Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe offers a delightful spin on a traditional quiche by combining the smoky, savory crunch of bacon with the creamy, tangy punch of pimento cheese. This rich and comforting dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner, delivering layers of texture and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving something special for yourself, this quiche brings a satisfying balance of cheesy goodness and peppery pimentos that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe is carefully chosen to enhance the wonderful textures and flavors. From the buttery pie crust to the vibrant red pimentos, every component plays a vital role in making the final dish truly shine.
- 1 (9-inch) deep dish pie crust, unbaked: Provides a flaky, buttery base that holds the rich filling together perfectly.
- 2 cups thick shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds bold, tangy flavor and melts beautifully to create a creamy texture.
- 3/4 to 1 cup crumbled cooked bacon: Brings smoky, crispy bites that contrast wonderfully with the softness of the quiche filling.
- 1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimentos, well drained: Offers a sweet, mild pepper flavor and a pop of inviting color throughout.
- 4 large eggs: The binding agent that brings all ingredients together while adding richness.
- 1 cup whole milk: Lightens the custard and ensures a smooth, tender consistency.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess and depth to the quiche filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming them.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle, spicy kick to balance the richness.
How to Make Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, and place a large rimmed baking sheet on the center rack to heat up. This clever trick helps the quiche bake evenly and ensures a perfectly set crust by distributing heat underneath during baking.
Step 2: Layer the Flavors
Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly across the bottom of the unbaked pie crust. Next, scatter the well-drained diced pimentos over the cheese, adding a burst of color and subtle sweetness with every forkful. Finally, sprinkle your crumbled cooked bacon across the top, making sure the smoky goodness is ready to infuse the quiche as it bakes.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these together until fully blended and slightly frothy, creating the rich custard that will envelop the cheese, bacon, and pimentos in creamy perfection.
Step 4: Bake Your Quiche
Slowly pour the custard mixture into the prepared crust, taking care not to overfill to avoid spills during baking. Transfer the quiche onto the preheated baking sheet in your oven, then bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Let it cool for about 15 minutes before slicing to allow the flavors to settle and the quiche to hold its shape beautifully.
How to Serve Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or parsley not only adds a burst of color but also a fresh herbal note that perfectly balances the rich flavors of the Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe. For an extra touch, serve with a dollop of sour cream or a light drizzle of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This quiche pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted tomatoes or sautéed asparagus also make delightful sides, complementing the smoky and cheesy notes without competing for attention.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices of the Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe on rustic wooden boards for a charming brunch setting. Consider cutting the quiche into bite-sized squares for a party appetizer or layering it with fresh microgreens to add height and drama to your serving platter. It’s a versatile dish that shines in casual and elegant settings alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is often the case!), wrap the quiche slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day breakfasts or quick lunches.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the whole quiche or individual slices securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen quiche maintains its delicious flavor and texture for up to 2 months – perfect for meal prepping or saving for a special occasion.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat quiche slices in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through. This keeps the crust crispy and the filling creamy. Microwaving is quicker but may cause the crust to become soggy, so use that method only if short on time.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this quiche?
Absolutely! Using a pre-made deep dish pie crust is a convenient option that saves time without sacrificing taste. Just make sure it’s unbaked so it can cook fully inside the oven during the quiche baking process.
What type of bacon works best in this recipe?
Any cooked bacon will do, whether it’s freshly cooked or precooked real bacon pieces. Just be sure to crumble it finely so it distributes evenly, adding smoky bites without overpowering other flavors.
Can I substitute the sharp cheddar cheese?
Sharp cheddar is ideal for its bold flavor, but feel free to experiment with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack to switch up the taste profile while keeping that creamy texture.
Could this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Use a gluten-free pie crust in place of the traditional crust to accommodate gluten sensitivities. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free.
Is it possible to add vegetables to this quiche?
For sure! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers work beautifully with the bacon and pimento cheese. Just be sure to sauté and drain any veggies first to avoid adding excess moisture to the filling.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that brings together rich comfort food and fresh, exciting flavors, you absolutely have to try this Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. Once you take that first heavenly bite, you’ll find it becoming a beloved staple in your recipe rotation. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy one of the most satisfying quiches you’ll ever taste!
Print
Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche is a savory, rich dish perfect for brunch or a cozy dinner. Featuring a flaky pie crust filled with sharp cheddar cheese, tangy diced pimentos, smoky bacon, and a creamy egg custard, this quiche offers a delicious combination of flavors. Baked until golden and set, it’s easy to prepare and serves 8 slices of cheesy, hearty goodness.
Ingredients
Crust and Filling
- 1 (9-inch) deep dish pie crust, unbaked
- 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
Egg Mixture
- 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 ensures a hot baking surface for even cooking.
- Prepare Crust with Cheese, Pimentos, and Bacon: Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly into the bottom of the unbaked pie crust. Next, spread the well-drained diced pimentos over the cheese, followed by an even layer of crumbled cooked bacon on top.
- Mix Egg Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper until fully combined and smooth. Be careful not to overbeat.
- Fill the Crust: Pour the egg mixture gently into the pie crust over the layered cheese, pimentos, and bacon. Avoid overfilling to prevent spillage during baking.
- Bake the Quiche: Carefully place the quiche on the preheated baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the top is lightly golden. A slight jiggle in the center is okay; it will firm up.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the quiche from the oven and allow it to cool for about 15 minutes to set completely before slicing. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Drain the diced pimentos well to prevent excess moisture from making the quiche soggy.
- You can use precooked bacon bits as a shortcut for cooking bacon yourself.
- Letting the quiche cool slightly helps it slice more cleanly.
- Feel free to substitute the cheddar cheese with a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for variation.
- This quiche can be made a day ahead and reheated gently in the oven.
