This homestyle bacon and cheese quiche is a delicious, versatile dish that can easily be made for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. The perfect combination of crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and a light, flavorful custard filling makes this quiche an irresistible treat. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or preparing a simple family meal, this quiche will surely become a staple in your kitchen.
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Homestyle Bacon and Cheese Quiche
Looking for a recipe that can both impress guests and satisfy your family’s taste buds? Homestyle bacon and cheese quiche might be your perfect answer. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It combines basic ingredients like eggs, cheese, and bacon, but through the magic of quiche-making, these elements come together in a wonderfully rich and savory pie. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making the perfect bacon and cheese quiche, including essential cooking tips, ingredient variations, storage suggestions, and more.
What Makes a Homestyle Bacon and Cheese Quiche So Special?
The homestyle bacon and cheese quiche stands out for its balance of flavors and textures. The crispy bacon provides a smoky, savory kick, while the cheese brings a creamy, melty richness. The eggs and cream create a silky custard base, perfectly complementing the crispy crust. What makes this quiche unique is that you can enjoy it warm or cold, and it can be customized to your liking by adding extra ingredients or trying different types of cheese.
When making a quiche, one of the most important elements is the crust. You can opt for a store-bought crust to save time, or you can create your own from scratch using basic ingredients like butter, flour, and cold water. A buttery, flaky crust provides the ideal base for the bacon and cheese quiche filling, and its crunch balances the richness of the eggs and cheese.
If you’re interested in learning more about quiche preparation, check out this comprehensive guide on quiche-making from Bon Appétit, which goes in-depth about the history and versatility of quiches. Additionally, for more tips on pairing the perfect quiche with beverages, Food Network has a fantastic selection of wine and drink pairings.
Cooking Time, Preparation Time, and Servings
Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to know the time commitments for this homestyle bacon and cheese quiche. The total cooking time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, including both preparation and baking. Here’s the breakdown:
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Preparation time: 25 minutes
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Cooking time: 50 minutes
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Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
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Servings: This recipe yields 8 servings, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends.
Why You Will Love This Homestyle Bacon and Cheese Quiche
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Versatile Meal: You can enjoy this quiche for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Its rich flavor makes it perfect for any occasion.
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Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, this dish is incredibly easy to prepare and doesn’t require any specialized ingredients.
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Customizable: Add or replace ingredients based on your preferences—swap bacon for chicken or even add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
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Perfect for Leftovers: This quiche stores well and can be enjoyed the next day, making it a great meal prep option for busy weekdays.
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Family-Friendly: With its comforting, familiar flavors, this quiche is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients Notes
For this homestyle bacon and cheese quiche, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade crust)
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6 large eggs
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1 cup heavy cream (can substitute with whole milk for a lighter version)
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8 slices of cooked bacon, chopped into small pieces (or use chicken if you prefer a different protein)
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1 ½ cups shredded cheese (a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella works great, but feel free to try other varieties)
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½ medium onion, finely chopped (optional, for added flavor)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp black pepper
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Salt to taste
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Homestyle Bacon and Cheese Quiche in Extreme Detail
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Prepare the Pie Crust: If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, place it in a pie dish and set aside. If you prefer to make your own, combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ tsp salt, ½ cup butter, and 3-4 tbsp cold water to form a dough. Roll out the dough, line the pie dish, and refrigerate it for 20 minutes before baking.
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Cook the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon slices and cook them until they’re crisp. Remove them from the skillet, drain on paper towels, and chop them into small pieces.
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Make the Egg Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Be sure to whisk thoroughly until everything is well combined.
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Assemble the Quiche: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Add the chopped bacon and shredded cheese (and onion, if using) to the pie crust. Then pour the egg mixture over the top, ensuring the filling is evenly distributed.
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Bake: Place the quiche in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden brown. You can test the quiche by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean when the quiche is ready.
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Cool and Serve: Let the quiche cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Storage Options
If you happen to have leftovers, the homestyle bacon and cheese quiche can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s also freezer-friendly, so you can wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or foil and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
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Substituting Bacon: If you prefer, you can substitute the bacon with other proteins such as turkey sausage, grilled chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
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Cheese Varieties: Instead of sharp cheddar and mozzarella, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Swiss, gouda, or feta for a different flavor profile.
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Add Vegetables: For a veggie-packed version, add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the filling.
Pairings and Accompaniments
A homestyle bacon and cheese quiche pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, a side of roasted vegetables, or even a bowl of warm tomato soup. For beverages, you could opt for a fresh fruit juice or an iced tea. If you enjoy wine, a light white wine or sparkling beverage can balance the richness of the quiche.
Comparison with Similar Recipes
Compared to a traditional egg pie, homestyle bacon and cheese quiche has a more refined custard filling. The addition of cheese makes it richer, and the bacon adds a savory depth of flavor that’s often missing in simpler egg pies. Moreover, quiches typically have a buttery, flaky crust, whereas egg pies may have a denser, more uniform texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the secret to a fluffy quiche?
The secret to a fluffy quiche lies in the proper balance of eggs and cream. The cream makes the custard silky and smooth, while the eggs help set the texture. Ensure you whisk the eggs and cream together well before baking.
What makes a quiche soggy?
A soggy quiche can result from using too much liquid in the filling or undercooking it. Make sure the quiche is baked long enough for the custard to set. Additionally, you can pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling to prevent sogginess.
What’s the difference between a quiche and a bacon and egg pie?
A quiche typically has a lighter, creamier filling, while a bacon and egg pie might have a firmer texture. The crust in quiche is also usually flakier, and quiche often contains a variety of other ingredients like cheese and vegetables.
What kind of cheese for quiche?
Cheddar, mozzarella, and Swiss cheese are all excellent choices for quiche. Choose a cheese that melts well and pairs nicely with the other flavors in the dish.
Best Time to Enjoy the Recipe
This homestyle bacon and cheese quiche is perfect for any time of day. Serve it for breakfast, enjoy it at lunch with a light salad, or serve it at dinner as a hearty main course. It also makes an excellent dish for brunch or a potluck.
Presentation Tips
To make your homestyle bacon and cheese quiche look even more appetizing, slice it into neat wedges and garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives. You can also serve it with a side of mixed greens for a pop of color and freshness.
Conclusion
The homestyle bacon and cheese quiche is a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish. Whether served hot out of the oven or enjoyed cold the next day, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your home. This versatile recipe is easy to make, highly customizable, and ideal for any meal of the day.
Suggested recipes
For more savory recipes, you can also check my friend Alicia’s blog here www.ledstk.com.