Easy & Customizable Breakfast Tartlets: The Ultimate Quiche Alternative for Picky Eaters

There’s nothing quite like a warm, savory quiche to kick off a brunch or a leisurely morning. Its creamy egg custard nestled in a flaky crust is truly a delight. However, as much as I adore a good quiche, there’s a common challenge that often arises in my household, and likely in many others: the problem of catering to diverse tastes.

When you prepare a single, large quiche, everyone has to agree on the fillings. And let’s be honest, in a family with varying preferences, reaching a consensus can be as challenging as herding cats. Someone might declare, “I don’t want sausage!” while another might frown at the mere mention of tomato, onion, or green pepper. While I might playfully label them “whiners,” I often find myself in their company. Sometimes, I have my own strong opinions, especially when it comes to certain ingredients. For instance, you will truly never, ever find me eating a fresh, sliced tomato – no way, no how! But let’s save that story for another time.

Given my own quirks, it’s only fair that I extend a little grace to the rest of the family, allowing them to enjoy their meals exactly as they like, at least every now and then. This desire for culinary flexibility led me on a delicious quest for the perfect breakfast solution.

The Inspiration: A Serendipitous Discovery

My journey to these wonderful breakfast tartlets began during a recent trip to Sam’s Club. As is tradition in these large warehouse stores on weekends, they’re bustling with sample booths, each hoping to entice you with their products. Amidst my quest for more chocolate (a staple, of course!), I stumbled upon a booth offering a French toast bake made with canned cinnamon rolls. While the concept was intriguing, the flavor unfortunately still screamed “canned roll” to me, and I passed on the purchase.

However, what truly caught my eye wasn’t the sample itself, but a small card brimming with other recipes. I picked it up, gave it a quick glance, and there it was – an idea that sparked immediate excitement: something I absolutely had to make! It promised a way to enjoy that beloved quiche-like experience, but in a more individualized, flexible format.

Why Tartlets Triumph Over Traditional Quiche

The beauty of breakfast tartlets lies in their individual portions. This simple change addresses several common dining dilemmas. Firstly, it’s the ultimate solution for accommodating picky eaters. Each person can have their tartlet customized with their preferred ingredients, eliminating any complaints or compromises. Secondly, tartlets offer excellent portion control, making it easier to manage servings. Lastly, they are incredibly versatile and perfect for entertaining, allowing guests to choose their favorite flavors from an appealing spread.

The Convenience of Store-Bought Pie Crusts

With the recipe card in hand, my next stop was the refrigerator section, where I grabbed a box of Pillsbury Pie Crusts. While I certainly appreciate the art of a homemade pie crust, and can make one when the occasion calls for it, I often opt for the refrigerated variety for recipes like these. My reasoning is simple: if the filling is truly exceptional, as it is in these tartlets, most people won’t even notice if the crust isn’t made from scratch. The focus shifts to the delicious medley of flavors inside. Using a store-bought crust saves valuable time and effort, making these tartlets an accessible delight even on busy mornings. Back home, I found I had most of the other necessary ingredients already on hand, ready to embark on this culinary adventure.

Round One: Apple, Blue Cheese, and Walnut Tartlets

The original recipe that inspired me was for Apple, Blue Cheese, and Walnut Tartlets. What I particularly loved about this concept was the freedom it offered to adapt the directions. After all, who truly follows every single step of a recipe to the letter?

Apple, Blue Cheese and Walnut Tartlets (Original Adaptation)

Yields: 6-8 tartlets
2 pie crusts (I used 1 for my initial batch, yielding 6)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup half and half (I opted for heavy whipping cream for added richness, using what I had available)
2 tsp. all-purpose flour
1 small apple, finely chopped (Granny Smith works wonderfully for a hint of tartness)
4 ounces crumbled blue cheese
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to a steady 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a small bowl or a measuring cup with a spout, gently beat the cream and eggs until well combined. Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour, continuing to beat until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.

Carefully unroll your pie crust onto a clean cutting surface. Using a knife or a large cookie cutter, cut the crust into 6 equally sized pieces that are large enough to comfortably line a standard-sized muffin tin. For extra stability, you can lightly grease the muffin tin cavities, though often they don’t stick.

Don’t waste any of that delicious crust! I often gather the scrap pieces from the edges and, with just a tiny bit of water on my fingertip, press them together. This allows me to form an additional square or two, ensuring minimal waste and potentially more tartlets!

Gently press each pie crust square into the ungreased muffin tins, shaping them to form small cups.

Now, it’s time to start layering your delicious fillings into each crust-lined muffin cup.

Begin with the finely chopped apples. Their sweetness and slight tartness provide a wonderful base.

Next, sprinkle in the walnuts. Their earthy crunch adds a lovely textural contrast.

Finally, generously add the crumbled blue cheese. Its pungent, savory notes are key to this flavor profile.

Upon tasting this first batch, I found them to be good, but the flavor profile didn’t quite “scream” at me. The apples, while present, seemed somewhat muted by the blue cheese, yet the blue cheese itself remained subtle. There wasn’t a single dominant taste that made me exclaim “wow!” While I definitely enjoyed the concept of apples and walnuts in a savory breakfast item, I knew I could elevate the flavors further.

The Quest for “Wow”: Crafting a New Flavor Profile

This experience led me into a creative thought process. I started pondering: What ingredients do I typically love in my quiches that always deliver that satisfying “wow” factor? And what flavors would truly complement and highlight the apples, rather than muting them?

After a moment of delicious contemplation, the answer became clear. I decided to introduce some bold, familiar flavors that I knew would harmonize perfectly with the sweetness of the apples and the crunch of the walnuts. This led to a second, improved version, designed to truly make the flavors sing!

Round Two: Sausage, Apple, and Cheddar Cheese Tartlets

This second iteration proved to be the winning combination, delivering the vibrant, harmonious flavors I was searching for. It combines classic breakfast elements with a delightful twist, ensuring every bite is memorable.

Sausage, Apple and Cheddar Cheese Tartlets

Yields: 6-8 tartlets
1 pie crust
2 large eggs
1/4 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
2 tsp all-purpose flour
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (optional, to taste)
About 1/4 pound hot breakfast sausage, cooked and thoroughly drained of excess grease
1 small apple, peeled and finely chopped (again, Granny Smith is a great choice)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

The preparation for this version largely follows the same initial steps as the first. In a bowl, combine and whisk your eggs, cream, and flour until smooth. Add salt and pepper to the egg mixture, adjusting to your taste preferences.

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Cut your pie crust into 6-8 squares and carefully press them into your muffin tins, forming individual cups. Now, let’s start layering your mouth-watering fillings!

Start with a generous layer of the cooked and drained hot sausage. Its savory, slightly spicy kick forms a fantastic foundation.

Next, add the finely chopped apples. Their natural sweetness provides a beautiful counterpoint to the rich sausage, a classic pairing.

Follow with a good sprinkling of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. The robust, tangy flavor of cheddar truly brings all the elements together.

Don’t forget the walnuts! Their distinctive crunch and nutty flavor add an essential textural component.

Feel free to add a bit more cheese if you desire! You can never have too much cheddar.

Finally, pour the prepared egg mixture over all the layered ingredients in each tartlet cup, ensuring everything is well coated but not overflowing.

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the tops of the tartlets for a final garnish. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-23 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before carefully removing them from the tin. This brief resting period helps them hold their shape beautifully.

The flavors on this one truly popped! The apples maintained their distinct sweetness and held their own beautifully against the savory sausage and the sharp cheddar. The walnuts added that perfect textural crunch, creating a wonderfully balanced and exciting bite. This second version is, without a doubt, a keeper for my recipe collection.

Make-Ahead Magic: Perfect for Busy Mornings & Special Occasions

Another fantastic aspect of these breakfast tartlets is their make-ahead potential. You can bake them fully, let them cool, and then store them in the refrigerator. They reheat beautifully, making them an ideal option for busy weekday mornings or for special occasions like Christmas morning, when you want a delicious, fuss-free breakfast that feels a little extra special.

Customization is Key: Tailoring Tartlets for Every Palate

This flexibility is where breakfast tartlets truly shine, especially when dealing with those picky eaters! In my second batch, for instance, the upper left corner of the muffin tin held my daughter’s personal tartlet: simple sausage, cheese, and egg – no apples, no walnuts. And she was absolutely delighted!

This level of customization means everyone at your table can enjoy a breakfast tailored exactly to their preferences. Imagine the possibilities: some with spinach and feta, others with mushrooms and Swiss, or even a simple cheese and egg for the purists. When everyone is happy with their meal, isn’t that truly the best outcome you can hope for around your dining table? Happy people make for happy mealtimes.

These customizable breakfast tartlets offer a delightful and practical alternative to traditional quiche, ensuring everyone gets exactly what they want in a delicious, individual package. Give them a try and discover your own favorite flavor combinations!

I’ve linked this recipe up at Finding Joy in my Kitchen for more inspiring ideas.