Bacon and Cheddar Quiche Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Dish

Introduction

Bacon and cheddar quiche is the epitome of comfort food, combining the savory, smoky flavor of bacon with the richness of cheddar cheese and a silky egg filling. This dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner. The delicate crust, whether homemade or store-bought, complements the rich and flavorful filling, making every bite an indulgence. If you’re looking to impress guests or simply want a meal that feels like a warm hug, this bacon and cheddar quiche is sure to please.

In this article, we’ll walk through the process of preparing bacon and cheddar quiche from scratch. From creating a perfect, flaky crust to assembling and baking the quiche, we’ll ensure that you have a delicious dish ready in no time. Additionally, we’ll answer frequently asked questions and provide some tips to elevate your quiche-making experience.

Table of Contents

1. Why Choose Bacon and Cheddar Quiche?
2. What Ingredients Do You Need for Bacon and Cheddar Quiche?
   • Ingredients for the Crust
   • Ingredients for the Filling
3. How to Make the Perfect Quiche Crust
   • Step 1: Preparing the Dough
   • Step 2: Pre-baking the Crust
4. The Bacon and Cheddar Quiche Filling
   • Choosing the Right Bacon
   • Shredding and Prepping the Cheese
5. Assembling the Quiche: A Step-by-Step Guide
6. Baking Your Bacon and Cheddar Quiche
7. How to Know When Your Quiche is Done
8. Serving and Storing Your Bacon and Cheddar Quiche
9. Variations of Bacon and Cheddar Quiche
10. Tips for the Best Bacon and Cheddar Quiche
11. Troubleshooting Common Quiche Problems
12. Frequently Asked Questions
13. Conclusion

1. Why Choose Bacon and Cheddar Quiche?

Bacon and cheddar quiche is a flavorful and hearty dish that strikes a perfect balance between crispy, savory bacon and smooth, melty cheese. It’s versatile enough for any occasion—whether it’s a leisurely weekend brunch or a savory dinner option. Here’s why it’s a fantastic choice:

• Delicious Combination: The smoky bacon pairs perfectly with the sharpness of cheddar cheese, creating a comforting dish that’s rich in flavor.
• Customizable: You can add various ingredients, such as vegetables, herbs, or different types of cheese, to make the quiche your own.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Quiche can be prepared in advance and stored for later use, making it a convenient option for busy days.

2. What Ingredients Do You Need for Bacon and Cheddar Quiche?

Ingredients for the Crust

To make a flaky, buttery crust, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3–4 tablespoons ice water

Ingredients for the Filling

For the filling, you will need:

• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced onion (optional)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream or whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

These ingredients combine to create the perfect bacon and cheddar filling that is rich and savory.

3. How to Make the Perfect Quiche Crust

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Begin by preparing the crust. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Next, cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs.

Add the ice water gradually, 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring gently with a fork until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough to ensure a flaky result. Once the dough has formed, shape it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Pre-baking the Crust

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface, making sure to roll it out evenly. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie pan and trim any excess dough from the edges. Crimp the edges of the crust for a decorative finish.

To prevent the crust from puffing up during baking, line it with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

4. The Bacon and Cheddar Quiche Filling

Choosing the Right Bacon

The filling of your quiche is what gives it that signature flavor. When choosing bacon, opt for high-quality thick-cut bacon for a more substantial texture and richer taste. Cook the bacon until it’s crisp, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces.

Shredding and Prepping the Cheese

Next, shred your cheddar cheese. While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly shredded cheese melts better and enhances the texture of your quiche. A mild or sharp cheddar cheese will work well, depending on your flavor preference.

Mixing the Egg Base

In a bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream or whole milk, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg (optional). This mixture will create the creamy base for your quiche filling.

5. Assembling the Quiche: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once the crust is pre-baked and cooled slightly, it’s time to assemble the quiche. Spread the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the bottom of the crust. If you’re adding diced onions, now is the time to do so.

Next, pour the egg mixture over the filling, ensuring that the bacon and cheese are evenly distributed. Use a spoon to gently spread the filling if needed.

6. Baking Your Bacon and Cheddar Quiche

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your assembled quiche in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set. To check for doneness, gently shake the quiche—if the filling is firm and doesn’t jiggle, it’s ready.

Let the quiche cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the filling to set further and make slicing easier.

7. How to Know When Your Quiche is Done

The key to a perfectly baked quiche is checking the texture of the filling. The quiche should be golden brown on top, and the center should be firm to the touch. If the center still jiggles when you shake the quiche, bake it for an additional 5 minutes.

8. Serving and Storing Your Bacon and Cheddar Quiche

You can serve bacon and cheddar quiche warm or at room temperature. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. This quiche is perfect on its own, or you can pair it with a light salad for a balanced meal.

If you have leftovers, store the quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to restore the crispness of the crust.

9. Variations of Bacon and Cheddar Quiche

While the classic bacon and cheddar quiche is a favorite, there are plenty of variations you can try:

• Vegetable Add-ins: Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for Swiss, Gruyère, or even goat cheese for a different taste.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust or opt for a crustless quiche.

10. Tips for the Best Bacon and Cheddar Quiche

• Use cold butter for the crust to achieve a flaky texture.
• Don’t overfill the quiche—stick to a 3/4-inch filling depth for the best results.
• Let the quiche cool slightly before slicing to prevent the filling from running.

11. Troubleshooting Common Quiche Problems

• Watery Filling: If your quiche turns out watery, you may have added too much cream or not allowed the crust to cool enough before adding the filling. Make sure your ingredients are measured correctly and that the crust is slightly cooled.
• Soggy Bottom: This can happen if the crust isn’t pre-baked long enough. Ensure the crust is golden before adding the filling to prevent sogginess.

12. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make bacon and cheddar quiche ahead of time?
Yes, quiche can be prepared the day before and stored in the fridge. Just bake it in the morning before serving for a fresh, warm meal.

Q2: Can I use a store-bought crust?
Absolutely! While homemade crust adds a nice touch, a pre-made store-bought crust can save you time without sacrificing flavor.

Q3: How do I prevent a soggy quiche crust?
Ensure that you pre-bake the crust for at least 10 minutes and use pie weights during the first phase of baking.

Q4: Can I freeze bacon and cheddar quiche?
Yes, you can freeze quiche before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. To bake, remove it from the freezer and bake at 350°F for 50–60 minutes.

Q5: Can I add other ingredients like mushrooms or spinach?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Mushrooms, spinach, and other vegetables can be added for a more flavorful quiche.

Q6: How do I know when my quiche is fully baked?
Your quiche is done when the center is set and no longer jiggles. You can also check by inserting a knife into the center—if it comes out clean, the quiche is done.

13. Conclusion

Bacon and cheddar quiche is a timeless and comforting dish that brings together simple ingredients in a flavorful way. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to prepare a quiche that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it at a brunch gathering or enjoy it as a quick weekday meal, this quiche is sure to satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests.

Enjoy this savory delight and make it a part of your regular meal rotation!

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