Here's a delightful recipe for a bacon and cheese quiche that’s sure to please. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. This quiche features a savory bacon filling and a rich, cheesy custard, all encased in a buttery pie crust.
Bacon and Cheese Quiche
Ingredients:
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For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 2-3 tablespoons ice water
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For the Filling:
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite cheese)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper or other vegetables (optional)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or other herbs (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Crust:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
- Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together.
- Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Roll Out the Crust:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
- Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish and press it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough.
- Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling.
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Blind Bake the Crust:
- Place the pie dish in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to chill.
- Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the crust is just starting to turn golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
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Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and thyme (if using).
- Stir in the crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and any optional vegetables.
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Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the quiche is set and lightly golden on top. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
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Cool and Serve:
- Allow the quiche to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
- Bacon: For extra flavor, cook the bacon until it's crispy and crumble it into small pieces.
- Cheese: Feel free to use a combination of cheeses for a richer flavor.
- Vegetables: Customize with your favorite veggies or omit them if you prefer a simpler quiche.
Enjoy your homemade bacon and cheese quiche!
