Easy Bacon and Cheese Quiche Recipe for Breakfast

Introduction: Making the Perfect Bacon and Cheese Quiche

Are you searching for a breakfast that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple to whip up? Did you know that on average, breakfast dishes can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes to prepare? If you’re aiming for deliciousness without the stress, the search for the perfect bacon and cheese quiche recipe for breakfast ends here! This savory, eggy pie is the ultimate way to start your day, offering a comforting blend of crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a rich, creamy custard nestled in a flaky crust. It’s ideal for busy weekday mornings when you still want something special, or for leisurely weekend brunches with family and friends. Get ready to discover how easy it is to create a quiche that will become a staple in your breakfast rotation.

Ingredients for Your Delicious Quiche

Crafting a truly amazing quiche relies on high-quality ingredients that harmonize beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need for our irresistible bacon and cheese delight:

The Star Players: Savory Fats and Protein

• 6-8 slices of good quality bacon: Look for thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and a satisfying crispness.
• ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion (about half a medium onion): This adds a subtle sweetness and depth. You can substitute with shallots for a milder, more refined flavor.

The Creamy Heart of the Quiche

• 4 large eggs: The foundation of our custard. Ensure they are fresh for the best texture and flavor.
• 1 ½ cups whole milk or heavy cream (or a combination): For a rich, decadent quiche, use heavy cream. For a slightly lighter version, use whole milk. You can also do a 50/50 blend.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground pepper offers the best aroma and taste.
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional): A traditional addition that adds a subtle, warm, earthy note and complements dairy beautifully.

Flavor Boosters and Aromatics

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese: A sharp cheddar is classic and provides a punchy flavor. Gruyère melts beautifully and adds a nutty complexity. A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack is also a crowd-pleaser.
• Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley: For a touch of freshness and color.

The Crust: A Flaky Foundation

• 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust: You can use a store-bought refrigerated crust for ultimate convenience, or your favorite homemade recipe for an extra special touch.

Timing Your Quiche Creation

Compared to many complex breakfast dishes, this bacon and cheese quiche is remarkably quick. While the average breakfast can take 15-30 minutes to prepare, our quiche requires about 15 minutes of active prep. The majority of the time is hands-off baking, allowing you to attend to other morning tasks or simply relax. This makes it an excellent candidate for make-ahead meal prepping too!

Step-by-Step Quiche Perfection

Follow these easy steps to create a quiche that’s impressive in flavor and appearance.

Step 1: Prepare Your Crust (if not pre-made)

If you’re using a homemade crust, prepare your dough and press it into a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp the edges as desired. If your recipe calls for blind baking (pre-baking the crust), follow those instructions. For most store-bought crusts that you’re not pre-baking, a quick prick with a fork all over the bottom is often sufficient to prevent puffing. If you choose to blind bake, it helps ensure a crispier bottom crust, especially when using a very wet filling like quiche.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Sauté Onions

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain. Once cooled slightly, crumble or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Pour off most of the bacon grease, leaving about a tablespoon in the skillet. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté over medium-low heat until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This process brings out their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg and Dairy Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs until well combined. Gradually whisk in the milk or cream until smooth. Stir in the salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Don’t over-whisk; you don’t want to incorporate too much air, as this can lead to a bubbly, uneven texture.

Step 4: Assemble Your Quiche

Sprinkle about half of the shredded cheese evenly over the bottom of your prepared pie crust. Scatter the crumbled cooked bacon and the sautéed onions over the cheese. Finally, pour the egg and dairy mixture gently over the fillings. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. If you’re adding fresh herbs like chives or parsley, you can mix them into the egg mixture or sprinkle them on top.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled quiche on a baking sheet (to catch any potential drips) and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. The quiche should jiggle very slightly in the center when gently shaken, but not be liquid. To prevent the crust from burning, you can loosely cover the edges with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking if they start to brown too quickly.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

This is a crucial step! Let the quiche rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the custard to fully set, making for cleaner slices and a better texture. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information: A Glimpse of Goodness

Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

• Calories: Approximately 350-450 per slice (depending on crust, cheese, and dairy used).
• Protein: Around 15-20g
• Fat: Around 25-35g (varies with bacon and cream content)
• Carbohydrates: Around 10-15g (mostly from the crust and onion)

Healthier Alternatives for a Lighter Dish

Looking to make this delightful quiche a bit lighter without sacrificing too much flavor? Consider these swaps:

• Leaner Protein: Use lower-fat bacon, turkey bacon, or even pre-cooked, diced ham.
• Dairy: Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream. You can even use a plant-based milk like unsweetened almond or soy milk, though the texture might be slightly less rich.
• Cheese: Opt for reduced-fat shredded cheese. A little goes a long way, so don’t be afraid to use a strongly flavored cheese like sharp cheddar.
• Crust: Use a whole wheat pie crust, a lower-fat crust recipe, or forgo the crust entirely for a crustless quiche.
• Veggie Boost: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli to the filling for extra nutrients and fiber.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Meal

This quiche is a star on its own, but here are a few ideas to make your meal even more complete:

• Fresh Green Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect complement to the richness of the quiche.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing bowl of mixed berries or melon adds a touch of sweetness and balance.
• Roasted Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes: For a heartier meal, serve with a side of home fries or roasted sweet potato cubes.
• A Simple Soup: A light vegetable or tomato soup can make this a complete brunch or lunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple recipe, a few common pitfalls can occur:

• Watery Quiche: Overfilling with dairy, not draining bacon fat sufficiently, or not cooking vegetables completely can introduce excess moisture.
• Rubbery Eggs: Overcooking the custard mixture or baking at too high a temperature can lead to a tough texture.
• Soggy Bottom Crust: Failing to pre-bake the crust (if recommended by the crust recipe) or placing the filling into a cold oven can result in an undercooked base. Don’t forget to rest the quiche after baking!
• Flavorless Filling: Not seasoning the egg mixture enough with salt and pepper. Remember cheese and bacon are salty, but the eggs need their own flavor base.

Storing Your Quiche for Later

Leftover quiche can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Let it cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat gently in a low oven (around 300-325°F or 150-160°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual slices. While it’s best fresh, it still makes for a delicious next-day meal.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Breakfast Staple

There you have it – a straightforward and incredibly rewarding bacon and cheese quiche recipe for breakfast that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s versatile, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make, proving that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something truly special. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a delightful solo breakfast, this quiche is sure to impress. Give it a try, and let us know how you customize it in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon and Cheese Quiche

Got more questions? We’ve got answers!

***Can I make this quiche ahead of time?***

Yes! You can assemble the quiche completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, bake it completely, let it cool, and then reheat it:

***What kind of cheese works best?***

Sharp cheddar, Gruyère, Swiss, Monterey Jack, and even a good Colby are excellent choices. A blend of cheeses often provides the most complex flavor. Avoid pre-shredded cheeses if possible, as they often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting.

***Can I make a crustless quiche?***

Absolutely! For a crustless version, simply grease your pie dish well and proceed with the filling and baking instructions. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly, as the crust can take a bit longer to set.

***Why is my quiche not setting?***

This usually happens if the oven temperature is too low, the quiche is underbaked, or there’s too much liquid (milk/cream) to eggs. Ensure your eggs are fresh and that you’re using the correct ratio. Trust the jiggle test – a slight wobble in the center is okay, but it shouldn’t be liquid.