If you love the comforting flavors of bacon and cheese paired with a crispy, golden crust, you are going to adore this Hash Brown Crust Bacon and Cheddar Quiche Recipe. This dish takes the classic quiche to another level by swapping out the traditional pastry crust for a crunchy hash brown base that perfectly complements the savory, cheesy filling. It’s an irresistible combination that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to your taste buds, making it an ultimate choice for brunch, lunch, or a cozy dinner with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Hash Brown Crust Bacon and Cheddar Quiche Recipe has its own role to play, creating a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors. From the crispy hash browns that form a sturdy, tasty base to the creamy egg filling studded with smoky bacon and sharp cheddar, every element is essential and beautifully simple.
- 3 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and squeezed dry: The star of the crust, providing crispiness and a delightful potato flavor.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Adds richness and helps brown the hash brown crust beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor, especially important for seasoning the crust.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a hint of warmth and spice to the crust.
- 6 large eggs: The foundation of the quiche filling, giving it structure and creaminess.
- ¾ cup whole milk (or half and half for extra creaminess): Adds richness and creates a silky texture in the filling.
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped (about 6 slices): Brings smoky, salty goodness that perfectly complements the cheese and potatoes.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Offers a bold, tangy flavor and melts to a luscious finish.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle savory depth to the egg mixture.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder: Adds aromatic flavor that enhances the filling.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Ensures the filling is perfectly seasoned.
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions: Adds a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor.
How to Make Hash Brown Crust Bacon and Cheddar Quiche Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Hash Brown Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot for that crisp crust. Next, mix the thawed and well-drained hash browns with melted butter, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Press this mixture evenly into a greased 9-inch pie dish, making sure you push it up the edges to create your crust walls. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges turn a delightful golden brown and start to crisp up perfectly.
Step 2: Whisk and Season the Filling
While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. This mixture is the creamy base that will hold all those beautiful flavors together. Stir in the chopped bacon and shredded sharp cheddar cheese for that irresistible savory and cheesy bite. If you’re using them, toss in the chopped chives or green onions for a touch of freshness.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Quiche
Once your hash brown crust is golden and crispy, pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly over it. Gently spread it out so every slice will have a balanced filling. Return the quiche to the oven and bake for another 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set and the top has a lovely light golden color. Let it cool for about 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to help it hold its shape beautifully.
How to Serve Hash Brown Crust Bacon and Cheddar Quiche Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little garnish can elevate the presentation and add a fresh bite. Sprinkle some finely chopped chives, green onions, or even a few fresh herbs like parsley or dill right before serving. A light dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of a creamy herb sauce can also complement the crispy and cheesy elements wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This quiche pairs beautifully with simple, vibrant sides. A crisp green salad with a zingy vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. Roasted cherry tomatoes or steamed asparagus add lovely color and freshness. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside crispy breakfast potatoes or a light fruit salad for a perfect contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Presenting the quiche in individual mini servings can make an impressive appetizer or party treat. Use muffin tins lined with the hash brown mixture to create bite-sized quiches. Alternatively, serve it with a side of salsa or sour cream for a fun twist. Plating a wedge alongside a small scoop of creamy avocado or a tangy cucumber relish will also wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover Hash Brown Crust Bacon and Cheddar Quiche Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days, maintaining its delicious flavors and textures.
Freezing
This quiche freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. Stored in a sealed container or freezer bag, it can last up to two months. Freeze it after baking and cooling completely for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the crust regains its crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the hash brown crust soggy. A toaster oven works great for reheating single portions.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! You can shred fresh potatoes, squeeze out excess moisture, and use them similarly. Just keep in mind that frozen hash browns save time and are already shredded evenly, so fresh potatoes might require a bit more prep work.
Is there a vegetarian version of this quiche?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to keep it flavorful and hearty. You could also add a smoky cheese or smoked paprika to maintain that savory depth.
What type of cheese works best if I don’t have sharp cheddar?
Sharp cheddar is ideal for its bold flavor, but you can substitute with Gouda, Gruyere, or even a good quality mozzarella for a milder, creamier taste. Mixing cheeses can create a lovely, nuanced flavor profile too.
Can I make this quiche dairy-free?
Yes, by swapping the whole milk for a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk and using dairy-free cheese and butter substitutes. Keep an eye on baking times as dairy-free versions may cook slightly differently.
How do I know when the quiche is fully cooked?
The quiche is done when the center is set and no longer jiggly, and the top is lightly golden. You can gently shake the pan to check; if it moves too much, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Hash Brown Crust Bacon and Cheddar Quiche Recipe. It’s a wonderful blend of crispy, creamy, smoky, and cheesy that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether it’s for a weekend brunch or a comforting dinner, give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite with family and friends!
Print
Hash Brown Crust Bacon and Cheddar Quiche Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hash Brown Crust Bacon and Cheddar Quiche is a hearty and delicious twist on traditional quiche, featuring a crispy hash brown crust filled with a savory mixture of eggs, bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and subtle spices. Perfect for brunch or a satisfying breakfast, it combines creamy, cheesy flavors with a crispy potato base for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Hash Brown Crust
- 3 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and squeezed dry
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Quiche Filling
- 6 large eggs
- ¾ cup whole milk (or half and half for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped (about 6 slices)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the crust and quiche.
- Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine the thawed hash browns with melted butter, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Form Crust: Press the hash brown mixture firmly into a greased 9-inch pie dish, making sure to push some up the sides to create a sturdy crust that will hold the filling.
- Par-Bake Crust: Bake the crust at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until the edges turn golden and begin to crisp, ensuring a firm base for the quiche filling.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper until fully combined.
- Add Fillings: Stir in the chopped cooked bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and optional chives or green onions, mixing to distribute evenly throughout the egg mixture.
- Assemble the Quiche: Pour the egg and filling mixture into the pre-baked hash brown crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake Quiche: Return the quiche to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top turns a light golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the quiche from the oven and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes; this helps the filling set further and makes slicing easier.
- Serve: Slice and serve the quiche warm or at room temperature for a delightful meal.
Notes
- Thaw and squeeze the hash browns thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the crust.
- Use half and half instead of whole milk for a richer and creamier texture.
- Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or spinach to the filling for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Leftover quiche can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, you can bake it a few minutes longer before adding the filling.
