If you love breakfast dishes packed with flavor, this bacon cheddar quiche with a hash brown crust is just the recipe you need. Combining crispy hash browns as the base and a rich, cheesy filling loaded with smoky bacon, this dish will soon become a new favorite in your brunch rotation.
This bacon cheddar quiche is perfect for a weekend brunch or a hearty breakfast any day of the week. The hash brown crust adds an irresistible crunch that perfectly complements the creamy egg filling, making every bite a satisfying experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy hash brown crust adds a unique, crunchy texture.
- Rich and cheesy filling packed with savory bacon and sharp cheddar.
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner.
- Can be made ahead and reheated without losing flavor or texture.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients for a delicious bacon cheddar quiche with a crispy hash brown crust. The quantities below serve about 6 people.
- 4 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and patted dry
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 5 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: Approx. 380 per serving
How to Make Savory Bacon & Cheddar Quiche with Irresistible Hash Brown Crust
- Preheat your oven to 4006F. Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or quiche pan with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, toss the thawed hash browns with melted butter until evenly coated. Press the hash browns firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the pie dish to form a crust.
- Bake the hash brown crust for 20 minutes until golden and crispy around the edges. Remove from the oven and reduce temperature to 3506F.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Layer the cooked, chopped bacon evenly over the hash brown crust, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bacon and cheese, making sure not to disturb the layers.
- Bake at 3506F for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. A knife inserted should come out clean.
- Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips for the Best Results
- Make sure to thoroughly dry thawed hash browns to avoid a soggy crust.
- Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor or mix with mild cheddar for a more balanced taste.
- Let the quiche cool slightly before cutting to allow it to set properly.
- For extra crispiness, broil the crust for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking—but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley into the filling for added freshness and depth.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover bacon cheddar quiche covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully and maintains its texture and flavor.
For longer storage, wrap the quiche tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 3506F oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can shred fresh potatoes and pat them dry before using, but frozen hash browns save time and provide consistent texture. Just ensure fresh potatoes are well dried to avoid sogginess.
What can I substitute for whole milk in the filling?
You can use half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer quiche or milk alternatives like almond milk for a lighter version, though the texture may be slightly different.
Can I make this quiche vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You might want to add a pinch more seasoning to enhance the flavors.
How long does the quiche keep after baking?
Once baked, the quiche stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best taste, reheat slices gently in the oven rather than the microwave to maintain the crust’s crispness.
