A Rich and Savory Breakfast Quiche Filled with Crispy Bacon, Sharp Cheddar, and a Creamy Egg Custard
There’s something wonderfully comforting about a homemade Bacon and Cheddar Quiche. A flaky pastry crust is filled with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a smooth, creamy egg custard, then baked until puffed, golden, and beautifully set.
This classic quiche is easy enough for a weekend breakfast but elegant enough for brunch guests, holidays, and special occasions. Serve it warm with a fresh salad or fruit for a satisfying meal any time of day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, savory bacon in every bite
- Plenty of melted cheddar cheese
- Creamy, tender egg filling
- Buttery, flaky crust
- Easy to prepare
- Great for breakfast or brunch
- Delicious served warm or at room temperature
- Perfect for holidays and gatherings
- Can be prepared ahead
- Wonderful for meal prep
Ingredients
For the Quiche
- 1 refrigerated 9-inch pie crust
- 6 large eggs
- 1½ cups half-and-half
- 8 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish if necessary.
Carefully place the pie crust into the dish and gently press it against the bottom and sides.
Trim or crimp the edges as desired.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Place the bacon in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook until crisp and golden.
Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
Once cool enough to handle, crumble it into small pieces.
Step 3: Prepare the Crust
For a crispier bottom crust, prick the bottom of the pastry several times with a fork.
You can also partially blind-bake the crust for approximately 8–10 minutes before adding the filling.
Allow it to cool slightly.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and half-and-half.
Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Avoid overbeating the eggs, as too much air can cause the quiche to puff excessively and then collapse as it cools.
Step 5: Add the Bacon and Cheese
Spread approximately half of the crumbled bacon evenly over the bottom of the crust.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the bacon.
Add the remaining bacon on top.
If using fresh parsley or green onions, sprinkle them over the filling.
Step 6: Pour in the Custard
Slowly pour the egg and cream mixture over the bacon and cheese.
Pour carefully so the custard doesn’t overflow the pastry.
Leave a small amount of space near the top because the quiche will puff slightly as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake
Place the quiche in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 35–45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly.
The top should be lightly golden.
If the crust begins browning too quickly, cover the edges loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 8: Check for Doneness
Insert a thin knife into the center of the quiche.
It should come out mostly clean, with the center still having a very slight wobble.
Avoid overbaking because the eggs can become rubbery.
Step 9: Rest
Remove the quiche from the oven and allow it to rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
The custard will continue setting as it cools.
Step 10: Slice and Serve
Cut the quiche into wedges.
Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions if desired.
Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite breakfast sides.
Tips for the Best Bacon and Cheddar Quiche
Use crisp bacon
Cook the bacon until nicely crisp so it retains some texture after being baked in the creamy custard.
Don’t overfill the crust
Leave enough room for the egg mixture to expand slightly as it cooks.
Shred the cheese yourself
Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly and gives the quiche a delicious cheesy texture.
Don’t overbake
The center should have a slight jiggle when the quiche comes out of the oven. It will continue cooking as it rests.
Protect the crust
If the edges become golden before the center is finished, cover them loosely with foil.
Let it rest before cutting
Cutting immediately can cause the custard to spill and make the slices difficult to serve.
Delicious Variations
Bacon and Swiss Quiche
Replace half or all of the cheddar with Swiss cheese for a classic savory flavor.
Bacon, Cheddar and Spinach Quiche
Add 1 cup chopped cooked spinach, making sure to squeeze out excess moisture first.
Bacon and Mushroom Quiche
Sauté sliced mushrooms until their moisture has evaporated, then add them to the filling.
Bacon and Onion Quiche
Add ½ cup caramelized onions for a naturally sweet and savory flavor.
Three-Cheese Quiche
Combine cheddar with mozzarella and Parmesan for an extra-cheesy filling.
Ham and Cheddar Quiche
Replace some or all of the bacon with diced cooked ham.
Spicy Bacon Quiche
Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes.
Garden Vegetable Quiche
Add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a colorful vegetable-filled version.
What to Serve With Bacon and Cheddar Quiche
This quiche pairs beautifully with:
- Fresh fruit
- Mixed green salad
- Roasted potatoes
- Hash browns
- Breakfast potatoes
- Sautéed vegetables
- Avocado
- Fresh tomatoes
- Toast
- Croissants
For brunch, serve slices with fresh berries, a simple green salad, and roasted breakfast potatoes.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Bacon and Cheddar Quiche is an excellent make-ahead breakfast.
You can prepare and bake the quiche 1 day ahead.
Allow it to cool completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate.
When ready to serve, warm it in a 325°F (165°C) oven until heated through.
You can also prepare the bacon and cheese filling ahead of time and assemble the quiche shortly before baking.
Storage
Allow leftover quiche to cool completely.
Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Individual slices can be reheated in the microwave, but reheating them in a 325°F (165°C) oven gives you a better crust and texture.
For longer storage, individual slices can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this quiche without a crust?
Yes. Simply grease the pie dish well and pour the filling directly into it. You can also use a gluten-free crust if desired.
Can I use milk instead of half-and-half?
Yes. Whole milk works well, although half-and-half produces a richer and creamier custard.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Absolutely. Pre-cooked bacon can save time. Make sure it’s heated and crisp before adding it to the filling.
Why is my quiche watery?
Excess moisture from vegetables or an undercooked center can cause a watery quiche. Cook vegetables thoroughly before adding them and bake until the center is just set.
Why did my quiche become rubbery?
The most common reason is overbaking. Remove the quiche when the center is still slightly jiggly and allow it to finish setting as it rests.
Can I use a different cheese?
Definitely. Swiss, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and Colby can all work beautifully.
Can I freeze quiche?
Yes. Cool it completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze individual slices for convenient breakfasts and lunches.
Perfect for Breakfast, Brunch, or Dinner
Bacon and Cheddar Quiche is perfect for:
- Weekend breakfasts
- Sunday brunch
- Holiday mornings
- Mother’s Day brunch
- Christmas breakfast
- Family gatherings
- Potlucks
- Meal prep
- Light lunches
- Easy dinners
It’s especially convenient because it can be served warm, at room temperature, or gently reheated.
Final Thoughts
Bacon and Cheddar Quiche is a timeless combination of simple ingredients that creates an incredibly satisfying meal. The flaky crust, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and creamy egg custard come together in every savory slice.
Serve it warm with fresh fruit or a crisp green salad, or prepare it ahead for an effortless brunch.
Whether you’re making breakfast for your family or hosting a weekend brunch, this cheesy bacon quiche is the kind of recipe that makes any table feel a little more special.
