Homestyle Bacon and Cheese Quiche is a savory and delicious dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. With its flaky crust, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese filling, this quiche is sure to satisfy and impress. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a cozy meal at home, this quiche is easy to prepare and always a hit. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and learn how to make Homestyle Bacon and Cheese Quiche step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch pie crust, homemade or store-bought
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Pie Crust:
- If using a store-bought pie crust, follow the package instructions for pre-baking (if required). If using a homemade pie crust, roll out the dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges.
- Blind Bake (Optional):
- To prevent a soggy bottom, you can blind bake the crust. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for an additional 5 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- Cook Bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- Combine Eggs and Dairy:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and whole milk until smooth.
- Add Seasonings:
- Stir in the salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Quiche
- Layer Bacon and Cheese:
- Sprinkle the cooked bacon evenly over the bottom of the pie crust. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add Egg Mixture:
- Pour the egg mixture over the bacon and cheese, ensuring it spreads evenly.
Step 5: Bake the Quiche
- Bake:
- Place the assembled quiche in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool:
- Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Homestyle Bacon and Cheese Quiche warm or at room temperature. Enjoy this savory classic with your favorite sides!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Crust: Blind baking the crust helps to prevent it from becoming soggy, but it’s optional. Adjust the baking time if you choose to skip this step.
- Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy for the best texture. Use a slotted spoon to transfer it to the quiche to avoid excess grease.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds a nice sharpness, but you can use other cheeses like Swiss or Gruyère for different flavors.
Variations
Spinach Bacon and Cheese Quiche
- Add Spinach:
- Stir in 1 cup of fresh spinach leaves or thawed, drained frozen spinach to the egg mixture for added greens.
Mushroom Bacon and Cheese Quiche
- Add Mushrooms:
- Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms with the bacon and add to the quiche for extra umami flavor.
Onion Bacon and Cheese Quiche
- Add Onions:
- Sauté 1/2 cup of finely chopped onions with the bacon and add to the quiche for a sweet and savory twist.
Serving Suggestions
Side Dishes
- With Salad:
- Serve with a fresh green salad or a simple tomato salad for a balanced meal.
- With Fruit:
- Pair with a bowl of fresh fruit or a fruit salad for a refreshing side.
Beverages
- With Coffee:
- Enjoy with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a comforting breakfast.
- With Wine:
- Serve with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, for a delightful brunch or dinner.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this quiche ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the quiche ahead of time and refrigerate it. Reheat in the oven before serving, or serve at room temperature.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven before serving.
Q: Can I freeze the quiche? A: Yes, you can freeze the baked quiche. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of milk? A: Yes, you can use half-and-half, light cream, or even whole milk for a lighter version, though the texture will be slightly different.
Q: Can I make this quiche crustless? A: Yes, you can make a crustless version by omitting the pie crust and baking the filling in a greased pie dish or baking dish.
Homestyle Bacon and Cheese Quiche is a savory and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crispy bacon, creamy cheese filling, and flaky crust, this quiche is sure to be a hit. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this dish is easy to make and always delicious. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Homestyle Bacon and Cheese Quiche with your family and friends!
