Bacon and Cheddar Quiche Recipe
A Savory, Buttery Classic Perfect for Any Meal
A bacon and cheddar quiche combines the irresistible flavors of crisp bacon, tangy cheddar cheese, and silky custard baked in a flaky pie crust. It’s elegant enough for a holiday brunch yet easy enough for a weekday meal. The contrast of creamy filling and crispy crust makes every bite pure comfort.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6–8 slices
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 (9-inch) deep-dish pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
1 egg white, lightly beaten (optional for sealing crust)
For the Filling:
8 slices thick-cut bacon
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mild cheddar (optional for a cheese blend)
4 large eggs
1 ½ cups half-and-half or heavy cream
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but adds warmth and depth)
2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions or chives (optional for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
If using a store-bought crust, thaw it according to package instructions.
Place the crust into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing gently into the corners and trimming excess.
Prick the bottom with a fork several times to prevent bubbling.
For a crisp crust, blind bake:
Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment.
Brush lightly with beaten egg white and bake for another 3–5 minutes until lightly golden.
Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly while preparing the filling.
Pro Tip: Blind baking prevents a soggy crust once you pour in the custard filling.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp — about 8–10 minutes.
Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble into small pieces.
Reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings for extra flavor (optional).
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half (or cream), salt, pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg.
Whisk until smooth and creamy — this will be your custard base.
Step 4: Assemble the Quiche
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked crust.
Add all the crumbled bacon, spreading it evenly.
Top with the remaining cheese.
Slowly pour the egg mixture over the filling — don’t overfill; it should reach just below the crust’s edge.
If desired, sprinkle green onions or chives on top for color and flavor.
Tip: Place the pie dish on a baking sheet before baking — it makes handling easier and catches any overflow.
Step 5: Bake the Quiche
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly wobbly.
The top should be golden and puffed, and a knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.
Let the quiche cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing — it will finish setting as it rests.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm or at room temperature with a fresh green salad, fruit salad, or roasted potatoes.
For brunch, pair with fresh orange juice, coffee, or mimosas.
For dinner, serve alongside a bowl of tomato soup or steamed asparagus.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers tightly covered for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm slices in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.
Freeze: You can freeze the whole baked quiche or individual slices for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations
Bacon, Cheddar & Spinach: Add 1 cup chopped fresh spinach (sautéed and drained).
Ham & Swiss Quiche: Substitute ham for bacon and Swiss cheese for cheddar.
Loaded Breakfast Quiche: Add diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers.
Crustless Quiche: Skip the crust and pour the filling into a greased pie dish; bake 35–40 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Quiche
Don’t overbake — remove when the center jiggles slightly.
Use heavy cream or half-and-half for a rich, custard-like texture.
Always let it rest before slicing to prevent a watery filling.
Sharp cheddar balances the smoky bacon — avoid using only mild cheese.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon and Cheddar Quiche
Buttery, flaky crust and creamy filling.
Packed with smoky bacon and gooey melted cheese.
Perfect make-ahead dish for holidays, brunches, or meal prep.
Simple, comforting, and always impressive.
Enjoy.