If you love rich, creamy, and savory dishes that combine comfort and a touch of Southern charm, then you are going to adore this Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe. This quiche offers a delightful blend of sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and the tangy sweetness of pimentos baked to golden perfection in a flaky pie crust. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether for brunch, lunch, or a cozy dinner, and absolutely nails the balance between indulgent and approachable flavors. Trust me, once you try this Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe, it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making your Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe sing. Each component plays an essential role, from the crispy bacon that provides smoky depth, to the sharp cheddar that melts into a creamy dream. These simple ingredients come together to create a quiche that’s as visually inviting as it is tasty.
- 1 (9-inch) deep dish pie crust, unbaked: A sturdy base that holds all the luscious fillings perfectly.
- 2 cups thick shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Gives the quiche its signature creamy, tangy flavor and rich texture.
- 3/4 to 1 cup crumbled cooked bacon (or 1 (2.8-ounce) bag precooked real bacon pieces): Adds irresistible smoky crunch throughout.
- 1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimentos, well drained: Brings a sweet and mildly tangy pop of color and flavor.
- 4 large eggs: The binding agent that holds everything together with a silky, custard-like consistency.
- 1 cup whole milk: Enriches the filling and adds a smooth creaminess.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Deepens the richness and helps achieve that perfect quiche texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right subtle hint of spice.
How to Make Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Also, place a large rimmed baking sheet on the center rack to heat up—this ensures an extra crisp, golden crust. It’s a small trick that makes a big difference in your quiche’s texture and bake.
Step 2: Layer the Flavor Base
Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly into the bottom of your unbaked pie crust. Next, scatter the well-drained diced pimentos over the cheese, allowing their sweetness and bright color to accent every bite. Finally, add the crumbled cooked bacon on top, making sure to distribute it evenly to get smoky pockets of goodness in every slice.
Step 3: Mix the Custard
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper vigorously until everything is blended into a smooth custard. This silky mixture binds the quiche filling together, harmonizing all its components into the creamy texture that makes quiche so irresistible.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Carefully pour the egg custard mixture into the pie crust over your layered ingredients. Be cautious not to overfill, as the filling will puff slightly while baking. Place the quiche onto the preheated baking sheet and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the custard is fully set and the crust has turned a lovely golden brown. Let the quiche cool for about 15 minutes to make slicing easier and to let the flavors settle beautifully.
How to Serve Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe presentation and flavor, garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley. These herbs add a burst of fresh color and a mild oniony brightness that complements the richness of the quiche perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your quiche with a crisp green salad lightly dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple tomato and cucumber salad to add contrasting freshness. Roasted asparagus or lightly steamed green beans can also be delightful side options that balance out the richness nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, serve your quiche with individual dollops of creamy sour cream or a tangy hot sauce drizzle. You can also cut the quiche into small bite-sized squares for a charming finger food display. Adding a sprinkle of extra crisp bacon bits or pimento pieces on top before serving brings an extra wow factor sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This quiche holds up remarkably well and reheats beautifully without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe after baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then with foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices of quiche in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through to maintain a crisp crust. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the lovely texture intact, but if in a rush, a short zap on medium power works as a quick fix.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe?
Absolutely! A good-quality store-bought deep dish pie crust works perfectly and saves time. Just make sure it fits a 9-inch pie pan and is unbaked before assembling the quiche.
What can I substitute for pimentos if I don’t have any on hand?
If you don’t have pimentos, roasted red bell peppers diced finely can be a great substitute, offering a similar sweetness and vibrant color.
Is it possible to make this quiche crustless?
Yes, you can skip the crust if you want a lower-carb option. Just grease your pie dish well and bake a little longer, checking for set custard. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon alternatives?
Definitely! Turkey bacon or vegetarian options can be used to reduce fat or accommodate dietary preferences. Just cook or prepare these alternatives according to package instructions before adding to the quiche.
How do I know when the quiche is done baking?
The quiche is done when the edges are set and the center is slightly firm but still jiggly, not liquid. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels both luxurious and homey, making it perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and undeniably delicious, with flavors that stick with you long after the last bite. Don’t hesitate to give it a go—you’ll find it quickly becomes a beloved staple deserving of a spot on your table again and again.
Print
Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Quiche
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche is a deliciously savory dish featuring a flaky deep dish pie crust filled with sharp cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, and tangy diced pimentos. Baked to perfection with a rich custard of eggs, whole milk, and heavy cream, it makes an excellent brunch, lunch, or light dinner option that serves eight.
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
Custard
- 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 up alongside the oven. This will help cook the quiche evenly and prevent the crust from getting soggy.
- Prepare the Crust and Filling: Sprinkle the sharp cheddar cheese evenly into the bottom of the unbaked pie crust. Then, spread the drained diced pimentos evenly over the cheese layer. Finally, scatter the crumbled cooked bacon uniformly on top.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper until fully combined and smooth.
- Pour and Bake: Carefully pour the egg mixture into the prepared crust over the cheese, pimentos, and bacon, ensuring you do not overfill. Place the quiche on the preheated baking sheet in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the custard is fully set and the top is lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the quiche from the oven and allow it to cool for about 15 minutes. This rest time helps the filling set further, making slicing easier. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For convenience, use precooked bacon pieces instead of cooking bacon yourself.
- Allow the pie crust to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before filling for best results.
- The quiche can be served warm or at room temperature depending on preference.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
- To make this recipe lower in fat, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
