This bacon and cheese quiche is a yummy treat that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch! With crispy bacon and gooey cheese, it’s a dish everyone will love.
When I make this, the smell of bacon sizzling fills the kitchen, and that’s when I start to get hungry! Pair it with a fresh salad, and you have a tasty meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: You can use a store-bought crust for convenience, or make your own for a fresher taste. If gluten-free is needed, consider using a gluten-free pie crust or even a hash brown crust!
Bacon: Bacon adds that smoky flavor and crispy texture. If you want a healthier option, turkey bacon or even sautéed mushrooms can be great substitutes.
Cheese: Cheddar is awesome for a rich taste, but feel free to mix in Swiss or mozzarella. If you’re avoiding dairy, plant-based cheese works too!
Half-and-half: This makes the quiche creamy, but you can swap it for whole milk or almond milk for a lighter version. Just be aware that coconut milk might change the flavor.
Vegetables: The red bell pepper gives extra sweetness, but you can use spinach, zucchini, or any veggies you enjoy. Make sure to sauté them first for better texture.
How Do I Ensure My Quiche Sets Perfectly?
To get that perfect quiche texture, here are some important steps:
- Cooking Bacon: Make sure your bacon is crispy; this will keep it from making the crust soggy.
- Egg Mixture: Whisk the eggs with half-and-half thoroughly. This helps create a smooth filling without lumps.
- Even Distribution: Spread the bacon, veggies, and cheese evenly before pouring the egg mixture on top. This helps all the flavors mix well.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on it in the oven; you want it just set and golden. If the top browns too fast, cover it loosely with foil.
Letting it cool a bit before slicing helps it firm up, making it easier to cut.
How to Make Bacon And Cheese Quiche
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Quiche:
- 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Swiss)
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup half-and-half cream (or milk for a lighter option)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme or fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful quiche takes about 15 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to bake. So, you’ll need around an hour in total to create this delicious dish. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy weekend morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your quiche bakes evenly and comes out nice and golden.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
Take your pie crust and place it into a tart or pie pan. If you want, you can flute the edges for a pretty touch. Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust a few times—this will help to prevent bubbling when it bakes.
3. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they’re nice and crispy. Once done, let them drain on paper towels to soak up the grease, and then chop them into bite-sized pieces.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
If you’re adding onion and red bell pepper, toss them in the same skillet with a bit of the leftover bacon fat (or a little oil) and sauté briefly until they’re slightly softened. This adds flavor and texture to the quiche.
5. Add the Filling:
Now, sprinkle the chopped bacon evenly over the bottom of the pie crust. Follow that with the sautéed bell pepper and onion, if used.
6. Cheese It Up:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the bacon and veggies. Don’t be shy—cheese is an important ingredient in this quiche!
7. Whisk the Egg Mixture:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, salt, black pepper, and thyme until everything is well mixed and smooth. This creamy mixture binds all the delicious ingredients together.
8. Pour and Bake:
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the filling in the crust. Make sure it covers everything evenly. Now, pop the quiche into the preheated oven!
9. Check for Doneness:
Bake for about 35-40 minutes until the quiche is set and the top is golden. You can check if it’s done by inserting a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once out of the oven, let the quiche cool for about 10 minutes before slicing it. This helps it hold its shape. It’s perfect warm, and you can serve it with a side salad or enjoy as is. Happy eating!
Enjoy your warm, savory bacon and cheese quiche—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Quiche?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the red bell pepper with spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or zucchini. Just make sure to sauté any fresh vegetables to reduce moisture before adding them to the quiche.
Can I Make This Quiche Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the quiche and refrigerate it before baking for up to a day. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual slices.
Can I Add More Cheese?
Of course! If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to increase the cheese amount to 1.5 cups or experiment with different types like gouda or feta for added flavor. Just keep the egg and cream ratios the same for the best results.
