If you’re craving a dish that’s a perfect harmony of smoky, creamy, and flavorful, this Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe is exactly for you. Imagine a golden, flaky crust filled with sharp cheddar cheese, tangy pimentos, and crispy bacon all brought together by a luscious, silky egg custard. This quiche delivers rich Southern charm in every bite, making it an irresistible option for brunch, lunch, or a cozy dinner that feels like a special treat. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role: from the sturdy pie crust that holds everything together to the eggs and creams that create the custard’s delicate texture. Sharp cheddar brings depth and tang, bacon adds smoky crunch, and the pimentos lend that unexpected pop of color and mild sweetness that makes this quiche truly sing.
- Pie crust (1 9-inch deep dish, unbaked): Provides the perfect flaky base that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, thick shredded): Adds a bold, tangy richness that melts into creamy heaven.
- Bacon (3/4 to 1 cup crumbled cooked or 2.8-ounce precooked bag): Offers savory, smoky bites that contrast with the creamy cheese.
- Diced pimentos (1 4-ounce jar, well drained): Bring a subtle, sweet pepper flavor and a bright splash of color.
- Eggs (4 large): The heart of the custard, providing structure and richness.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Helps create a smooth and tender quiche texture.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Adds an extra layer of creaminess and luxurious mouthfeel.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper (1/8 teaspoon): Just enough to add a gentle warmth and depth.
How to Make Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, and here’s a pro tip: place a large rimmed baking sheet right on the center rack so it heats up too. This helps the quiche bake evenly and develop a nicely crisp bottom crust, which is key for a perfect quiche experience.
Step 2: Layer the Flavor Base
Sprinkle the sharp cheddar cheese evenly across the bottom of your unbaked deep-dish pie crust, letting that vibrant yellow layer act as a savory cushion. Next, scatter the well-drained diced pimentos over the cheese. These little pops of red spice things up visually and flavor-wise. Finally, distribute the crumbled bacon on top, ensuring every slice will get those smoky nuggets in every bite.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper until everything’s beautifully combined and smooth. This mixture is the silky, rich custard that binds all the ingredients, delivering that signature quiche creaminess.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the crust. Take care not to overfill to avoid spills. Place your pie dish on the preheated baking sheet and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The quiche is done when the custard is set and the top is just starting to turn a soft golden color. Let it cool for about 15 minutes to firm up before slicing—it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or green onions right before serving brings a gentle oniony brightness that cuts through the richness. A dollop of sour cream or a light drizzle of hot sauce can also add an exciting contrast that wakes up the palate.
Side Dishes
This quiche is a star on its own but pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides like a crisp arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple tomato and cucumber salad. Roasted potatoes or a crusty baguette can add a comforting, starchy element to round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch gathering, cut the quiche into bite-sized squares and serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking. You can also garnish each slice with a small slice of crispy bacon or a few extra pimentos to emphasize the key flavors and make it look absolutely irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil to maintain its moisture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze this quiche for up to 2 months. Wrap the whole quiche tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices of the quiche in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This method preserves the flaky crust and creamy filling far better than the microwave, which can sometimes make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use bacon bits instead of cooking bacon?
Yes! Pre-cooked real bacon pieces or bacon bits work wonderfully in this recipe and save you some prep time. Just make sure they’re high quality for the best smoky flavor.
What can I substitute for the heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use all whole milk, but the quiche will be a bit less rich and creamy. For a lighter option, half-and-half can also work well.
Is it necessary to preheat the baking sheet?
Preheating the baking sheet helps the crust cook evenly from the bottom, preventing it from becoming soggy. While not mandatory, it definitely improves the texture and crispiness.
Can this quiche be made ahead for a brunch party?
Absolutely! You can prepare the quiche a day in advance, refrigerate it, and then just reheat it before serving. It’s a stress-free way to impress your guests with minimal effort on the day.
How do I know when the quiche is done baking?
The quiche is ready when the custard is set and no longer jiggles in the center. A gentle nudge should feel firm but slightly springy, with the top turning a light golden color.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe enough for anyone who loves bold, comforting flavors with a Southern twist. Whether you’re hosting brunch or simply treating yourself to something special, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and satisfied appetites. Give it a try, and prepare to have a new favorite quiche in your recipe box!
Print
Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This savory Bacon and Pimento Cheese Quiche features a flaky deep dish pie crust filled with sharp cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, and diced pimentos, all encased in a creamy egg custard. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, this quiche bakes to a golden, set perfection and is best served warm.
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 alongside the oven.
- Prepare crust with fillings: Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly into the bottom of the unbaked pie crust. Distribute the well-drained diced pimentos over the cheese, then sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon on top.
- Mix custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Fill crust: Pour the egg mixture gently into the prepared crust, taking care not to overfill to avoid spilling during baking.
- Bake quiche: Carefully place the quiche on the preheated baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the quiche is fully set in the center and slightly golden on top.
- Cool and serve: Remove the quiche from the oven and allow it to cool for about 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the diced pimentos are well drained to prevent a watery quiche.
- You can use precooked bacon bits for convenience.
- For a crispier crust, you can blind bake the crust for 5-7 minutes before adding the fillings.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.
