Savory Breakfast Quiche

This savory breakfast quiche combines crispy tater tots, smoky bacon, and creamy cheese for the ultimate morning meal. The buttery crust holds a perfectly set egg custard studded with colorful vegetables that will have everyone asking for seconds. I've been making this for Sunday brunch gatherings, and it never fails to impress even my pickiest eaters.

I discovered this recipe during a holiday weekend when I needed to feed a houseful of overnight guests. Now it's become our traditional Christmas morning breakfast that everyone looks forward to all year.

Ingredients

• Frozen deep dish pie crust: Saves valuable prep time while providing a flaky, butter base
• Large eggs: Create the perfect custard texture when combined with cream
• Heavy cream: Adds richness and helps set the filling properly
• Garlic powder: Provides subtle flavor without overpowering the other ingredients
• Crispy bacon: Adds smoky flavor and satisfying texture throughout
• Tater tots: Bring unexpected texture and nostalgic breakfast flavor
• Red bell pepper: Adds color, sweetness and nutritional value
• Farmer cheese or goat cheese: Contributes tangy creaminess that balances the richness
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Creates those irresistible melty cheese pulls
• Fresh chives: Add bright color and mild onion flavor
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without making the dish taste salty
• Fresh cracked pepper: Adds subtle heat and visual appeal

Step-by-Step Instructions

Blind Bake the Crust:

Begin by heating your oven to 375°F. Take your frozen pie crust and line it carefully with parchment paper, then fill with dried beans to weigh it down. Bake for 20 minutes until partially set, then gently remove the parchment and beans. Return to the oven for another 15 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown. This prevents the dreaded soggy bottom that ruins many quiches.

Prepare the Custard:

While the crust bakes, whisk together your eggs, heavy cream, garlic powder, and a generous pinch each of salt and pepper in a large bowl. Whisk vigorously for at least 2 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and completely uniform. This thorough mixing incorporates air for a lighter texture and ensures the seasonings distribute evenly.

Assemble the Filling:

Once your crust has cooled slightly, layer in your prepared ingredients. Start by spreading the crumbled bacon evenly across the bottom, followed by the cooked tater tots broken into chunks, diced red pepper, both cheeses, and finally the chives. This layering method ensures every bite contains all the delicious components.

Add the Egg Mixture:

Carefully pour your egg mixture over the filling ingredients, allowing it to flow between all the components. Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to release any air bubbles that might have formed. The custard should come just below the edge of the crust to prevent overflow during baking.

Bake to Perfection:

Place your assembled quiche in the oven and bake for exactly 30 minutes. Then create a protective ring of foil that covers just the crust edges to prevent burning. Continue baking for another 15 to 25 minutes, checking periodically by inserting a thin knife into the center. The quiche is done when the knife comes out clean and the center is just set but still has a slight wobble.

Rest and Serve:

Allow your finished quiche to rest for a full 10 minutes before slicing. This crucial step lets the custard fully set for clean slices. Garnish with additional fresh chives for color and flavor before serving to eager breakfast guests.

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The farmer cheese is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered it accidentally when I ran out of cream cheese one morning, and now I purposely seek it out for its tangy flavor and how beautifully it melts into the custard without becoming oily like some other cheeses can.

Perfect Crust Every Time

The blind baking method is absolutely essential for quiche success. When I first started making quiches, I would skip this step and end up with soggy, undercooked crusts that ruined the entire dish. The dried beans act as pie weights, keeping the crust from bubbling up during that initial bake. Keep a jar of dedicated baking beans in your pantry that you use only for this purpose. They'll last indefinitely and save you from cutting parchment and measuring beans each time.

Make It Your Own

This quiche formula welcomes endless variations depending on what you have on hand. Swap spinach for bell peppers, ham for bacon, or switch up the cheese blend completely. The critical ratio to maintain is 3 eggs to 1.5 cups of dairy for a standard deep dish crust. More eggs will create a firmer, more custard like texture while more cream produces a silkier result. Just be sure any vegetables you add are properly dried after washing to prevent excess moisture from making your quiche watery.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete brunch spread, serve this quiche alongside a fresh fruit salad dressed with mint and honey. A lightly dressed arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides the perfect peppery contrast to the rich quiche. If serving for dinner, pair with roasted potatoes and asparagus drizzled with balsamic glaze. For entertaining, cut into small squares and serve room temperature as an elegant finger food.

Storage Tips

Leftover quiche will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. For longer storage, freeze individual slices on a baking sheet until solid, then wrap each piece in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 300°F oven until warmed through, about 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving which can make the crust soggy and the eggs rubbery.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this breakfast quiche ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this quiche 1-2 days ahead. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or place the entire quiche in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

→ What can I substitute for the Farmer Cheese?

If you can't find Farmer Cheese, you can substitute with goat cheese as mentioned in the ingredients, or use ricotta, cottage cheese (drained), or cream cheese for different but complementary flavors.

→ Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

Yes, you can substitute the tater tots with about 1 cup of par-boiled, diced potatoes. Season them with salt and pepper and quickly sauté them in a little butter or oil before adding to the quiche for best results.

→ What's the purpose of blind baking the crust?

Blind baking prevents the crust from becoming soggy when filled with the egg mixture. The parchment paper and beans help maintain the crust's shape during initial baking, ensuring a crisp, flaky base for your quiche.

→ Can I make this quiche crustless?

Yes, you can make a crustless version by greasing a pie dish well and pouring the filling directly into it. Reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes, as you won't need to pre-bake a crust, and keep an eye on it for doneness.

→ What can I serve with this breakfast quiche?

This quiche pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, fresh fruit, roasted tomatoes, or breakfast potatoes. For brunch, consider adding mimosas or a Bloody Mary for a complete spread.