There’s something undeniably charming about bite-sized comfort food — especially when it's as luxurious and flavor-packed as Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches. These golden, savory morsels combine delicate seafood, sharp cheddar cheese, creamy custard, and flaky crusts for a brunch or appetizer that's sure to wow any crowd. Whether you’re looking for a make-ahead breakfast, a refined addition to your holiday spread, or a freezer-friendly meal-prep idea, this mini quiche recipe brings gourmet flavor with ease.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the origins of mini quiches, the brilliance of combining shrimp and crab with cheddar, how to customize them to suit any occasion, and of course, a step-by-step guide to making your own batch of these tasty bites. Let’s dive in!
What Are Mini Quiches?
A mini quiche is simply a smaller, handheld version of the classic French quiche — a savory custard pie made with eggs, cream, cheese, and various fillings baked into a pastry crust. Mini quiches are typically baked in muffin tins, allowing for individual servings that are easy to grab and enjoy. Their portability, customizable ingredients, and elegant appearance make them perfect for:
- Brunch buffets
- Bridal and baby showers
- Holiday breakfasts
- Picnic baskets
- Office potlucks
- Afternoon tea spreads
Mini quiches also make excellent meal-prep breakfasts since they reheat well and can be made in large batches.
Why Shrimp and Crab Make This Recipe Special
The seafood duo of shrimp and crab elevates this recipe beyond your standard ham-and-cheese version. Both types of seafood have mild, sweet flavors that pair exceptionally well with cheddar cheese and creamy eggs.
- Shrimp adds a juicy, meaty bite that holds up during baking.
- Crab, especially lump or claw meat, delivers subtle sweetness and a soft texture.
When combined, they bring a luxurious feel to each bite, turning simple mini quiches into decadent, restaurant-quality treats.
The Power of Cheddar
While seafood is the star of the show, sharp cheddar cheese plays a vital supporting role in this recipe. Cheddar adds:
- A tangy contrast to the sweet crab and shrimp
- A gooey melt that binds the filling together
- A golden, savory crust on top during baking
For best results, opt for freshly grated cheddar, which melts better and delivers more intense flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
Ingredients for Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches
You don’t need fancy ingredients to make these gourmet bites. Here's what you’ll need:
Crust (Optional but Recommended)
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade)
- Flour (for rolling out)
- Muffin tin or mini tart pans
Filling
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, chopped
- ½ cup lump crab meat (drained, cartilage removed)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (fresh)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- Diced red bell pepper
- Sautéed spinach or mushrooms
- Chopped jalapeño for heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with parchment baking cups.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
If using pie crusts, roll them out on a lightly floured surface and cut into 3-inch rounds using a cookie cutter or glass. Press each round into the muffin tin to form a crust base. Chill in the fridge while you make the filling.
No crust? No problem! These mini quiches are also excellent crustless.
Step 3: Make the Seafood Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and milk until smooth.
Fold in:
- Cheddar cheese
- Chopped shrimp
- Crab meat
- Green onions
- Parsley
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Old Bay (if using)
- Salt and pepper
Be gentle to avoid breaking up the crab too much — you want nice pieces in every bite.
Step 4: Assemble the Mini Quiches
Evenly spoon the seafood mixture into each prepared muffin cup, filling each one about ¾ of the way. Stir the filling occasionally to ensure even seafood and cheese distribution.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the centers are set (a slight jiggle is okay — they'll firm up as they cool).
Cool in the tin for 5–10 minutes, then gently remove with a small spatula or butter knife.
Serving Suggestions
These quiches are perfect served warm or at room temperature. Pair them with:
- A fresh garden salad with vinaigrette
- Fruit salad with citrus dressing
- Roasted asparagus or seasonal veggies
- Mimosas, bellinis, or white wine
They're equally delicious as a main dish or a side to a larger brunch spread.
Storage and Freezing
Mini quiches store beautifully. Once cooled:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
To Reheat:
- From fridge: Microwave 30–45 seconds.
- From freezer: Microwave 1–2 minutes or reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes.
Customization Ideas
These mini quiches are a blank canvas for your favorite ingredients:
Cheeses:
- Swiss or Gruyère for nuttiness
- Pepper jack for a spicy kick
- Goat cheese for a tangy touch
Veggies:
- Spinach (sautéed and squeezed dry)
- Mushrooms (sautéed)
- Peppers, tomatoes, or onions
Proteins:
- Smoked salmon
- Diced ham or bacon
- Cooked scallops
You can even create a quiche bar, offering a variety of fillings and letting guests choose their own combinations before baking.
Nutritional Benefits
These quiches aren’t just tasty — they’re also loaded with nutrients:
- Protein from eggs, shrimp, and crab
- Calcium from cheddar cheese
- Omega-3s from seafood
- Antioxidants from fresh herbs and optional veggies
Each quiche clocks in around 150–180 calories, making them a balanced and satisfying option.
Tips for Perfect Mini Quiches Every Time
- Avoid overfilling the muffin cups — the egg mixture will rise as it bakes.
- Don’t skip seasoning — seafood loves a little Old Bay, garlic, and fresh herbs.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melt and flavor.
- Cool slightly before serving — they’ll hold together better.
- Double the batch and freeze for quick breakfasts or snacks.
When to Serve Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches
These mini quiches are endlessly versatile:
- Holiday brunches like Easter, Christmas, or New Year’s Day
- Showers and birthday parties
- Corporate events or catered lunches
- Beach picnics or road trip snacks
- Everyday breakfasts with a touch of elegance
They work just as well on a silver tray at a wedding brunch as they do in a lunchbox for work.
Bringing It All Together
Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches are the perfect marriage of elegance and ease. With a buttery crust, creamy egg custard, savory cheese, and sweet seafood, they feel special without being fussy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or stocking your freezer, these delightful bites deliver five-star flavor in a bite-sized form.
Quick Shopping List
Dairy:
- Eggs (4)
- Heavy cream (¾ cup)
- Milk (½ cup)
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup)
Seafood:
- Cooked shrimp (½ cup)
- Lump crab meat (½ cup)
Pantry:
- Pie crust (optional)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Old Bay seasoning
- Salt & pepper
Fresh:
- Green onions
- Parsley
Final Words
Now that you have the recipe and all the tips and tricks in hand, it’s time to take your brunch game up a notch with these Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches. Whether served for a special event or tucked into your weekday routine, their flavor, portability, and visual appeal make them a standout favorite.