The Pioneer Woman’s Cowboy Quiche

Cowboy Quiche, a hearty dish from The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, is the perfect blend of rich flavors and comforting textures. With crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and sharp cheddar cheese, this quiche is sure to satisfy any appetite. It’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even a casual dinner. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious quiche.

Ingredients Overview:

Crust:

• 1 unbaked pie crust: The base of the quiche, providing a buttery, flaky texture. You can use a store-bought crust for convenience, or make your own from scratch if you prefer.

Filling:

• 2 yellow onions, thinly sliced: These will be caramelized to add a deep, sweet flavor to the quiche.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Used for caramelizing the onions, adding richness and flavor.
• 8 slices bacon: Provides a smoky, savory component. Bacon should be cooked until crispy, then crumbled.
• 8 large eggs: The main structure of the quiche, providing richness and a custard-like texture.
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream or half and half: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture, making the quiche rich and decadent.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning, enhancing the flavors of the quiche.
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated: Adds a tangy, robust flavor and creamy texture when melted.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, prepare your pie crust.
2. Roll out the crust: If using a homemade pie crust, roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it’s large enough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides.
3. Blind bake the crust: To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, it’s important to blind bake it. Line the crust with parchment paper or aluminum foil and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden. Remove the weights and parchment, then bake for an additional 5 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

1. Slice the onions: Thinly slice the yellow onions for even caramelization.
2. Caramelize: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. If the onions start to stick, reduce the heat to medium-low and add a splash of water to deglaze the pan. Set the caramelized onions aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

1. Cook the bacon: While the onions are caramelizing, cook the bacon in a separate skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture

1. Whisk the eggs and cream: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream (or half and half) until fully combined. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
2. Add the cheese: Stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the egg mixture.

Step 5: Assemble the Quiche

1. Layer the filling: Evenly spread the caramelized onions across the bottom of the partially baked pie crust. Next, layer the crumbled bacon on top of the onions.
2. Pour the egg mixture: Carefully pour the egg and cheese mixture over the onions and bacon, filling the crust completely.

Step 6: Bake the Quiche

1. Bake: Place the assembled quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the top is golden brown. The quiche is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, and the filling is slightly puffed and firm to the touch.
2. Cool: Allow the quiche to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This cooling period helps the quiche set further, making it easier to slice and serve.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice and serve: Once the quiche has cooled slightly, cut it into wedges and serve. This Cowboy Quiche pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or fresh fruit for a complete meal.
2. Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or enjoy them cold.

Tips and Variations:

• Make it ahead: This quiche can be made the day before and reheated before serving. This makes it a perfect dish for brunch or when hosting guests.
• Customize the fillings: While this recipe features caramelized onions and bacon, feel free to experiment with other ingredients such as sautéed mushrooms, spinach, ham, or different types of cheese.
• Vegetarian option: Skip the bacon and add more vegetables, like roasted red peppers or zucchini, to make a vegetarian version.

The Pioneer Woman’s Cowboy Quiche is a robust, flavorful dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. With the rich combination of caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, this quiche is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this quiche is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy a slice of this hearty quiche, and bring a little bit of the Pioneer Woman’s rustic charm into your kitchen.