A Bacon and Cheese Quiche is a savory, rich dish that can be served for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. The combination of crispy bacon, cheese, and creamy egg custard all wrapped in a buttery crust is irresistible. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making it at home, with an option for a homemade crust or using a store-bought version for convenience.
Ingredients
For the Crust (Optional if Using Store-Bought):
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or a mix)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or a mix of milk and cream for a lighter version)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
If you’re making a homemade crust, start by combining the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the diced, chilled butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the butter pieces are about the size of peas. Slowly add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Once chilled, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Fit the dough into a 9-inch pie dish and trim the edges. Poke the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling and refrigerate the crust while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Stir in the shredded cheese and the crumbled bacon. If you’re using onion, sauté it in a little bacon grease until soft and add it to the filling mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Quiche
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using a homemade or store-bought crust, place it on a baking sheet for easier handling. Pour the egg and bacon mixture into the prepared crust.
Step 5: Bake the Quiche
Bake the quiche in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean. If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will help the filling set fully. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve your delicious Bacon and Cheese Quiche warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Notes:
- Crust: If you prefer a shortcut, feel free to use a store-bought pie crust to save time.
- Cheese: A mix of cheeses, like cheddar and Swiss, adds depth of flavor, but feel free to use your favorite cheese blend.
- Cream: You can lighten the quiche by using a mixture of milk and cream instead of all heavy cream.
Variations:
1. Vegetable Quiche:
Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the filling for a heartier, veggie-packed quiche.
2. Ham and Cheese Quiche:
Replace the bacon with ham for a different twist, or use both for an extra meaty version.
3. Crustless Quiche:
For a low-carb version, skip the crust entirely. Grease the pie dish and pour the filling directly into it before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make the quiche ahead of time?
Yes, quiche can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze the quiche?
Yes! Once baked and cooled, wrap the quiche tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any cheese you like, such as Gruyère, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick.
This Bacon and Cheese Quiche is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that can be served for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. The crispy bacon, melted cheese, and creamy egg filling make it a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a special gathering or just a cozy meal at home, this quiche is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!