Savor the Comfort: Homestyle Bacon and Cheese Quiche

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Homestyle Bacon and Cheese Quiche recipe. This classic dish combines a flaky, buttery crust with a rich and creamy filling loaded with crispy bacon and melty cheese. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a leisurely weekend breakfast, or craving a cozy dinner, this quiche is sure to satisfy your cravings and delight your taste buds. Join us as we guide you through the steps of creating this timeless favorite, along with variations, keto-friendly options, and answers to your burning questions.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
   • Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Roll Out the Dough:
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle large enough to line a 9-inch quiche or pie dish. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges as desired.
4. Prepare the Filling:
   • Spread the cooked and crumbled bacon evenly over the bottom of the prepared crust. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the bacon.
5. Whisk the Eggs and Cream:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream or half-and-half, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
6. Assemble the Quiche:
   • Pour the egg mixture over the bacon and cheese in the crust, ensuring that it is evenly distributed.
7. Bake to Perfection:
   • Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
8. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.
9. Enjoy Every Bite:
   • Slice the quiche into wedges and serve warm. Enjoy the irresistible combination of flavors and textures in every bite!

Cook’s Notes and Variations:

• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the quiche up to a day in advance. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking as directed.
• Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to get creative with your quiche fillings! Try adding diced vegetables, cooked sausage, ham, or spinach for additional flavor and texture.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and add extra cheese or your favorite vegetables for a delicious vegetarian quiche option.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making my own? A: Yes, absolutely! Store-bought pie crust can be used as a time-saving alternative. Just follow the package instructions for lining the pie dish and proceed with the recipe as directed.

Q: Can I freeze leftover quiche? A: Yes, leftover quiche can be frozen for future enjoyment. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw the quiche overnight in the refrigerator and warm it in a preheated oven until heated through.

Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream? A: While heavy cream provides a richer texture, you can substitute it with whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter option. Keep in mind that the texture of the filling may be slightly different with these substitutions.

Q: How do I know when the quiche is done baking? A: The quiche is done when the center is set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken. You can also insert a knife into the center, and it should come out clean.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

• Substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour in the crust to make it keto-friendly.
• Use heavy cream instead of half-and-half for a higher fat content.
• Add keto-friendly fillings such as cooked bacon, sausage, and low-carb vegetables.

Low-Carb Version:

• Follow the keto version instructions, adjusting ingredients to fit your specific low-carb dietary needs.
• Use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour for the crust to reduce the carbohydrate content.

In conclusion, our Homestyle Bacon and Cheese Quiche is a timeless classic that never fails to impress. With its flaky crust, creamy filling, and savory bacon and cheese combination, this quiche is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this versatile dish is perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to the comforting flavors of homemade quiche!