.png){kind=small}
Bacon and Cheddar Quiche
A Bacon and Cheddar Quiche is one of those comforting dishes that can turn any morning or brunch into something special. With its rich custard filling, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and buttery crust, this recipe perfectly balances flavor and texture. It’s simple enough for a weekend breakfast yet elegant enough to serve to guests during holidays or family gatherings. You can even prepare it ahead of time and enjoy a warm slice whenever you like.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create your own Bacon and Cheddar Quiche:
- 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional, for a subtle warmth)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish
How to Make Bacon and Cheddar Quiche
Step 1 – Prepare the crust:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your pie crust and place it into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides. Crimp the edges for a decorative touch, then prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. Pre-bake the crust for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Step 2 – Cook the bacon:
While the crust is baking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate and let it cool before crumbling it into small pieces.
Step 3 – Prepare the egg mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg. The mixture should be smooth and well combined — this is the creamy base that gives your quiche its custard-like texture.
Step 4 – Assemble the quiche:
Spread half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the bottom of the pie crust. Then, sprinkle half of the crumbled bacon on top. Pour the egg mixture over the cheese and bacon, and then top with the remaining bacon and cheese. This layering ensures that every bite has the perfect mix of smoky, cheesy goodness.
Step 5 – Bake to perfection:
Place your quiche in the oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. You can check doneness by inserting a knife near the center — it should come out clean. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with a strip of foil during the last few minutes of baking.
Step 6 – Cool before slicing:
Once baked, let the quiche rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it firm up slightly and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips for the Perfect Quiche
To ensure your quiche comes out creamy and delicious every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use full-fat dairy products. The combination of heavy cream and milk gives the filling its velvety texture.
- Don’t skip pre-baking the crust; it keeps the bottom from turning soggy.
- Cook your bacon until crispy for the best flavor contrast.
- Let the quiche cool before slicing — this step is essential for clean slices.
- Customize with add-ins like spinach, mushrooms, or caramelized onions if you want more variety.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
You can easily make this Bacon and Cheddar Quiche ahead of time. Bake it fully, allow it to cool, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
If you’d like to freeze your quiche, let it cool completely, then wrap it securely and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, or until heated through. It’s a great option for meal prep or quick breakfasts during the week.
Serving Suggestions
This quiche is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. For breakfast or brunch, pair it with a fresh fruit salad, a hot cup of coffee, or freshly squeezed orange juice. For lunch, it’s wonderful alongside a crisp green salad or a bowl of tomato soup. You can even serve it as a light dinner with roasted vegetables or a side of garlic bread.
Variations You Can Try
While this recipe is amazing as-is, you can easily adapt it to your taste:
- Vegetarian version: Skip the bacon and add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Cheese swap: Try Swiss, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Meat lovers’ quiche: Add diced ham or cooked sausage along with the bacon.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for a bit of heat.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 395 kcal
Protein: 15 g
Fat: 31 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 480 mg
Cholesterol: 190 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can use whole milk or half-and-half, but the texture will be slightly lighter. The heavy cream adds richness, so if possible, use at least a mix of both.
Can I make this crustless?
Absolutely. To make a crustless version, simply grease your pie dish and pour the filling directly into it. Bake as directed, but check for doneness about 5 minutes earlier.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Just make sure to sauté them first to remove excess moisture — this helps prevent a watery quiche.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon and Cheddar Quiche is the definition of comfort food. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and suitable for any meal of the day. From the flaky crust to the creamy egg custard, every bite offers the perfect balance of rich cheese and smoky bacon. Serve it fresh out of the oven for breakfast, enjoy a slice for lunch, or make it ahead for a stress-free meal option during the week.
Once you try it, this quiche will quickly become one of your go-to recipes — simple, satisfying, and always delicious.