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Make this Bacon and Cheddar Quiche with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, eggs, and a flaky pie crust. Perfect for brunch, holidays, meal prep, and elegant family gatherings.
Bacon and Cheddar Quiche (Elegant Brunch Favorite with a Buttery Flaky Crust)
Introduction
Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for a comforting breakfast, this Bacon and Cheddar Quiche is a timeless recipe that never disappoints. With a buttery, flaky crust filled with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich, creamy egg custard, every slice is packed with savory flavor and irresistible texture.
Quiche is one of the most versatile dishes you can make. It can be served warm from the oven, at room temperature for brunch buffets, or chilled for a quick lunch the next day. The combination of smoky bacon and melted cheddar cheese creates a hearty filling, while the silky egg mixture keeps every bite light and tender.
This elegant dish is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it ideal for holiday breakfasts, Mother’s Day brunches, Easter celebrations, bridal showers, baby showers, or weekend family meals. Pair it with a crisp green salad, fresh fruit, or roasted potatoes for a complete and satisfying menu.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or trying homemade quiche for the first time, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results with simple ingredients and minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
- Crispy bacon in every bite.
- Sharp cheddar melts beautifully.
- Perfect for brunch or breakfast.
- Great for meal prep.
- Easy to customize.
- Delicious warm or cold.
- Elegant enough for entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Quiche
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ small onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Optional Add-Ins
- Sautéed spinach
- Mushrooms
- Diced bell peppers
- Green onions
- Swiss cheese
- Gruyère cheese
Kitchen Equipment
- 9-inch pie dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Skillet
- Baking sheet
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and gently press it into the edges.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
Transfer to paper towels, allow it to cool slightly, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Quiche
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pie crust.
Add the crumbled bacon, diced onion, and chopped chives.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the filling.
Step 5: Bake
Place the pie dish on a baking sheet.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is just set and a knife inserted near the middle comes out clean.
If the crust begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the edges with aluminum foil.
Step 6: Rest
Allow the quiche to rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling firm up for clean slices.
Step 7: Serve
Slice into wedges and garnish with additional fresh chives if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Bacon and Cheddar Quiche with a fresh fruit salad, roasted breakfast potatoes, mixed greens with vinaigrette, asparagus, sliced tomatoes, croissants, muffins, or a bowl of fresh berries. It also pairs wonderfully with freshly brewed coffee, tea, or fresh orange juice for an elegant brunch spread.
Expert Tips
Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best melting quality and flavor. Cook the bacon until crisp so it maintains its texture inside the quiche. Avoid overbaking—the center should have a slight jiggle when removed from the oven, as it will continue to set while resting. Let the quiche cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Flavor Variations
Spinach Bacon Quiche
Add one cup of sautéed spinach for extra color and nutrition.
Three Cheese Quiche
Combine cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan for a richer flavor.
Bacon Mushroom Quiche
Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, savory twist.
Southwestern Quiche
Mix in diced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and chopped bell peppers for a spicy variation.
Storage
Allow the quiche to cool completely before storing.
- Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes, in an air fryer for 4–5 minutes, or microwave for 30–60 seconds until heated through.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this quiche ahead of time?
Yes. Bake it a day ahead, refrigerate it, and reheat before serving. It’s an excellent make-ahead brunch dish.
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely. A quality store-bought crust saves time and still produces excellent results.
Can I substitute milk for the heavy cream?
Yes, but using heavy cream creates a richer, creamier texture. Half-and-half is also a great option.
How do I know when the quiche is done?
The edges should be set, and the center should have only a slight wobble. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.
Can I freeze baked quiche?
Yes. Cool the quiche completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
This Bacon and Cheddar Quiche is a classic brunch centerpiece that’s rich, creamy, and packed with savory flavor. Featuring crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a silky egg custard baked inside a flaky pie crust, it’s the perfect dish for elegant brunches, holiday breakfasts, family gatherings, or meal prep. Easy to make and endlessly satisfying, this quiche is sure to become a favorite recipe you’ll return to again and again.
