Smoked Salmon Quiche with Crispy Potato Crust

This recipe has the BAM effect courtesy of Emeril Lagasse, and is a delicious complement to any brunch. Plus, it's easy to make and definitely gets the "wow" factor. Enjoy!

Recipe Summary

Difficulty: Medium

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Inactive Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

3 1/4 cups grated, cooked potato or frozen hashbrown potatoes, thawed and squeezed dry

2 tablespoons melted butter, plus 1 tablespoon whole butter

1 tablespoon Essence, recipe follows (You can substitute a high grade Creole seasoning)

1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan

2 medium leeks, halved and thinly sliced, about 1 cup

1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

3 eggs

1 cup heavy cream

6 ounces smoked salmon

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9-inch deep-dish glass pie plate.

In a bowl, combine the potatoes, 1 tablespoon of the melted butter and Essence, and toss to combine. Add the Parmesan and toss to combine. Press the potato mixture into the prepared pie plate, spreading to evenly cover the bottom and up the sides. Bake until the potatoes are golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.

Reduce the oven to 350 degrees F.

Pour the remaining tablespoon of butter into a small skillet over medium heat. Add the leeks and saute until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Remove from the heat.

Place the cream cheese in a large bowl and using a wooden spoon, stir in the leeks and lemon juice. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, stirring just until combined. Add the cream, salmon, dill, salt, and pepper and mix well.

Pour the cream cheese-salmon mixture into the cooled potato crust and bake for about 30 minutes, until golden and the batter is set. Cool quiche for 20 minutes before serving. Serve warm or chilled.

Emeril's ESSENCE Creole Seasoning (also referred to as Bayou Blast):

2 1/2 tablespoons paprika

2 tablespoons salt

2 tablespoons garlic powder

1 tablespoon black pepper

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly.