This bacon and cheese quiche is warm, cheesy, and full of flavor! With crispy bacon bits and gooey cheese, it’s perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Honestly, I love making this quiche on lazy weekends. It’s so easy to whip up, and the smell while it bakes is simply irresistible! Who can resist a slice? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: A pre-made pie crust saves time, but homemade adds a special touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a whole wheat or almond flour crust for a healthier twist.
Bacon: Traditional pork bacon brings that smoky flavor, but turkey bacon or even veggie bacon works well too! Choose whatever suits your preference or dietary needs.
Cheese: Gruyère is my favorite for its creamy melt, but cheddar or a mix of your favorites like mozzarella or feta can also work beautifully. Go with what you love!
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives the quiche a rich texture, but half-and-half is a lighter alternative. You can even use whole milk for an even lighter quiche.
Onions/Shallots: They add a nice depth of flavor. If you don’t like them or if you’re in a pinch, feel free to omit them. Green onions or leeks can be great substitutes too!
How Do I Blind Bake the Pie Crust?
Blind baking ensures a crisp crust for your quiche. Start by pricking the crust with a fork to let steam escape. Then, line it with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans to keep it flat.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Press the crust into the pan, trim the edges, and poke holes.
- Cover with parchment and add weights, baking for 10-12 minutes.
- Remove the weights and parchment, then bake for another 5 minutes until golden.
This step prevents sogginess and sets the stage for a delicious quiche!
How to Make Bacon and Cheese Quiche
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade, about 9-inch)
For the Filling:
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyère, cheddar, or a mix)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion or shallots (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty bacon and cheese quiche takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and around 45-50 minutes to cook and cool slightly, making a total of about 1 hour. It’s simple to make and special enough for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare the Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take your pie crust and gently press it into a 9-inch tart or pie pan, trimming any excess dough from the edges. Make sure to prick the bottom with a fork a few times. This will help prevent the crust from puffing up during baking.
2. Blind Bake the Crust:
To keep your crust nice and crispy, we’ll blind bake it! Line the crust with parchment paper or foil and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake it in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. After that, remove the weights and paper, then put it back in the oven for another 5 minutes until it’s lightly golden. Take it out and let it cool.
3. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once crispy, drain the bacon on paper towels to remove extra grease. After it cools, crumble or chop it into small pieces.
4. Optional Onion Sauté:
If you’re using onions, you can sauté them in the bacon fat left in the pan. Just add the finely chopped onion or shallots and cook until they’re soft and translucent. This adds extra flavor to the quiche! Once done, remove from heat.
5. Make the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if you’re using it). Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
6. Layer the Filling:
Now it’s time to build your quiche! Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked crust. Then, layer the cooked bacon pieces (and sautéed onions if you used them) on top of the cheese.
7. Pour the Egg Mixture:
Gently pour the egg and cream mixture over the bacon and cheese, being careful not to overfill the crust.
8. Bake the Quiche:
Place the quiche in the oven to bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll want the filling to be set and the top to be golden brown. If it seems to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil.
9. Cool & Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the quiche cool slightly before slicing it into pieces. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious, creamy bacon and cheese quiche!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Gruyère and cheddar are popular choices, feel free to experiment with any cheese you like. Go for mozzarella for a milder flavor, or add crumbled feta for a tangy twist!
How Can I Make It Vegetarian?
To make the quiche vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and replace it with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Just wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in airtight containers. They’ll keep for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven until heated through.
How Do I Know When the Quiche is Done Baking?
The quiche is done when the filling is set in the center and the top is golden brown. You can gently shake the pan; if the filling jiggles only slightly in the center, it’s ready to come out!