Description
Savory Bacon and Cheese Quiche blends French culinary tradition with hearty breakfast flavors. Rich egg custard, crispy bacon, and melted cheese create a delightful morning meal for weekend gatherings or special brunches.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups half-and-half (473 ml)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyere) (226 g)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (156 g)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (113 g)
- ½ tsp salt
- 3–4 tbsps ice water
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley or chives
Instructions
- Pastry Foundation: Blend flour and salt, then incorporate cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Introduce icy water and knead gently to form a cohesive dough, shape into a disk, wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Crust Preparation: Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface and carefully transfer to a 9-inch pie dish, trimming excess edges. Line with parchment paper and ceramic weights, then bake at 375F (190C) for 10 minutes. Remove weights and continue baking for 5 additional minutes until lightly golden.
- Custard Creation: Whisk eggs with half-and-half, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a subtle hint of nutmeg. Distribute crispy bacon pieces and shredded cheese evenly across the partially baked crust.
- Assembly and Baking: Pour the egg mixture over the bacon and cheese, using a fork to ensure even distribution. Bake at 375F (190C) for 35-40 minutes until the center sets and the surface turns a rich golden brown.
- Finishing Touches: Allow the quiche to rest for 5-10 minutes to stabilize its structure. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, and serve warm or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
Butter Temperature Control: Keep butter ice-cold when making pastry to ensure a flaky, tender crust that crumbles perfectly with each bite.
Blind Baking Mastery: Pre-baking the crust prevents soggy bottoms, creating a crisp foundation that holds the creamy custard beautifully without becoming waterlogged.
Egg Custard Precision: Whisk eggs thoroughly but gently to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause the quiche to puff up and then deflate during baking.
Flavor Customization: Swap bacon for vegetarian alternatives like roasted vegetables or substitute cheeses to accommodate different dietary preferences without compromising the dish’s rich, creamy essence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 175 mg