Roasted Pumpkin Quiche with Caramelized Onions Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that feels like fall wrapped in flaky, golden layers, look no further than this Roasted Pumpkin Quiche with Caramelized Onions. It’s a beautiful balance of sweet and savory, where tender roasted pumpkin and deeply caramelized onions mingle with creamy eggs and a touch of tangy gorgonzola, all hugged by delicate phyllo dough. This quiche is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy brunches or a comforting dinner, and once you try it, it might just become your favorite seasonal recipe to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—whether it’s the olive oil that brings everything together, the silky texture of the half and half, or the fragrant sage that gives the quiche an herby lift. Gathering these essentials will set you up for an irresistible dish with amazing layers of flavor and texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onions until they turn sweet and tender.
- 2 cups onion, sliced: Slow caramelizing unlocks their deep, golden sweetness that is key to the quiche’s flavor.
- Water as needed: To help gently caramelize the onions without burning them.
- 2 cups pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled and cut into bite sized pieces: Roasting brings out its natural sweetness and soft texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Tossed with the pumpkin to help it roast to perfect tenderness and flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors in the quiche.
- 8 sheets phyllo dough, thawed as directed on package: Creates a light, flaky crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: For brushing the phyllo layers to give them that gorgeous golden crisp.
- 4 eggs, lightly beaten: The binding agent that sets the quiche’s rich, custard-like filling.
- 1 cup half and half (or 1/2 milk and 1/2 heavy cream or 1 cup heavy cream): Adds creaminess and depth to the custard base.
- 2 ounces gorgonzola or other blue cheese, crumbled: Provides a tangy punch that cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon sage, thinly sliced: Offers an earthy, aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish.
How to Make Roasted Pumpkin Quiche with Caramelized Onions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add the sliced onions. Sauté them gently until tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Then reduce the heat to just below medium and add 1/4 cup of water, covering the pan to let the onions slowly turn a deep golden brown over approximately 50 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and add water as needed to keep the onions from drying out. This slow caramelization process is what transforms raw onions into a rich, sweet base for the quiche.
Step 2: Roast the Pumpkin
While the onions are slowly caramelizing, toss the peeled, bite-sized pumpkin pieces with a tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven until tender, about 30 to 40 minutes. Roasting intensifies the pumpkin’s natural sweetness and softens it just right for mixing into your quiche filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Phyllo Crust
Once the onions and pumpkin are done, it’s time to prepare the crust. Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or springform pan, then brush a sheet of thawed phyllo dough with olive oil and fit it gently inside the dish with the edges hanging over. Repeat this process with the remaining sheets, layering each with olive oil to create a beautifully crisp, flaky crust that will hold your quiche filling effortlessly.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
In a large bowl, combine the caramelized onions, roasted pumpkin, beaten eggs, half and half, crumbled gorgonzola, and thinly sliced sage. Pour this luscious mixture into the phyllo-lined dish. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven until the filling sets and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown, which will take anywhere from 25 to 45 minutes depending on your oven. Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the custard to firm up perfectly.
How to Serve Roasted Pumpkin Quiche with Caramelized Onions

Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh sage leaves or a few crumbles of blue cheese on top right before serving adds an elegant touch and extra burst of flavor that will wow anyone at your table. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil enhances the richness too.
Side Dishes
This quiche pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through its richness. Roasted root vegetables or a simple tomato salad also complement the warm, earthy flavors wonderfully, creating a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch or special occasion, serve the sliced Roasted Pumpkin Quiche with Caramelized Onions on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs, nuts, or even a scattering of pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and brightness. Individual mini quiches using the same recipe in muffin tins also make charming finger-food-sized treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Roasted Pumpkin Quiche with Caramelized Onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It holds its flavor beautifully and the texture remains silky and delicious.
Freezing
If you want to keep this quiche on hand longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and freeze for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve that luscious texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the crispness of the phyllo crust and the creamy custard inside.
FAQs
Can I use frozen pumpkin instead of fresh?
Definitely! Frozen pumpkin works well as long as you thaw and drain it properly before roasting to avoid excess moisture in your quiche filling.
What can I substitute for gorgonzola?
If blue cheese is too strong for your taste, try a milder goat cheese, feta, or even a sharp cheddar to still get that tangy richness without overpowering the pumpkin and onions.
Can I make this quiche gluten-free?
Since phyllo dough contains gluten, a great gluten-free alternative is to use a pre-made gluten-free pie crust or a crustless quiche approach by simply baking the filling alone in a greased dish.
Is sage necessary in this recipe?
Sage adds a wonderful earthy note that pairs beautifully with pumpkin and onions, but if you don’t have it on hand, thyme or rosemary can be great substitutes.
How do I prevent the phyllo dough from drying out?
Keep phyllo covered with a slightly damp kitchen towel while working, and brush each sheet generously with olive oil to keep it moist and crisp after baking.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Roasted Pumpkin Quiche with Caramelized Onions enough. It’s one of those dishes that feels both comfortingly familiar and excitingly unique. Whether you’re serving it for a weekend brunch or a special dinner, it’s sure to bring warmth, flavor, and smiles to the table. Give it a go—you won’t be disappointed!
Roasted Pumpkin Quiche with Caramelized Onions Recipe
This Roasted Pumpkin Quiche with Caramelized Onions is a savory and comforting dish perfect for fall and winter. Featuring a flaky phyllo crust filled with sweet roasted pumpkin, deeply caramelized onions, tangy gorgonzola cheese, and fragrant sage, this quiche balances rich flavors with a delicate texture. Ideal for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, it combines vibrant seasonal ingredients with a crispy, buttery crust.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Main Dish
- Method: Roasting, Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American, European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Caramelized Onions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup water (as needed)
Roasted Pumpkin
- 2 cups pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled and cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Phyllo Crust
- 8 sheets phyllo dough, thawed as directed on package
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for brushing)
Quiche Filling
- 4 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup half and half (or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 cup heavy cream, or 1 cup heavy cream)
- 2 ounces gorgonzola or other blue cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon sage, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Reduce the heat slightly below medium, add 1/4 cup water, and cover the pan. Cook the onions until deeply golden brown, approximately 50 minutes. Stir every 10 minutes for the first 30 minutes and every 5 minutes thereafter, adding a little more water if the pan becomes too dry.
- Roast the Pumpkin: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Toss the peeled and chopped pumpkin with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast until tender, about 30-40 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Phyllo Crust: Brush one sheet of phyllo dough with olive oil and place it into a greased 9-inch pie dish or springform pan, allowing the edges to hang over. Repeat with the remaining sheets, layering each brushed with olive oil on top of the last to build a flaky crust.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the caramelized onions, roasted pumpkin, lightly beaten eggs, half and half (or milk/cream mixture), crumbled gorgonzola cheese, and thinly sliced sage. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the filling into the phyllo-lined crust, smoothing the top. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25-45 minutes, or until the quiche is golden brown on top and set in the center (a knife inserted should come out clean). Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use gloves or be gentle when handling phyllo dough as it tears easily.
- If you prefer, substitute gorgonzola with feta or goat cheese for a milder flavor.
- Roast the pumpkin a day ahead to save time when assembling.
- This quiche can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of quiche)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Keywords: pumpkin quiche, caramelized onion quiche, phyllo crust, fall recipes, gorgonzola quiche, roasted pumpkin, savory quiche