This Bacon and Cheese Quiche is a perfect blend of crispy bacon and gooey cheese baked in a flaky crust. It’s great for breakfast or brunch!
Who doesn’t love bacon? It’s the star of this dish! I like to serve it warm, and it pairs really well with a fresh salad on the side. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: Whether you buy one or make it from scratch, this is the foundation of your quiche. For a healthier twist, try a whole wheat or gluten-free crust. A store-bought crust saves time, though homemade gives a fresh taste.
Bacon: Bacon is the main flavor here! You can use turkey bacon or even crispy pancetta if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, try sautéing mushrooms or spinach for a similar depth of flavor.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but I love using a mix of cheeses for more flavor! Swiss, mozzarella, or a cheese blend works well too. If you’re dairy-free, look for plant-based cheese alternatives.
Onion & Bell Pepper: These veggies add sweetness and color. If you’re not a fan, feel free to skip them or swap for sautéed mushrooms or zucchini instead. Even frozen veggies can work in a pinch!
How Do I Ensure My Quiche Filling Sets Perfectly?
The egg filling consistency is key for a great quiche. Here’s how to get it right:
- Make sure to whisk the eggs and dairy thoroughly. This helps air incorporate, making a fluffier filling.
- Keep an eye on your baking time. A slight jiggle in the center means it’s done; it will firm up as it cools.
- Let it rest after baking! This cooling time allows the filling to set further and makes slicing easier.
Bacon And Cheese Quiche
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
For the Filling:
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 1/2 cup diced onion (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or a blend)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of preparation time and 35-40 minutes of baking time. Allow an additional 5-10 minutes for cooling before slicing. So in total, you should set aside about 1 hour for this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie crust into a 9-inch tart or pie pan, making sure to press it into the edges nicely. Blind bake the crust for about 8-10 minutes until it’s slightly golden. Remove it from the oven and let it sit while you prepare the filling.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the diced bacon. Cook it until it’s nice and crisp. Once it’s ready, use a slotted spoon to take the bacon out and let it drain on paper towels. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet for added flavor!
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
If you’re using onion, add the diced onions and red bell pepper to the skillet with the bacon fat. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they become softened. Then, remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Combine the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half (or milk), salt, pepper, and nutmeg until everything is well combined and fluffy.
5. Assemble the Quiche:
Layer the cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, and shredded cheese evenly over the bottom of the baked crust. Then, pour the egg mixture over these ingredients, filling the crust.
6. Bake the Quiche:
Carefully place the quiche in the preheated oven. Bake it for 35-40 minutes or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on it, and if the edges brown too quickly, you can cover them with a bit of foil.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This cooling time helps it set and makes slicing easier. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or chives if you’d like!
Now it’s time to enjoy your delicious Bacon and Cheese Quiche warm! It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner.
Can I Use a Store-Bought Pie Crust?
Absolutely! A store-bought pie crust saves time and effort. Just make sure it’s a 9-inch crust and follow the instructions for blind baking as indicated in the recipe.
How Do I Store Leftover Quiche?
Store any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats well in the microwave or oven; just cover it with foil and warm it in a low oven to keep the crust crisp.
Can I Freeze Quiche?
Yes, you can freeze quiche! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it in the oven.
Can I Add Other Veggies or Proteins?
Certainly! Feel free to customize your quiche with other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini, or add proteins like ham or sausage. Just keep the total filling quantity similar to the original recipe for best results.