If you are craving a rich, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe is your new best friend. With its flaky crust, gooey sharp cheddar, savory bacon, and the sweet pop of pimentos, every bite offers a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whether you’re serving brunch to friends or indulging in a special weekend breakfast, this quiche is both elegant and effortlessly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this quiche lies in its straightforward ingredients, each bringing something special to the table. From the creamy cheese to the smoky bacon, these essentials create a harmony that’s simply irresistible.
- 1 (9-inch) deep dish pie crust, unbaked: Provides the perfect buttery, flaky base to hold all the delicious fillings.
- 2 cups thick shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Sharpness and creaminess that melt beautifully into the quiche layers.
- 3/4 to 1 cup crumbled cooked bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy punch—use precooked bacon pieces for convenience.
- 1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimentos, well drained: Brings color and a subtle sweetness that brightens every bite.
- 4 large eggs: The essential binder that gives the quiche its custardy texture.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture for a tender filling.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Elevates the richness, making every slice luxuriously smooth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overwhelming.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: A gentle touch of spice to balance the richness.
How to Make Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Place a large rimmed baking sheet on the center rack to heat up with the oven—this step helps the quiche bake evenly from the bottom, ensuring a perfectly crisp crust.
Step 2: Layer the Cheese, Pimentos, and Bacon
Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar evenly at the bottom of your unbaked pie crust. Next, carefully scatter the well-drained diced pimentos over the cheese, followed by your crumbled cooked bacon. This layering ensures that every forkful has a fantastic mix of color, texture, and flavor.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. This custard blend is what binds all the ingredients together and bakes into that soft, creamy texture you love in a quiche. Be sure to whisk until smooth for an even consistency.
Step 4: Pour the Custard and Bake
Slowly pour the egg mixture into the pie crust, filling it up carefully to avoid spilling. Place the quiche onto the preheated baking sheet in the oven, and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the quiche is set, with just a slight jiggle in the center. Let it cool for about 15 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to firm up perfectly.
How to Serve Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or parsley on top adds a pop of green and a fresh herbal note that complements the rich cheese and bacon beautifully. A little cracked black pepper on top before serving gives it a nice finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Serve this quiche alongside a crisp, refreshing mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted cherry tomatoes or a light fruit salad also pair wonderfully, offering brightness and variety to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
You can transform this classic quiche into mini quiches by dividing the filling into muffin tins lined with pie crust. These bite-size treats are perfect for brunch parties or picnics. Another idea is to serve quiche wedges on a wooden board with an assortment of pickles and olives for a rustic, shareable appetizer platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, wrap your leftover quiche tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy mornings or quick lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze this quiche for up to 1 month. Wrap it well in foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, preserving that wonderful freshness and texture.
Reheating
For reheating, place individual slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps keep the crust crisp rather than soggy, making every bite taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust for this Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe?
Absolutely! A homemade crust adds a personal touch and can be tailored to your preference, whether flaky, buttery, or even whole wheat. Just ensure it’s a deep dish crust to hold all the delicious fillings.
Is it necessary to precook the bacon?
Yes, it’s best to use cooked and crumbled bacon to ensure a perfect texture and to avoid excess grease that could make the quiche soggy. Precooked real bacon pieces are a great time saver, too.
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese with another type?
While sharp cheddar offers the perfect flavor punch, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gouda, pepper jack, or even a cheese blend to customize your quiche’s taste.
How do I know when the quiche is fully baked?
The quiche is done when the center is just set and no longer jiggly. A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean. Avoid overbaking to keep the filling creamy and tender.
Can this Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe be made dairy-free?
It’s possible to use dairy-free milk and cream alternatives and a non-dairy cheese substitute. Keep in mind that the taste and texture may differ, but it can still be delicious with the right ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both special and comforting, making it a true winner for any meal occasion. The blend of smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and sweet pimentos wrapped in a flaky crust is simply irresistible. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and watch it become a staple in your own kitchen!
Print
Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast and Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche is a savory, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for brunch or a light dinner. Featuring a buttery deep-dish pie crust filled with sharp cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, tangy pimentos, and a rich custard base made from eggs, whole milk, and heavy cream, this quiche bakes to golden perfection and is best served warm. It’s a simple recipe that combines bold flavors with comforting textures, guaranteed to satisfy cheese and bacon lovers alike.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 (9-inch) deep dish pie crust, unbaked
Filling
- 2 cups thick shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 to 1 cup crumbled cooked bacon (or 1 (2.8-ounce) bag precooked real bacon pieces)
- 1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimentos, well drained
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place a large rimmed baking sheet on the center rack to heat along with the oven. This helps with even baking and prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
- Assemble Filling: Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly into the bottom of the unbaked pie crust. Next, distribute the well-drained diced pimentos evenly over the cheese. Top with the crumbled cooked bacon pieces, spreading them uniformly to ensure every bite has flavor.
- Prepare Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined. This custard mixture will bind the filling ingredients and provide a creamy texture.
- Fill and Bake: Carefully pour the egg mixture over the bacon, cheese, and pimentos in the crust, taking care not to overfill. Transfer the pie crust onto the preheated baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the quiche is set in the center and a knife inserted near the middle comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the quiche from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. This resting time helps the custard finish setting and makes slicing easier. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use precooked bacon pieces for a quicker preparation or cook and crumble your own bacon for fresher flavor.
- Ensure the pie crust edges are sealed well to prevent leaking of custard during baking.
- Allowing the quiche to cool slightly before slicing prevents it from falling apart.
- For added texture, consider mixing a handful of chopped green onions or herbs into the custard.
- This quiche can be served cold or reheated gently in the oven for leftovers.
