This Bacon and Cheese Quiche is a tasty treat, perfect for breakfast or brunch! With crispy bacon and gooey cheese, it’s buttery on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Honestly, who can resist that combination? I love serving it with a side salad, making it feel fancy while still being super easy. You’ll impress everyone, even yourself! 🥓🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: A refrigerated pie crust is super convenient. If you prefer homemade, use your favorite recipe! You can also try a gluten-free crust or a cauliflower crust for a healthier option.
Bacon: I love using thick-cut bacon for its rich flavor. You can swap it for turkey bacon for a lighter choice or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist!
Cheese: Cheddar and Swiss work nicely together, but feel free to mix in your favorites like mozzarella or pepper jack for a kick. Just remember that the stronger the cheese, the more flavor you’ll get!
Half-and-Half vs. Milk: Half-and-half gives creaminess, but whole milk is a good substitute. If you want a lighter version, use almond or oat milk.
Onion: While optional, onions add great flavor. You can replace it with green onions or shallots if you prefer a milder taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Quiche Sets Perfectly?
Getting the right texture is key for quiche. Follow these tips for a well-set, fluffy filling:
- Make sure to blend the eggs and milk properly. This aerates the mixture, leading to a fluffier quiche.
- Don’t overfill the crust! Pour the egg mixture gently to avoid displacing the bacon and cheese.
- Check for doneness around the 35-minute mark. The center should slightly jiggle—not be runny—when it comes out of the oven.
- Let it cool before slicing! This helps it firm up and makes cutting easier.
Enjoy creating your perfect Bacon and Cheese Quiche! It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
How to Make Bacon And Cheese Quiche
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Quiche:
- 1 refrigerated pie crust (9-inch)
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Bacon and Cheese Quiche will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 40-50 minutes to bake. So, you should budget about 1 hour of hands-on time plus a little extra for cooling before serving. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie crust and gently fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. If needed, trim the edges and crimp them for a nice look. Prick the bottom a few times with a fork to prevent it from puffing up while baking.
2. Blind Bake the Crust:
Next, line the crust with parchment paper or foil and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. This is called “blind baking.” Place it in the oven for about 10-12 minutes until it starts to set. Once it’s done, carefully remove the weights and parchment, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until slightly golden. Take it out to cool.
3. Cook the Bacon:
While the crust is baking, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Once cooked, transfer it to paper towels to drain and cool. Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces once it’s out of the skillet!
4. Sauté the Onion (Optional):
If you’re adding onions, toss the finely chopped onion into the same skillet with a little of the bacon fat. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent, then take them off the heat and set aside.
5. Mix the Egg Filling:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half (or milk), salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if you’re using it) until nicely combined.
6. Assemble the Quiche:
Now for the fun part! Sprinkle the chopped bacon and sautéed onions evenly across the bottom of the partially baked crust. Then, spread the shredded cheddar and Swiss cheeses over the bacon and onions.
7. Add the Egg Mixture:
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the filling. Try not to disturb the layers underneath!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the quiche in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. When it’s done, the center should be set and the top will be golden brown. To check, insert a knife in the center; it should come out clean.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This cooling time makes it easier to cut. Enjoy your delicious bacon and cheese quiche warm or at room temperature!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses. Mozzarella, Gouda, or even feta can be delicious alternatives. Just keep in mind that stronger cheeses will add more flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover quiche can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Can I Make This Quiche Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance. Just assemble the quiche (without baking it) and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What Can I Serve With Quiche?
This quiche pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, fresh fruit, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with a side of crispy hash browns for a heartier breakfast option!