Potato and Bacon Crustless Quiche: A Savory Delight

Craving a comforting and satisfying meal that’s also relatively easy to prepare? Look no further than this delectable Potato and Bacon Crustless Quiche! This recipe offers all the delicious flavors of a traditional quiche without the fuss of making a crust. The thinly sliced potatoes create a beautiful and flavorful base, perfectly complementing the smoky bacon, creamy custard, and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free! This recipe is easily adaptable to your personal preferences and dietary needs.

## Why You’ll Love This Crustless Quiche

* **Crustless Convenience:** Skip the time-consuming task of making and blind-baking a crust. This recipe is all about simplicity and speed.
* **Flavorful and Satisfying:** The combination of potatoes, bacon, cheese, and creamy custard is a flavor explosion in every bite.
* **Versatile and Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite cheeses, vegetables, and seasonings.
* **Naturally Gluten-Free:** A great option for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this quiche is always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Prepare the quiche ahead of time and bake it just before serving.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Potatoes:** 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor. Russet potatoes will also work, but Yukon Gold are preferred. Use about 3 medium sized.
* **Bacon:** 6-8 slices of thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled. You can use regular or turkey bacon depending on your preference. Consider applewood smoked bacon for a richer flavor. About 1/2 pound before cooking.
* **Eggs:** 6 large eggs. These form the base of the custard and provide richness.
* **Milk:** 1 cup whole milk. You can substitute with half-and-half or cream for an even richer flavor.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup heavy cream. Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Use a high-quality cheddar for the best flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Swiss.
* **Onion:** 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped. Adds a savory depth of flavor.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced. Enhances the overall flavor profile.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon olive oil. For sautéing the onion and garlic.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the potatoes, custard, and bacon to your liking.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Chopped fresh chives, parsley, or green onions for garnish.
* **Optional Spices:** A pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika can add another layer of flavor to the custard.

## Equipment Needed

* **9-inch Pie Plate or Baking Dish:** A pie plate or baking dish is essential for baking the quiche. A springform pan will also work well.
* **Large Skillet:** For cooking the bacon and sautéing the onion and garlic.
* **Mandoline or Sharp Knife:** For slicing the potatoes thinly and evenly. A mandoline slicer makes this task much easier and ensures consistent thickness.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For preparing the custard and combining ingredients.
* **Whisk:** For whisking the eggs and other wet ingredients together.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the Potato and Bacon Crustless Quiche! Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect quiche every time.

### 1. Prepare the Bacon and Vegetables

* **Cook the Bacon:** In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
* **Sauté the Onion and Garlic:** Add the olive oil (or reserved bacon fat) to the skillet and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

### 2. Prepare the Potatoes

* **Slice the Potatoes:** Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice the potatoes thinly (about 1/8 inch thick). Aim for uniform slices to ensure even cooking. If you don’t have a mandoline, use a very sharp knife and take your time. Alternatively, a food processor with a slicing attachment will work.
* **Season the Potatoes:** In a large bowl, toss the sliced potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. This helps prevent them from sticking together and adds flavor.

### 3. Assemble the Quiche

* **Layer the Potatoes:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate or baking dish. Arrange the sliced potatoes in an overlapping pattern at the bottom and up the sides of the dish, creating a potato “crust”. Ensure the potatoes cover the entire surface of the dish, including the sides. A single layer is generally sufficient, but you can add a second layer for extra thickness.
* **Add the Bacon, Onion, and Garlic:** Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon evenly over the potato layer. Distribute the sautéed onion and garlic over the bacon.
* **Sprinkle Cheese:** Add half the shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture in the pie plate. This layer of cheese will help bind the other ingredients together.

### 4. Prepare the Custard

* **Whisk the Eggs:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, and pepper until well combined. For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika to the custard.
* **Pour the Custard:** Carefully pour the custard mixture over the bacon, onion, garlic, and cheese in the pie plate. Make sure the custard evenly covers all the ingredients.

### 5. Bake the Quiche

* **Add Remaining Cheese:** Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the quiche.
* **Bake:** Place the pie plate in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top of the quiche is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
* **Cool and Serve:** Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the custard to set further and makes it easier to cut. Garnish with chopped fresh chives, parsley, or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

## Tips for the Perfect Crustless Quiche

* **Use a Mandoline for Even Slices:** A mandoline ensures that the potato slices are uniform in thickness, which is crucial for even cooking. If you don’t have a mandoline, use a very sharp knife and take your time.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Avoid overcrowding the potatoes in the pan, as this can lead to uneven cooking and a soggy crust. Use the right size dish.
* **Adjust Baking Time as Needed:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the quiche and adjust the baking time as needed.
* **Let it Rest Before Slicing:** Allowing the quiche to cool slightly before slicing helps the custard set and prevents it from falling apart.
* **Experiment with Different Cheeses:** Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack. Each cheese will add its own unique flavor to the quiche.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Customize the quiche with your favorite vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli. Sauté any added vegetables before adding them to the quiche.
* **Use Different Meats:** Substitute bacon with ham, sausage, or chorizo for a different flavor profile.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the bacon and add extra vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option.
* **For a Richer Flavor:** Use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk for a richer, creamier custard.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

## Serving Suggestions

This Potato and Bacon Crustless Quiche is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

* **Side Salad:** Serve with a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
* **Fruit Salad:** Pair with a refreshing fruit salad for a balanced meal.
* **Toast or Croissants:** Serve with warm toast or croissants for a more substantial breakfast or brunch.
* **Soup:** Enjoy with a bowl of creamy tomato soup or butternut squash soup.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve with roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover quiche can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the quiche tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
* **Reheat:** To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave, but the crust may not be as crispy.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, you can freeze the quiche. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation. Here are a few variations to try:

* **Spinach and Feta Quiche:** Add sautéed spinach and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired quiche.
* **Mushroom and Swiss Quiche:** Sauté sliced mushrooms and add shredded Swiss cheese for an earthy and savory quiche.
* **Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche:** Add steamed broccoli florets and extra cheddar cheese for a classic combination.
* **Ham and Cheese Quiche:** Substitute bacon with diced ham and add your favorite cheese, such as Gruyere or Swiss.
* **Vegetarian Quiche:** Omit the bacon and add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

* Calories: 350-450 per serving
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g

## Conclusion

This Potato and Bacon Crustless Quiche is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be enjoying a satisfying and flavorful meal in no time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the delightful flavors of this crustless quiche!

Enjoy!