Crustless Quiche with Shallots, Bacon & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Take away the fuss of a crust, and a quiche makes a perfect weeknight dinner: quick and delicious. The basic batter is a snap to make, and depending on what you add to it, the variations are endless. You can also bake mini quiches as hors d'oeuvres (as shown here).

• 2 Tbs. unsalted butter or vegetable oil
• 8 slices bacon (about 1/4 pound), cut into 1/4-inch strips
• 4 oz. shallots, finely diced (to yield 3/4 cup)
• 2 tsp. granulated sugar
• 1 Tbs. balsamic or sherry vinegar
• 4 oil-packed sun-dried tomato halves, roughly chopped (to yield about 1/3 cup)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1-1/4 cups whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• Pinch cayenne
• Butter or oil for the pan
• 1/2 lb. wedge of Brie or a small Camembert, rind trimmed, cheese cut into 1/4-inch-thick wedges
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Position a rack in the top third of the oven and heat the oven to 425°F.

Heat the butter or oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and shallots and cook, stirring, until they begin to brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the sugar and cook until the bacon and shallots turn deep golden brown, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the vinegar. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes; set aside to cool.

Put the cornstarch in a medium bowl. Whisking steadily, slowly pour in 1/2 cup of the milk, mixing until quite smooth. Whisk in the whole eggs and egg yolks, mixing again until smooth, and then gradually whisk in the rest of the milk, the cream, salt, and cayenne.

Butter or oil a 2-quart, 7x11-inch Pyrex dish or an 8x11-inch ceramic gratin dish. Spread the ham and mushroom mixture over the bottom of the pan. Scatter on the Brie and parsley.

Whisk the batter in case it has settled and then pour it into the baking dish. Bake until the top is deep golden and the custard is set (insert a pick in the center to check; it should be softly set, neither liquid nor firm), 25 to 30 minutes. Let stand for 30 minutes before serving.