Savory Vegetable Cheese Custards
Indulge in these delightful Savory Vegetable Cheese Custards, a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Rich and creamy, these custards are made with a blend of wholesome vegetables and your choice of flavorful cheeses, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes. Ideal as a starter, a light lunch, or a satisfying supper entrée, these custards bring warmth and nostalgia to the table. Serve them warm, garnished with fresh herbs for a touch of elegance, and discover how each bite transports you into a world of home-cooked comfort.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
1 (10 ounce can)
Large Eggs
2 (beaten)
Grated Nutmeg
1 (pinch)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1/2 (teaspoon)
Cooked Vegetables
2 (cups (chopped; options include grated zucchini, corn, broccoli, spinach, chard, mushrooms, etc.))
Grated Cheese
1 1/2 (cups (options include Swiss, cheddar, smoked gouda, or blue cheese))
Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese
2 (tablespoons)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Generously coat eight individual ramekins or a 1 1/2 quart soufflé dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, large eggs, grated nutmeg, and fresh ground black pepper, whisking until smooth and well blended.
4
Gently fold in the chopped cooked vegetables of your choice, along with the grated cheese, ensuring an even distribution throughout the mixture.
5
Carefully pour the custard mixture into the prepared ramekins or soufflé dish, filling them to about three-quarters full.
6
Place the ramekins or soufflé dish in a large baking pan and add boiling water to the pan, filling it to halfway up the sides of the ramekins or dish to create a water bath, which helps the custards cook evenly.
7
Bake the custards in the preheated oven until set, with a knife inserted into the center coming out clean. This will take about 45 minutes for the larger soufflé dish and 20-25 minutes for individual ramekins.
8
Once baked, remove the custards from the water bath and allow them to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Vegetable Cheese Custards?
They are a rich and creamy dish made with a blend of wholesome vegetables, cheese, and a custard base, perfect as a starter or light lunch.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
You will need condensed cream of chicken soup, eggs, nutmeg, black pepper, cooked vegetables, grated cheese, and parmesan.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do individual ramekins take to bake?
Individual ramekins take approximately 20 to 25 minutes to bake until set.
How long does a large soufflé dish take to bake?
A 1 1/2 quart soufflé dish takes about 45 minutes to bake.
Why is a water bath used for baking?
A water bath, or bain-marie, helps the custards cook evenly and prevents them from cracking.
How do I know when the custards are done?
They are done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
How deep should the water be in the baking pan?
The boiling water should reach halfway up the sides of the ramekins or soufflé dish.
What kinds of vegetables can I use?
You can use grated zucchini, corn, broccoli, spinach, chard, or mushrooms.
Should the vegetables be raw or cooked?
The vegetables should be cooked and chopped before being added to the custard mixture.
What types of cheese work well in this custard?
Swiss, cheddar, smoked gouda, or blue cheese are all excellent options.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
While it contains vegetables, the base uses cream of chicken soup; you would need to swap it for a vegetarian cream soup to make it fully vegetarian.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 2 large eggs, which should be beaten before mixing.
What size soup can is used?
The recipe calls for one 10-ounce can of condensed cream of chicken soup.
How should the baking dishes be prepared?
Generously coat the ramekins or soufflé dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
What seasoning is used in the custard?
The mixture is seasoned with a pinch of grated nutmeg and 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
How much cheese is included in the mixture?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of grated cheese mixed in, plus 2 tablespoons of parmesan on top.
How much vegetable content is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of chopped cooked vegetables.
Can I serve these custards immediately?
It is recommended to allow them to cool for 5 minutes after removing them from the water bath before serving.
What is the suggested garnish?
Fresh herbs are suggested as an optional garnish for a touch of elegance.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, provided they are cooked and drained thoroughly before being added to the mix.
How many ramekins does this recipe fill?
The recipe is designed to fill eight individual ramekins.
What is the primary texture of this dish?
The texture is rich, creamy, and smooth, balanced by the textures of the added vegetables.
Can I use different types of parmesan?
Fresh grated parmesan cheese is recommended for the best flavor and melting quality.
Is the nutmeg necessary?
Nutmeg adds a traditional savory-sweet depth to custards, but it can be omitted if preferred.
How do I mix the ingredients?
Whisk the soup, eggs, and spices until smooth, then gently fold in the vegetables and cheese.
How full should the ramekins be?
The ramekins should be filled to about three-quarters full to allow for a slight rise.
Is this a light or heavy meal?
It is described as a light lunch or a comforting starter, making it versatile but not overly heavy.
Can I use smoked cheese?
Yes, smoked gouda is specifically mentioned as a flavorful option for this recipe.
What is the cooking method for the water bath?
Place the dishes in a larger pan, add boiling water to the pan, and bake in the oven.