Warm, savory, and packed with bold flavor, this Italian Sausage Quiche is the kind of meal that makes mornings feel special and dinners feel effortless. A flaky golden crust cradles a creamy egg filling loaded with herbed chicken or beef sausage, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a touch of cheese for richness. It’s a beautiful balance of rustic and elegant, hearty and light.

Behind the Recipe

This quiche came to life during one of those “what’s in the fridge?” moments. I had a roll of pie dough, a few eggs, a pack of Italian chicken sausage, and some cherry tomatoes about to burst. The result was better than I ever imagined — creamy, herby, rich, and perfect for any time of day. Since then, it’s become one of my most dependable go-to recipes.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

The word “quiche” may sound French — and it is — but this kind of savory custard tart actually has roots in German cuisine. The Lorraine region of France popularized it with its famous quiche Lorraine. This version gives it an Italian twist, using seasoned sausage, fresh tomatoes, and herbs you’d find in a classic pasta dish. It’s like brunch met lasagna and made something magical.

Why You’ll Love Italian Sausage Quiche

This is the kind of dish you’ll make once and crave forever. It hits every mark for flavor, ease, and flexibility.

Versatile: Great for breakfast, lunch, brunch, or even a cozy dinner.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, everyday ingredients that go a long way.

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep thanks to pre-made crust and cooked sausage.

Customizable: Add veggies, switch cheeses, or play with seasoning.

Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a quiche — it’s comfort food in a slice.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake ahead and reheat, or prep and bake fresh.

Great for Leftovers: Tastes just as delicious the next day, hot or cold.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To make sure your quiche turns out picture-perfect every time, here are some pro moves.

Use Pre-Cooked Sausage: Save time and ensure it’s fully seasoned and browned before it hits the quiche.
Blind Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for a few minutes before adding filling to keep it from getting soggy.
Whisk the Eggs Well: The more you whisk, the creamier and fluffier the filling becomes.
Cool Slightly Before Slicing: Let it set for 10–15 minutes so it slices cleanly.
Add Cheese Sparingly: A little goes a long way in enriching the custard without overwhelming it.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Nothing fancy here — just a few trusted kitchen staples will get the job done.

9-inch Pie Dish or Tart Pan: For that classic round quiche shape.

Mixing Bowl: For whisking the egg filling.

Whisk or Fork: To beat the eggs and milk until smooth.

Skillet: For browning the sausage.

Knife and Cutting Board: To prep your herbs, sausage, and tomatoes.

Ingredients in Italian Sausage Quiche

Each ingredient plays a flavorful role — simple on their own, but magical when baked together.

Pie Crust: 1 (9-inch), pre-made or homemade. The buttery base that holds it all together.
Italian Chicken or Beef Sausage: 1/2 pound, cooked and crumbled. Brings rich, herby depth.
Eggs: 4 large. The star of the custard filling.
Milk: 1 cup. Blends with eggs to create a soft, creamy texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup, halved. Adds juicy pops of freshness.
Shredded Mozzarella or Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup. Melts into the custard for a creamy finish.
Fresh Basil or Oregano: 1 tablespoon, chopped. Adds an herbal lift that brightens the dish.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Brings out the savory notes.
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon. Adds just a touch of warmth.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand.

Sausage: Use ground turkey with Italian herbs or plant-based crumbles.

Milk: Swap for half-and-half or dairy-free alternatives like oat milk.

Cheese: Use provolone, cheddar, or goat cheese instead.

Tomatoes: Try roasted red peppers or sautéed zucchini slices.

Ingredient Spotlight

Italian Sausage: Using chicken or beef sausage gives the quiche a hearty, seasoned foundation without the heaviness of pork.

Cherry Tomatoes: These little jewels burst with sweetness and add moisture and brightness that balances the richness of the custard.

Instructions for Making Italian Sausage Quiche

Ready to bring this savory masterpiece to life? Here’s the step-by-step to get that perfect slice.

Preheat Your Equipment:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish lightly.
Combine Ingredients:
In a skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Press the pie crust into the dish and prick the bottom with a fork. Blind bake for 8–10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
Assemble the Dish:
Spread cooked sausage evenly over the crust. Sprinkle with cheese, then scatter tomatoes on top. Pour the egg mixture over everything. Finish with fresh herbs.
Cook to Perfection:
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
Finishing Touches:
Let the quiche rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing so it holds together.
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice and serve warm or at room temperature with a simple salad or fruit on the side.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

What makes this quiche irresistible is its contrast — the flaky crust, the creamy custard, the bold sausage, and the juicy tomatoes. Herbs cut through the richness while the cheese melts just enough to tie it all together.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here’s how to level up your quiche game:

Blind baking prevents a soggy crust.
Let ingredients cool before combining to avoid curdling the eggs.
Bake on the lower oven rack for even cooking and crisp crust.

What to Avoid

Avoid these common missteps for a better quiche:

Using raw sausage — it won’t cook through fully in the oven.
Overloading with cheese or filling — it can make the quiche heavy.
Cutting too soon — it needs to rest before slicing cleanly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 310

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can bake the quiche up to two days in advance. Let it cool fully, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Leftovers keep for 3–4 days and can be frozen in individual portions for quick breakfasts or lunches.

How to Serve Italian Sausage Quiche

Pair with a crisp green salad, fresh fruit, or a slice of sourdough toast. For brunch spreads, it goes beautifully with roasted potatoes or a yogurt parfait on the side. Add a mimosa or coffee for the full café experience.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Turn leftovers into brand-new meals:

Slice into cubes and toss with greens for a hearty salad.
Reheat and layer into a breakfast sandwich.
Chop and stuff into mini bell peppers for a fun appetizer.

Additional Tips

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage for spice.
Want a cheesier top? Sprinkle extra cheese on halfway through baking.
Let it cool fully before refrigerating to avoid sogginess.

Make It a Showstopper

Garnish with fresh herbs or microgreens and serve on a wooden board or cake stand. Add whole cherry tomatoes or edible flowers for an elegant touch.

Variations to Try

Spinach & Sausage: Add sautéed spinach for color and extra nutrition.
Mushroom Magic: Swap tomatoes for caramelized mushrooms.
Cheesy Explosion: Use a cheese blend like mozzarella, asiago, and fontina.
Zucchini & Herb: Add thin zucchini slices and extra oregano.
Crustless: Skip the crust for a low-carb, gluten-free version.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use a frozen pie crust?

Yes, just thaw it before blind baking.

Q2: Can I make this crustless?

Absolutely. Grease the dish well and reduce baking time slightly.

Q3: What kind of sausage is best?

Use well-seasoned chicken or beef Italian sausage, not sweet or spicy.

Q4: Can I freeze the whole quiche?

Yes. Bake, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze. Reheat from frozen at 350°F.

Q5: Do I have to blind bake the crust?

It’s optional but recommended to avoid a soggy bottom.

Q6: What other herbs can I use?

Try thyme, parsley, or chives for a different flavor profile.

Q7: How do I know when it’s done?

The center should be set and not jiggle when gently shaken.

Q8: Can I add milk alternatives?

Yes, unsweetened oat or almond milk work well.

Q9: How do I keep the crust from burning?

Cover the edges with foil if they brown too quickly.

Q10: Can I make mini quiches?

Definitely — just adjust the baking time for muffin tins.

Conclusion

This Italian Sausage Quiche is the perfect blend of cozy and classy. It’s a dish that feels homemade but elegant, hearty but fresh. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, trust me, you’re going to love this.