hold everything together and add that lovely custardy texture inside the potato cups.
  • Flour: Chickpea flour is my go-to for gluten-free, but all-purpose works great too.
  • Olive oil: Adds just the right amount of richness without overpowering flavors.
  • Pomegranate grains: For that perfect little “ornament” on the broccoli pine trees.
  • Fresh goat cheese: Creamy and slightly tangy, it melts beautifully atop the quiches.
  • Milk (optional): Helps lighten the egg mixture if you like a fluffier bite.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning each component properly.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Christmas Tree Mini Quiches Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to fit your taste or dietary preferences. Don’t hesitate to make it your own – this recipe welcomes creativity!

  • Vegetarian Variation: Swap goat cheese for feta or cream cheese to switch up the creamy flavor profile. I like to add some chopped herbs like dill or chives for freshness.
  • Dairy-Free Variation: Leave out the cheese and milk, or use your favorite plant-based alternatives. Olive oil and chickpea flour help maintain structure and moisture.
  • Extra Veggies: I’ve added finely chopped bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms before—adds texture and color under the egg filling.
  • Spice It Up: A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne in the potato mix gives these quiches a sneaky warmth that my family can’t get enough of.

How to Make Christmas Tree Mini Quiches Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Shape the Potato Cups

Start by peeling your potatoes and grating them finely—this is much easier with a fine-hole mandolin or cheese grater. Once you’ve grated your potatoes, grab a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out all the excess moisture. This step is crucial! Removing that liquid helps your potato cups hold together without getting soggy.

Next, mix in the flour (or chickpea flour), olive oil, salt, and pepper. This mixture forms the base of your quiche shells. Then, press the potato mixture firmly into a well-greased or silicone muffin tray, shaping little cups that will hold your filling perfectly. Bake these at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes—just enough to firm up the cups so they stay intact later.

Step 2: Cook and Prepare Your Romanesco Pine Trees

While the potato cups bake, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Break the romanesco broccoli into small florets—that’s your “Christmas trees.” Blanch them for about 2 minutes until tender yet still vibrantly green. I like to plunge them immediately into ice water to lock in that beautiful color, which also stops the cooking process.

Step 3: Make the Egg Filling and Bake Again

In a bowl, whisk together your eggs and milk (if using) with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this mixture carefully into your partially baked potato cups—they should be about half full. Pop them back into the oven at 180°C (350°F) for an additional 15 minutes to let the egg set just right.

Step 4: Add Goat Cheese and Final Touches

Around 2 minutes before the time’s up, sprinkle shredded goat cheese on top of each mini quiche so it melts gently without browning too much. Once they’re done baking, let the quiches cool in the tray for a couple of minutes—helps them firm up more so they don’t break when you remove them.

Now for the fun part: assemble your Christmas trees! Stick a toothpick into the bottom of each romanesco floret, leaving the tip exposed. Poke a single pomegranate seed onto the toothpick as a bright “ornament” atop your mini tree. Then simply place each pine tree on top of the quiche – voilà, instant festive cuteness!

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Pro Tips for Making Christmas Tree Mini Quiches Recipe

  • Dry Your Potatoes Well: Squeezing out the moisture prevents sogginess and keeps your potato cups crisp and sturdy.
  • Use a Silicone Muffin Tray: I find it super easy to pop out each quiche without cracking when using silicone.
  • Don’t Overcook the Romanesco: Keeping it just a bit crunchy preserves that pine tree texture and vibrant color.
  • Add Cheese Just Before the End: This prevents it from drying out or burning and lets it melt perfectly creamy.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Mini Quiches Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a small tart with three layers on a round glass coaster placed over a red-checkered cloth on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a crisp, golden-brown nest made from thin, stringy pieces shaped like a basket. The middle layer is a smooth, creamy light beige filling that slightly melts over the edges of the nest. The top layer is a small bright green Romanesco broccoli piece shaped like a Christmas tree, decorated with a small red berry on the tip. In the background, there are three more tarts on a white plate with a red rim, slightly out of focus. The entire scene is set against a black background with some green and red blurred shapes from a plant and a white cylindrical object to the right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Christmas Tree Mini Quiches, holiday appetizer recipes, festive mini quiches, easy Christmas appetizers, bite-sized holiday snacks

Garnishes

I love finishing these mini quiches with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of green and extra freshness. The pomegranate seeds really steal the show, not just for color but for their juicy burst that contrasts beautifully with the creamy goat cheese.

Side Dishes

These quiches pair wonderfully with a crisp winter salad—think arugula tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or a simple mixed greens salad with walnuts and cranberries. I also like to serve them alongside roasted red pepper hummus or a creamy beet dip for a festive, colorful spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I arrange these Christmas Tree Mini Quiches Recipe on a wooden serving board sprinkled with pine needles (washed carefully, of course) for that woodland vibe. You can also assemble several “trees” on cocktail sticks and serve them as charming edible decorations on a platter—always a conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover mini quiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They hold up really well, and the flavors even meld beautifully after a day or two, making them a great snack to enjoy post-holiday.

Freezing

Freezing works surprisingly well for these quiches! After cooling completely, I wrap each quiche individually in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep for about 2 months. When I want one, I just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and warm the quiches for about 10–12 minutes until heated through. This keeps the potato cups crisp and the filling fluffy—microwaving tends to make them a bit soggy, so oven reheating is my recommended method.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the Christmas Tree Mini Quiches Recipe ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can prepare the potato cups and filling in advance, assemble them just before baking, or fully bake and then reheat before serving. This flexibility helps ease holiday prep stress.

  2. What can I substitute for romanesco broccoli if I can’t find it?

    If romanesco is hard to find, small broccoli florets or even broccoli rabe work, but you’ll lose that classic pine tree shape. To mimic the look, try trimming regular broccoli into tighter, conical shapes or get creative with small veggie trees.

  3. Is there a gluten-free version of this Christmas Tree Mini Quiches Recipe?

    Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with chickpea flour, which keeps the texture perfect and adds a subtle, nutty flavor. It’s a great swap I use often for gluten-free baking.

  4. Can I use regular cheese instead of goat cheese?

    You can, although I personally love the tang and creaminess of goat cheese here. Feta or ricotta are good alternatives, but avoid overly strong cheeses so as not to overpower the delicate flavors.

  5. How do I keep the potato cups from being soggy?

    The key is squeezing out all excess moisture from grated potatoes before mixing in the flour and oil. Also, partially baking the cups before adding the egg filling helps firm them up so they remain crisp.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Christmas Tree Mini Quiches Recipe brings together festive presentation and comforting flavors in one bite. When I first made these, they instantly became a holiday favorite for my family—so much so that I’ve made them every season since! If you’re looking to add a whimsical and tasty appetizer to your holiday menu, give these a try. You’ll enjoy every step—from shaping those cozy potato cups to placing the last pomegranate “ornament” on your pretty little trees. Happy cooking, and may your holiday table be as joyful and delicious as this recipe!

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Christmas Tree Mini Quiches Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 121 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 mini quiches
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: European
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These Christmas Tree Mini Quiches are a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with a crispy potato cup base filled with a light egg custard, fresh goat cheese, and topped with vibrant romanesco broccoli florets decorated like Christmas trees using pomegranate seeds, these mini quiches combine savory flavors with whimsical presentation. They are gluten-free (using chickpea flour), wholesome, and visually stunning, making them a perfect starter or party snack.


Ingredients

Potato Cups

  • 700 grams (1.5 lb) peeled starchy potatoes
  • 3 tablespoons chickpea flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Filling

  • 6 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons milk (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 100 grams (3.5 oz) fresh goat cheese (shredded)

Topping

  • 1 romanesco broccoli, cut into small florets
  • Few pomegranate seeds


Instructions

  1. Prepare Potato Cups: Peel and finely grate the potatoes using a fine hole mandolin or a cheese grater. Transfer the grated potatoes to a clean towel and squeeze out all excess moisture. Mix the dried potatoes with flour, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined. Press the potato mixture firmly into a greased or silicone muffin tray to form small cups. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes to partially cook and set the cups.
  2. Blanch Romanesco Broccoli: While the potato cups are baking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cut the romanesco broccoli into small florets resembling pine trees. Add them to the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes or until tender-crisp. Drain immediately and plunge them into ice-cold water to preserve their bright green color. Set aside.
  3. Prepare Egg Filling: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
  4. Fill and Bake Quiches: Remove the partially baked potato cups from the oven and fill each cup about halfway with the egg mixture. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 13 minutes.
  5. Add Goat Cheese: Sprinkle shredded goat cheese evenly over the quiches about 2 minutes before the end of baking to allow the cheese to melt without overcooking.
  6. Prepare Christmas Tree Toppers: Take each romanesco broccoli floret, insert a toothpick into the base so the tip of the toothpick protrudes from the top, and place a pomegranate seed on the tip to mimic a decorative Christmas tree ornament. Set aside.
  7. Assemble and Serve: Remove the quiches from the oven and let them cool for 2 minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tray. Place a prepared romanesco broccoli ‘tree’ on top of each quiche. Serve immediately and enjoy your festive Christmas Tree Mini Quiches!

Notes

  • This recipe is a wonderful, festive appetizer that is both easy to prepare and healthy.
  • Using chickpea flour makes the potato cups gluten-free.
  • To keep the romanesco broccoli vibrant and fresh-looking, immediately shock them in ice water after boiling.
  • If you omit milk, the filling will be thicker and more egg-forward in flavor.
  • The potato cups can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving to maintain crispiness.
  • Feel free to substitute goat cheese with feta or another soft cheese according to preference.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mini quiche
  • Calories: 125 kcal
  • Sugar: 1.5 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 6.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

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