Cheesy Bacon Quiche: The Ultimate Quiche Recipe
Introduction to Cheesy Bacon Quiche
Welcome to the world of Cheesy Bacon Quiche, where comfort food meets culinary delight! This quiche is a perfect blend of crispy hash brown crust, creamy filling, and savory bacon, making it an ideal dish for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, this quiche is sure to become a favorite in your household.
A Personal Story Behind My Cheesy Bacon Quiche Journey
Growing up, my family often gathered around the table for hearty breakfasts, and quiche was a staple at our Sunday brunches. My grandmother had a special recipe, but over the years, I’ve adapted it into this Cheesy Bacon Quiche with Hash Brown Crust. Each bite brings back fond memories of family gatherings and laughter, making this dish not just a meal but a cherished tradition.
What Makes This Cheesy Bacon Quiche Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out because of its unique hash brown crust, which is not only gluten-free but also adds a delightful crunch to the dish. Coupled with the richness of eggs, creamy Greek yogurt, and a medley of cheeses, this quiche strikes a perfect balance between hearty and light. The addition of crispy bacon and sautéed vegetables elevates the flavors, making it a dish that everyone will love.
The Full Cheesy Bacon Quiche Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups refrigerated or frozen hash browns, thawed and patted dry
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 shallot, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, shredded and excess liquid squeezed out
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 5 eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 cups shredded cheese (Sharp Cheddar, Gruyere, Monterey Jack, Dubliner, Pepper Jack – a combination of 2 or more works best)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a 9-inch pie plate with non-stick cooking spray.
- Mix the crust ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine hash browns, olive oil, melted butter, salt, and pepper.
- Form the crust: Press the hash brown mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate. This will create a sturdy crust.
- Bake the crust: Place the crust in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Remember to reduce the oven temperature to 350°F after baking the crust.
- Cook the bacon: In a large sauté pan, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside. Leave one tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan for flavor.
- Sauté the shallots: In the same pan, add the diced shallots to the bacon grease and sauté over medium heat until translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add zucchini: Incorporate the shredded zucchini, increase the heat to high, season with salt and pepper, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until fluffy, then whisk in the Greek yogurt until smooth.
- Combine all filling ingredients: Mix in the grated cheese, flour mixture, crumbled bacon, and sautéed zucchini. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Fill the quiche: Pour the filling into the prepared hash brown crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the quiche: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the center is set, the top is puffed and golden brown, and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the quiche to rest for a few minutes before removing from the pan. Enjoy it warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Cheesy Bacon Quiche
This Cheesy Bacon Quiche is perfect for serving alongside a fresh green salad or a side of fruit for a balanced meal. For variations, consider adding different vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for a veggie twist. If you prefer a spicier kick, try incorporating jalapeños or hot pepper cheese into the filling. For a lighter version, you could use turkey bacon or omit the bacon altogether for a delicious vegetarian option!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Bacon Quiche
Can I make this quiche ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the quiche a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.
Can I freeze the quiche?
Absolutely! This quiche can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I serve with quiche?
Quiche pairs well with a light salad, fresh fruit, or even crispy hash browns for a hearty breakfast.
No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.
Recipe Stats
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Calories per Serving: 380
Servings: 8
Cheesy Bacon Quiche with Hash Brown Crust
Equipment
- 9-inch pie plate For baking the quiche.
- Large sauté pan For cooking the bacon and vegetables.
- Mixing bowls For mixing ingredients.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups refrigerated or frozen hash browns thawed and patted dry
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 0.5 lb bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 shallot diced
- 1 medium zucchini shredded and excess liquid squeezed out
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 tsp baking powder
- 5 whole eggs room temperature
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 cups shredded cheese (Sharp Cheddar, Gruyere, Monterey Jack, Dubliner, Pepper Jack)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a 9-inch pie plate with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine hash browns, olive oil, melted butter, salt, and pepper.
- Press the hash brown mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate.
- Place the crust in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.
- In a large sauté pan, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside. Leave one tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
- In the same pan, add the diced shallots to the bacon grease and sauté over medium heat until translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate the shredded zucchini, increase the heat to high, season with salt and pepper, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until fluffy, then whisk in the Greek yogurt until smooth.
- Mix in the grated cheese, flour mixture, crumbled bacon, and sautéed zucchini. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Pour the filling into the prepared hash brown crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the center is set, the top is puffed and golden brown, and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the quiche to rest for a few minutes before removing from the pan. Enjoy it warm, at room temperature, or chilled.