Gruyere and Pancetta Quiche with Hash-Brown Crust

2 tablespoons butter, softened, plus more for the pan
113 grams (4 ounces) pancetta, diced
680 grams (1 1/2 pounds; about 3) Russet potatoes, peeled and coarsely grated
12 large eggs, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons (9 grams) fine sea salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
1 cup (227 grams; 8 ounces) full-fat sour cream
1/2 cup (113 grams; 4 ounces) crème fraîche
80 grams (2 3/4 ounces; about 2/3 packed cup) shredded Gruyere cheese
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees F (click here for Celcius, etc.); position the rack in the middle. Butter a 9×2-inch springform pan. Cut a piece of parchment paper that is long enough to go all the way around, inside the pan (I usually just wrap the paper around the pan until I get it all the way around), and cut that piece of parchment in half lengthwise. Save one half for the next time you make this quiche (because you’ll make it again, trust me). Take the other half of the parchment and press it all the way around, inside the pan, until it goes all the way around. If the parchment piece is too tall and towers over the sides of the pan, using scissors, trim the parchment around so it’s the same height as the springform. Butter the inside of the parchment as well and, if needed, press the parchment against the sides again (sometimes it gets loose).

2. In a medium skillet set over medium heat, cook pancetta until slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Place potatoes in a cheesecloth or a thin (not terrycloth) kitchen towel and wring out the excess moisture; transfer the potatoes to a large bowl. In a small bowl, lightly beat 1 egg and add it to the potatoes, along with 2 tablespoons of butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Mix the ingredients until combined. Transfer the potato mixture to the springform and distribute it across the bottom and the sides of the pan, pressing on it with moistened fingers. Using your smallest dry measuring cup, moistened on the bottom (I have 1/8 cup measure but 1/4 cup one will do fine) press the potato crust down. Transfer the springform to a shallow baking pan and place in the oven. Bake the crust 15 to 20 minutes or until set.

4. While the crust bakes, rinse out your bowl where you mixed the potatoes, and dry it. Don’t bother thoroughly washing it – you’ll be using it now. In this bowl, add the sour cream, crème fraîche, reserved pancetta, Gruyere, and the remaining salt and pepper, and whisk until combined. Whisk in remaining 11 eggs and parsley until the mixture is uniform. Pour the filling into the crust and transfer to the oven. Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until set (you can gently take or shake the pan – and if the filling jiggles slightly in the middle but not on the sides, which should be pulling away a bit, then the quiche is done). The potato edges of the quiche will be a nice, deep brown, and the top of the quiche should have a chestnut brown color as well. Let cool 15 minutes before unmolding; peel off waxed paper. Serve either warm or at room temperature, ideally with this salad.

Serves 6 to 8