Cauliflower Bacon Quiche

Cauliflower Bacon Quiche is a savory and flavorful dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. This quiche combines tender cauliflower, crispy bacon, and a blend of cheeses in a creamy egg custard, all encased in a flaky pie crust. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making Cauliflower Bacon Quiche, provide helpful cooking notes, and offer variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

• 1 premade pie dough
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup cottage cheese
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 head of cauliflower, chopped and steamed
• ⅓ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• ¼ cup diced onion
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• ½ cup gruyere cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Pie Dough:
   • Roll out the premade pie dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.
   • Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges.
   • Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling.
3. Blind Bake the Crust:
   • Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans.
   • Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the parchment paper and weights.
   • Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.
   • Remove from the oven and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Steam the Cauliflower:
   • Chop the cauliflower into small florets and steam until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
   • Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it and set aside.
3. Sauté the Onion:
   • In a small skillet, sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Custard

1. Combine Eggs and Dairy:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and cottage cheese until smooth.
2. Add Seasonings:
   • Stir in the oregano, dried thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Quiche

1. Layer the Filling:
   • Spread the steamed cauliflower evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust.
   • Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and sautéed onion over the cauliflower.
   • Top with the shredded parmesan and gruyere cheeses.
2. Pour the Custard:
   • Pour the egg mixture over the filling, ensuring it covers all the ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Bake the Quiche

1. Bake:
   • Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
   • A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Cool:
   • Let the quiche cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
2. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish with chopped chives and serve warm.

Cook Notes and Variations

Cook Notes:

• Blind Baking: Blind baking the crust helps prevent it from becoming soggy when the filling is added.
• Cheeses: For best results, use freshly shredded cheeses as they melt better and have better flavor than pre-shredded.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Version:
  • Omit the bacon and add more vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Gluten-Free Version:
  • Use a gluten-free pie crust to make the recipe gluten-free.
• Spicy Quiche:
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Herbed Quiche:
  • Add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or basil to the egg mixture for added flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use other types of cheese such as cheddar, fontina, or swiss. Feel free to mix and match according to your preference.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

3. Can I freeze the quiche?

Yes, you can freeze the quiche. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

4. What can I serve with quiche?

Quiche pairs well with a simple green salad, fruit salad, or roasted vegetables.

5. Can I make the quiche ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the quiche ahead of time. Bake the quiche as directed, then let it cool and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Cauliflower Bacon Quiche is a savory and delicious dish that’s perfect for any meal. With its creamy custard, tender cauliflower, and crispy bacon, this quiche is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this recipe is easy to follow and full of flavor. Give this Cauliflower Bacon Quiche recipe a try and enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal. Happy cooking!