Easy Bacon and Cheese Quiche: A Simple & Delicious Recipe

Quiche. The name itself conjures images of fancy brunches and elegant cafes. But don’t let its reputation intimidate you! Making a quiche at home, especially a bacon and cheese quiche, is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. This recipe is designed for busy weeknights and lazy weekend mornings alike. It’s packed with flavor, easy to customize, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

## Why You’ll Love This Bacon and Cheese Quiche

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe uses readily available ingredients and requires minimal effort. No fussy techniques here!
* **Flavorful:** The combination of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy custard is simply irresistible.
* **Versatile:** Customize it with your favorite cheeses, vegetables, or herbs.
* **Great for Any Occasion:** Serve it for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or a simple family meal.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Prepare the quiche ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these ingredients:

**For the Crust:**

* 1 9-inch pre-made pie crust (or make your own, if you’re feeling ambitious! A refrigerated pie crust works perfectly)

**For the Filling:**

* 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
* 4 large eggs
* 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Pinch of nutmeg (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional, for garnish)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your perfect bacon and cheese quiche:

**1. Prepare the Crust:**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges for a decorative touch, if desired. You can also use a fork to create a simple pattern around the edge.
* **Blind Bake (Optional but Recommended):** For a crispier crust, blind bake it. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights (dried beans or rice work too). Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment paper and weights, and bake for another 5-7 minutes until lightly golden. Let the crust cool slightly before adding the filling. If you are short on time, skip the blind baking, but be aware the bottom crust might not be as crisp.

**2. Cook the Bacon:**

* While the crust is baking (or cooling), cook the bacon until crispy. You can pan-fry it, bake it in the oven, or even microwave it. Drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease.
* Once the bacon is cool enough to handle, crumble it into small pieces.

**3. Assemble the Filling:**

* In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream (or half-and-half), milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps.

**4. Layer the Ingredients:**

* Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon evenly over the bottom of the prepared pie crust.
* Top with the shredded cheddar cheese, distributing it evenly over the bacon.

**5. Pour in the Custard:**

* Gently pour the egg mixture over the bacon and cheese, ensuring it reaches all the edges of the crust. Be careful not to overfill the crust.

**6. Bake the Quiche:**

* Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden brown. The center should be just slightly jiggly.
* To prevent the crust from browning too quickly, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

**7. 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 filling to set completely.
* Garnish with fresh chives or green onions, if desired.

## Tips for the Perfect Quiche

* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can result in a dry, rubbery quiche. The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. It will continue to set as it cools.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the flavor of your quiche. Use good-quality bacon and cheese.
* **Blind Bake for a Crisper Crust:** Blind baking the crust will prevent it from becoming soggy.
* **Let it Cool:** Allowing the quiche to cool slightly before slicing helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice cleanly.
* **Customize the Filling:** Get creative with your fillings! Add vegetables, different cheeses, or herbs.

## Variations and Additions

This bacon and cheese quiche is delicious as is, but feel free to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

* **Vegetarian Quiche:** Omit the bacon and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, onions, spinach, or bell peppers.
* **Lorraine Quiche:** Use Gruyere cheese instead of cheddar and add a pinch of nutmeg.
* **Spinach and Feta Quiche:** Add cooked spinach and crumbled feta cheese.
* **Ham and Swiss Quiche:** Substitute the bacon with diced ham and use Swiss cheese.
* **Add Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
* **Different Cheeses:** Try using different cheese combinations such as Gruyere, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Fontina.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This quiche is a great make-ahead option. You can prepare it in advance in several ways:

* **Assemble the Quiche Ahead of Time:** Prepare the quiche completely, up to the point of baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
* **Bake and Reheat:** Bake the quiche completely and let it cool. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave.
* **Freeze the Quiche:** Baked or unbaked quiche can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, bake the unbaked quiche as directed, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time. Bake the baked quiche from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes, or until heated through.

## Serving Suggestions

This bacon and cheese quiche is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Serve with a Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment.
* **Offer Fresh Fruit:** A platter of fresh berries or sliced melon complements the richness of the quiche.
* **Serve with Toast or Croissants:** Warm toast or croissants are perfect for soaking up any leftover custard.
* **Make it a Brunch Spread:** Add other brunch favorites like muffins, scones, and coffee.
* **Pair with Soup:** A light soup, like tomato soup or vegetable soup, makes a complete and satisfying meal.

## Storing Leftovers

Store leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven, microwave, or enjoy cold.

## Recipe Card

**Easy Bacon and Cheese Quiche**

A simple and delicious recipe for bacon and cheese quiche, perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 40 minutes
**Total Time:** 55 minutes
**Servings:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* 1 9-inch pre-made pie crust
* 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 4 large eggs
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional, for garnish)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place pie crust in a pie dish. Blind bake for 15 minutes with pie weights, then 5-7 minutes without weights, if desired.
2. Cook bacon until crispy and crumble.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
4. Sprinkle bacon and cheese over the crust.
5. Pour egg mixture over the fillings.
6. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until set and golden. Cover edges with foil if browning too quickly.
7. Cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chives or green onions, if desired.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 400-500 (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Fat: 30-40g
* Protein: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g

Enjoy your delicious homemade bacon and cheese quiche! This easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

## Final Thoughts

This Easy Bacon and Cheese Quiche recipe is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create memorable moments in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, this recipe offers a simple and satisfying way to enjoy a classic dish. The versatility of the recipe allows for endless customization, ensuring that you can tailor it to your specific tastes and preferences. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary adventure that will delight your taste buds and impress your loved ones. The warmth of the oven, the aroma of baking bacon and cheese, and the anticipation of a delicious meal are all part of the experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to make this quiche your own. And remember, the most important ingredient is love. Happy baking! You will surely enjoy this recipe!