Easy Breakfast Quiche: the very words conjure images of lazy weekend mornings, filled with the aroma of warm, savory goodness wafting from the oven. Have you ever craved a dish that’s both elegant enough for a brunch gathering and simple enough for a quick weekday breakfast? Look no further! This recipe is your answer.
Quiche, with its rich history rooted in medieval Germany (where it originated as “Kuchen,” meaning cake), has evolved into a beloved staple in French cuisine and beyond. The classic Quiche Lorraine, featuring bacon and cheese, is perhaps the most well-known, but the beauty of quiche lies in its versatility. You can adapt it to suit any taste and dietary preference.
What makes an easy breakfast quiche so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of creamy custard, flaky crust, and flavorful fillings. People adore its satisfying texture, the way the smooth, cheesy custard melts in your mouth, complemented by the delightful crunch of the crust. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! Prepare it ahead of time, and you’ll have a delicious and impressive breakfast ready to go whenever you need it. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this easy breakfast quiche recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch), thawed if frozen
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (or Swiss)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (for garnish)
Preparing the Filling:
Okay, let’s get started! The filling is where all the magic happens, so pay close attention.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial to ensure even cooking and a beautifully golden crust. Make sure your oven is properly preheated before you even think about putting the quiche in!
- Prepare the pie crust. If you’re using a store-bought crust, simply unroll it and place it in your pie dish. If you’re feeling ambitious and made your own, pat yourself on the back and then place it in the dish! Crimp the edges for a nice, decorative look. You can also use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust a few times. This helps prevent it from puffing up too much during baking.
- Cook the bacon. If you haven’t already, cook your bacon until crispy. I prefer baking mine on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. It’s less messy than frying! Once cooked, let it cool slightly and then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.
- Sauté the onion. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t let it brown! We just want to mellow out the onion’s flavor. This step is important because raw onion in the quiche can be a bit overpowering.
- Whisk the eggs, cream, and milk. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and milk until well combined. Make sure there are no streaks of egg yolk or cream. This mixture forms the base of our quiche, so we want it to be smooth and homogenous.
- Season the egg mixture. Add the salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) to the egg mixture. Whisk again to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Combine the ingredients. Add the cooked bacon, sautéed onion, cheddar cheese, and Gruyere cheese (or Swiss) to the egg mixture. Gently fold everything together until evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the quiche tough.
Assembling and Baking the Quiche:
Now for the exciting part – putting it all together and baking it to perfection!
- Pour the filling into the crust. Carefully pour the egg mixture into the prepared pie crust. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed. If you have any extra bacon or cheese, you can sprinkle it on top for a more appealing presentation.
- Bake the quiche. Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. The center of the quiche should be slightly jiggly, but not liquid. A good way to test for doneness is to insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Let it rest. Once the quiche is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set completely and makes it easier to cut. Trust me, patience is key here!
Serving and Variations:
The quiche is ready! But let’s talk about serving suggestions and some fun variations you can try.
- Garnish and serve. Sprinkle the chopped fresh chives over the quiche before serving. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
- Serving suggestions. Quiche is delicious served warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner. Serve it with a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great complement to the richness of the quiche.
- Variations. The beauty of quiche is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different ingredients. Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetarian Quiche: Omit the bacon and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or asparagus.
- Lorraine Quiche: This classic quiche features bacon (or pancetta) and Gruyere cheese.
- Spinach and Feta Quiche: Add sautéed spinach and crumbled feta cheese to the filling.
- Mushroom and Swiss Quiche: Add sautéed mushrooms and shredded Swiss cheese.
- Seafood Quiche: Add cooked shrimp, crabmeat, or smoked salmon.
- Make it ahead. You can prepare the quiche ahead of time and bake it later. Simply assemble the quiche and store it in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing instructions. Quiche can also be frozen for longer storage. Let the baked quiche cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the quiche in the refrigerator overnight, then bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t overbake the quiche. Overbaking can result in a dry and rubbery filling. The quiche is done when the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the quiche will taste. Use fresh eggs, good-quality cheese, and flavorful bacon.
- Blind bake the crust (optional). If you want a super crispy crust, you can blind bake it before adding the filling. To do this, line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. Let it cool slightly before adding the filling.
- Adjust the seasonings to your liking. Feel free to add more or less salt, pepper, or other spices to suit your taste.
- Get creative with the toppings. You can add a variety of toppings to the quiche, such as chopped tomatoes, olives, or herbs.
Enjoy!
I hope you enjoy this easy breakfast quiche recipe! It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and variations to create your own signature quiche. Happy baking!
![]()
Conclusion:
This Easy Breakfast Quiche isn’t just another recipe; it’s a game-changer for busy mornings, lazy brunches, and even quick weeknight dinners. I truly believe that once you try it, it will become a staple in your household, just like it has in mine. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s incredibly easy to throw together, requiring minimal prep time and readily available ingredients. But don’t let the ease fool you – the result is a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying quiche that will impress even the most discerning palates.
What makes this quiche a must-try? It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The flaky, buttery crust (whether you make it from scratch or use store-bought) provides a delightful contrast to the rich, custardy filling. The combination of eggs, cheese, and your choice of fillings creates a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. And the best part? It’s endlessly customizable!
Looking for serving suggestions? This quiche is fantastic served warm, straight from the oven. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette complements it beautifully. For a heartier meal, consider adding a side of roasted potatoes or a bowl of fresh fruit. It’s also delicious cold, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick grab-and-go breakfast.
Now, let’s talk variations! Feel free to get creative with your fillings. If you’re a meat lover, try adding cooked bacon, sausage, ham, or even shredded chicken. For vegetarians, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini are all excellent choices. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses too! Gruyere, cheddar, mozzarella, and feta all work wonderfully. You can even add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme for an extra burst of flavor. A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick.
One of my favorite variations is a Mediterranean-inspired quiche with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and spinach. Another is a classic Lorraine quiche with bacon and Gruyere. The possibilities are truly endless!
I’m confident that you’ll love this Easy Breakfast Quiche as much as I do. It’s a reliable, delicious, and versatile recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables or meats, reducing food waste and creating a delicious meal at the same time. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of this amazing quiche. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried the recipe, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what fillings you used, what variations you tried, and how much you enjoyed it. I’m always eager to hear your feedback and learn from your culinary adventures. Happy baking! I can’t wait to see what delicious creations you come up with using this easy and adaptable recipe. Don’t forget to share your photos on social media too!
Easy Breakfast Quiche: The Perfect Start to Your Day
A classic and comforting quiche filled with savory bacon, sautéed onions, cheddar, and Gruyere cheese in a creamy egg custard. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch), thawed if frozen
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (or Swiss)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Crust: Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges and prick the bottom with a fork.
- Cook Bacon: Cook bacon until crispy. Crumble into small pieces and set aside.
- Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Whisk Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and milk until well combined.
- Season: Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) to the egg mixture. Whisk to combine.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked bacon, sautéed onion, cheddar cheese, and Gruyere cheese (or Swiss) to the egg mixture. Gently fold until evenly distributed.
- Pour Filling: Carefully pour the egg mixture into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake: Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. The center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid.
- Rest: Remove from oven and let cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped fresh chives before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry and rubbery filling.
- High-quality ingredients: Use fresh eggs, good-quality cheese, and flavorful bacon for the best results.
- Blind bake crust (optional): For a super crispy crust, blind bake it before adding the filling. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. Let it cool slightly before adding the filling.
- Adjust seasonings: Add more or less salt, pepper, or other spices to suit your taste.
- Get creative with toppings: Add chopped tomatoes, olives, or herbs.
- Variations:
- Vegetarian Quiche: Omit the bacon and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or asparagus.
- Lorraine Quiche: This classic quiche features bacon (or pancetta) and Gruyere cheese.
- Spinach and Feta Quiche: Add sautéed spinach and crumbled feta cheese to the filling.
- Mushroom and Swiss Quiche: Add sautéed mushrooms and shredded Swiss cheese.
- Seafood Quiche: Add cooked shrimp, crabmeat, or smoked salmon.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the quiche and store it in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing Instructions: Let the baked quiche cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the quiche in the refrigerator overnight, then bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.