why make this recipe
Hash Brown Crust Bacon and Cheddar Quiche is a comforting and delicious dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. The crispy hash brown crust makes this quiche unique, adding a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. Plus, it’s loaded with flavors from the cheese and bacon, making it a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is not only tasty but also easy to prepare, making it ideal for both busy mornings and leisurely weekend gatherings.
how to make Hash Brown Crust Bacon and Cheddar Quiche
Ingredients:
- 20 ounces frozen hash browns (thawed)
- ½ cup white cheddar (shredded)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ onion (thinly sliced)
- 6 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
- 4 rashers bacon (crispy cooked and crumbled)
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 tablespoon chives (thinly sliced, plus more for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Squeeze as much liquid from the thawed hash browns as possible and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add cheddar, salt, and pepper, and stir together.
- Lightly grease a 9” springform pan with cooking spray. Evenly press the hash brown mixture into the bottom and sides of the pan, ensuring there are no holes in the crust to prevent leakage.
- Place the pan in the freezer for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 425˚F.
- Place the frozen crust in the oven and par-bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and caramelize them for 10 to 15 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs and cream. Whisk until light and fluffy. Add the remaining ingredients, including the caramelized onions, and stir together. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the filling mixture into the par-baked crust and place it back in the oven. Lower the oven temperature to 375˚F and bake the quiche for 25 to 30 minutes or until the eggs have just set.
- Remove the quiche from the oven and run a paring knife around the perimeter of the springform pan. Loosen the sides of the quiche and return it to the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to crispen the sides.
- Remove the quiche from the oven and cool for 10 minutes. Slice into wedges, top with sliced chives, and serve.
how to serve Hash Brown Crust Bacon and Cheddar Quiche
Serve this quiche warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some fresh fruit, making it a wholesome meal. You can also garnish it with extra chives or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.
how to store Hash Brown Crust Bacon and Cheddar Quiche
Store any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cover it with foil and warm it in the oven at 350˚F until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick meal.
tips to make Hash Brown Crust Bacon and Cheddar Quiche
- Ensure you squeeze out as much liquid from the hash browns as possible to avoid a soggy crust.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the filling for extra nutrition.
- For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce to the mixture.
variation (if any)
You can easily change the ingredients based on your preference. Swap the bacon for sausage or leave it out for a vegetarian version. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, to create a different flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I make the quiche ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the quiche a day in advance. Simply bake it, let it cool, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.
2. Can I freeze the quiche?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked quiche. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It will last for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use whole milk or half-and-half as a lighter alternative to heavy cream in this recipe.
Hash Brown Crust Bacon and Cheddar Quiche
Ingredients
For the Hash Brown Crust
- 20 ounces frozen hash browns (thawed) Squeeze out as much liquid as possible
- ½ cup white cheddar (shredded)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ onion (thinly sliced)
For the Filling
- 6 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk) Can substitute with whole milk
- 4 rashers bacon (crispy cooked and crumbled)
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 tablespoon chives (thinly sliced, plus more for garnish)
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Squeeze as much liquid from the thawed hash browns as possible and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add cheddar, salt, and pepper, and stir together.
- Lightly grease a 9” springform pan with cooking spray. Evenly press the hash brown mixture into the bottom and sides of the pan, ensuring there are no holes in the crust to prevent leakage.
- Place the pan in the freezer for at least 1 hour.
Cooking
- Preheat the oven to 425˚F.
- Place the frozen crust in the oven and par-bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and caramelize them for 10 to 15 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs and cream. Whisk until light and fluffy. Add the remaining ingredients, including the caramelized onions, and stir together. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the filling mixture into the par-baked crust and place it back in the oven. Lower the oven temperature to 375˚F and bake the quiche for 25 to 30 minutes or until the eggs have just set.
- Remove the quiche from the oven and run a paring knife around the perimeter of the springform pan. Loosen the sides of the quiche and return it to the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to crispen the sides.
- Remove the quiche from the oven and cool for 10 minutes. Slice into wedges, top with sliced chives, and serve.