Bacon and Cheese Quiche is a classic dish that combines the savory flavors of crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and a rich egg custard in a flaky pie crust. This easy quiche recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, and can be made ahead for busy days. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or additional cheeses for an extra twist!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 store-bought or homemade pie crust (9-inch)
• 1 egg (for brushing, optional)

For the Filling:

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup sautéed onions, spinach, or mushrooms
• ¼ cup chopped bell peppers
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for extra flavor

For Serving:

• Fresh salad or roasted vegetables
• A dollop of sour cream or salsa

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges if desired.
3. If you’re using an unbaked pie crust, line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Blind bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until it starts to turn golden. Remove the weights and parchment paper, and let the crust cool slightly.
4. Optionally, brush the crust with a lightly beaten egg to seal it and prevent sogginess during baking.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

1. In a skillet, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble the bacon once it has cooled slightly.

Step 3: Make the Egg Custard

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Quiche

1. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the bottom of the prepared pie crust.
2. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the bacon.
3. Pour the egg mixture over the bacon and cheese, ensuring that it spreads evenly in the crust.

Step 5: Bake the Quiche

1. Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center—if it comes out clean, the quiche is done.
2. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set and makes slicing easier.
2. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley for added color and flavor, and serve warm or at room temperature.

Cooking Notes

• Pie Crust: You can use a store-bought pie crust to save time, or make your own homemade crust. Blind baking the crust ensures it stays crisp and prevents a soggy bottom.
• Cheese: Cheddar and Swiss are classic choices, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or feta for different flavors.

Variations

1. Spinach Bacon and Cheese Quiche

Add 1 cup of sautéed spinach to the quiche for a nutritious twist. You can also add sautéed onions for extra flavor.

2. Bacon, Cheese, and Mushroom Quiche

Sauté ½ cup of sliced mushrooms and mix them into the bacon and cheese filling for an earthy, umami flavor.

3. Crustless Bacon and Cheese Quiche

For a low-carb or gluten-free option, skip the crust entirely and bake the quiche directly in a greased pie dish. Reduce the baking time slightly, checking for doneness around 30 minutes.

4. Loaded Bacon and Cheese Quiche

Add bell peppers, green onions, and a dash of hot sauce for a loaded version with extra flavor and texture.

5. Vegetarian Quiche

Omit the bacon and replace it with extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and broccoli for a delicious vegetarian option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Bacon and Cheese Quiche ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the quiche up to 1 day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven before serving.

Q: Can I freeze quiche?
Yes, quiche freezes well. Wrap the quiche tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Q: Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can substitute whole milk for the cream, but the quiche will be slightly less rich. A combination of half-and-half or milk and cream also works well.

Q: Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon or even vegetarian bacon for a lighter option.

This Bacon and Cheese Quiche is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. The creamy filling, crispy bacon, and rich cheese make for a satisfying combination that’s sure to please. Serve it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal, or enjoy it on its own as a savory treat. Whether you’re making it for a special brunch or a quick dinner, this quiche is a winner!